Pregnancy & Birth
Breaking the Taboo of Incontinence after Childbirth
Why do you think incontinence still seems to be a taboo subject today?
There is a perception that continence issues affect the very old, the very young or the infirm. The fear of becoming a smelly old lady is real!
Loss of control of your bodily functions can affect someone deeply.
A recent study found that becoming incontinent was the second thing most feared by people who were terminally ill, second only to pain.
So, bladder and bowel control seems to be in some way fundamental to our sense of wellbeing.
Where did the idea for Gusset Grippers come from?
Comedy can successfully broach tricky subjects; politics, social inequalities, disability, injustice — no topic is beyond satire or ridicule on stage.
And there’s good evidence that humour can be used to change behaviour, so it seemed obvious to try combining work with my hobby of stand up.
Incontinence after childbirth is more common than you think but many new mums are suffering in silence. NCT Matters talks to Elaine Miller, comedian and physiotherapist, about getting more women to talk about their wee…
What advice would you give to a woman who was embarrassed about talking to someone?
It shouldn’t be embarrassing for people to talk about incontinence with a healthcare professional. I understand that it IS, but, I suspect that can be changed.
Periods were embarrassing 30 years ago, and we’re now almost at the stage where purveyors of sanitary products are moving away from the blue liquid.
My advice would be to write down your symptoms and be assured that you are not the first person to be have these problems, not even the first that day.
I am almost impossible to embarrass, most healthcare professionals are. I’d expect that you’d be treated professionally and respectfully.
Are some women more likely to experience stress incontinence after birth?
Yes, a woman who has a vaginal birth with a long second (pushing) stage, a big baby, a significant tear or who needed forceps or suction to deliver the baby will be at more risk.
Women who are hypermobile (particularly supple), overweight or have an uncontrolled cough will also have a higher incidence of incontinence.