You have had a really hard time. It is a very difficult problem. It is understandable you would do anything you could to fix the problem.
Breastfeeding doesn't cause incontinence. Women are designed to breastfeed, but are generally not incontinent. This is a separate problem. I suggest you go back to your medical adviser, and let them know just how difficult this situation in for you, and also that breastfeeding is important to you. Breastfeeding is important, and you should be able to get help with your problem without having to stop breastfeeding. What has your doctor suggested so far? Get a second opinion if needed.
Curly, thank you for sharing your story.
I have had a little bit of stress incontinence. I also had a small prolapse of the vagina after delivery (also forceps). Doc also told me that estrogen is suppressed post birth when breastfeeding, and this weakened the walls of the vagina. I know it's all connected, but I'm not sure estrogen affects the pelvic floor muscles in quite the same way.
In any case, I think you might want to give it a bit more time before deciding, especially if this is your sole reason for giving up breastfeeding - I think it will take a bit of time to right itself even if you stop breastfeeding now.
there are physiotherapists that specialise in pre and post-natal care - perhaps you could find one in your area and get some help. Sometimes it's as simple as not doing the exercises quite right and once you get the right help, things improve out of sight.
Take care of yourself - hope you are getting lots of help around the place
Hi Emma, quick post as no time (I have a 2yo and a 4mo).
Have you seen a specialist physio, or in fact any physio about this? Most people who have pelvic floor problems try hard to do their exercises but their body isn't responding in the right way, and is actually bearing down when they intend to 'draw up and in'. A physio (or even a specialist continence nurse) can assess if you are managing to do them the correct way - that might help you at least know if you are doing some good with the exercises. Many women who have had children have some form of bladder control problem at some point in their life so you are not alone. It is the pregnancy and delivery rather than the bf which are responsible so I would encourage you to keep going at least until you have the 6 week check up and have got some other professional assistance.
Where do you live? I could try to find out about physios/continence services in your area for you if you want.
I had stress incontinence and was prescribed low-dose amitriptyline. This may be worth considering.
In high doses amitriptyline is an anti depressant (!!) this is at doses of 100 to 200 mg. When I was prescribed it for incontinence I was having 10 mg, so significantly less.
Checking on the internet the jury is out on it's effects on breastfeeding - so this is one where you will definitely need to be led by your OB or GP.
I mention it as another option to consider, particularly once you have stopped breastfeeding. I used it in conjunction with physio and it really helped, particularly with sleeping through the night (it is also given to children with chronic bedwetting problems).
Reply With Quote
Bookmarks