Q: I’ve heard that it is common to develop bladder incontinence after childbirth. How can I prevent this from happening?
A: Tricia Stephenson from the Natural Food Store says,
You’re absolutely right; childbirth can weaken pelvic muscles causing involuntary leakage when you cough, sneeze or strain.
However, there’s plenty you can do to help prevent or correct the problem.
Pelvic floor exercises, such as the Kegel exercises, can be particularly helpful, as they strengthen the muscles that contract and relax to control the opening and closing of your bladder.
To identify the muscles you need to exercise, imagine you are trying to hold back a bowel movement by tightening the muscles around your bottom. This is the back part of the pelvic floor.
To find the front part, try to stop your urinary flow and restart. Once you’ve identified both sets of muscles, squeeze for a count of four and relax for up to five minutes twice daily.
These exercises can be done sitting or lying down and if done correctly, can lead to an improvement within six weeks.
Diet is also important. Constipation can aggravate bladder problems so make sure you are eating enough fibre and drinking at least two litres of water each day.
Peas, beans, brown rice, wholemeal bread, jacket potatoes, raw vegetables and fresh or dried fruits are great fibre providers, but they do need to be washed down with plenty of fluids.
Avoid drinks containing caffeine such as coffee, tea and cola as these will stimulate the kidney and bladder and make things even more unreliable.
Acidic food such as citrus fruits or juices, tomatoes and red meat will prove unhelpful too.
As far as herbal remedies are concerned, pumpkin seeds have long been used in connection with the prevention and treatment of bladder and prostate problems, as has White Poplar extract.
Combined with saw palmetto this is most helpful for our gentleman readers, while Berberis Tincture will act as a kidney and bladder tonic for ladies too!
For a homeopathic solution try Equisetum if there is pressure and a full sensation even with only a few drops in the bladder.
Try Sepia if there is a frequent and sudden urge for urination, you are irritable and incontinence is worse while walking and Pulsatilla if there is changeable pain and you have a tendency to be tearful. Ask for help from your Homeopath who can tailor a remedy to suit your exact symptoms.
For further advice ask at your local health food shop.
