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FAQ: Everything You Need to Know About Renting an Elle TENS Machine for Labour
We’re here to help make your decision easy! Explore our comprehensive FAQ covering everything about the rental process, device usage, and more. How Does the Rental Process Work? Renting an Elle TENS machine is simple: Book Online: Visit our website to reserve your device. Receive Your Machine: It will arrive on or close to the first day of your hire period. (** Subject to Australia post and your postcode, to check shipping, we post from ACT 2611) Use During Labour: Take it with you and experience the benefits during labour. Return It with Ease: We’ll send you a reminder and include prepaid postage for easy returns. Don’t forget to bookmark our site for next time and share your experience with friends! When Should I Book My TENS Machine? We recommend booking delivery for around 37 weeks of pregnancy. Booking early helps you avoid rush fees and ensures availability. Rental Period We offer 6 and 8-week rental periods. Need more time? Extend every week for an additional $10 extra. What’s Included in the Rental Package? Your rental includes: Elle TENS 2 machine Lead wires Electrode pads (BabyCare TENS Maternity Electrodes) 2 AA batteries Instruction manual Carry pouch (yours to keep) Prepaid return postage label Note: Additional electrodes can be purchased if you’d like to practice using the machine before labour. Using the TENS Machine During Labour When should I start?Start as soon as regular contractions begin. Use a low setting initially to allow your body to adjust. It takes about 30–60 minutes to feel the full effects, so starting early helps build up endorphins for pain relief. Gradually increase intensity as labour progresses. The UK’s Royal College of Midwives recommends starting in early labour for maximum benefit. TENS and Other Pain Relief OptionsTENS pairs well with: Hypnobirthing techniques for relaxation and breathing Gas (Nitrous Oxide) during contractions Massage, movement, and positioning (not water immersion) Birthing combs for added acupressure (Come check out our awesome Birth Comb- The AcuiCOMB) Why Choose a TENS Machine for Labour Pain Relief? Drug-free pain relief with no side effects for you or your baby Let your birth partner actively support you Provides control over your pain management Helps manage back pain, especially for posterior presentations Did You Know? 1 in 5 women in the UK use TENS as their sole pain relief during labour. Here in Australia, usage is growing, with more women opting for drug-free options. Pricing and Availability 6-week rental: $69 8-week rental: $79 Both options include shipping and return postage. Check our website for the latest pricing. Need more time? Email us, and we’ll happily arrange an extension. Why Rent the Elle TENS 2? The Elle TENS 2 is the global leader in labour TENS devices. Designed specifically for pain relief during childbirth, it includes all the key features without unnecessary extras. While the Elle TENS Plus is our best-selling 3-in-1 device, it’s more suited for postpartum recovery, as pelvic floor stimulation isn’t recommended until 10–12 weeks after birth. Shipping and Returns Delivery: Shipped via standard or express post. Express is an additional cost. Returns: A pre-paid return label is included for hassle-free shipping. Please reuse the original postage box. Safety First At Elle TENS Australia, we prioritize your safety. Our devices use Genuine BabyCare TENS Electrodes, tested in the UK and approved in Australia. Pro Tip: Always check for TGA-approved devices and electrodes when renting or purchasing a TENS machine. Ready to experience drug-free labour pain relief? Visit www.elletens.com.au to book now or contact us with any questions. We’re here to support you every step of the way!
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Exploring Natural Pain Relief in Australian Births: TENS Journey
As more Australian mothers seek drug-free options for managing labour pain, it’s important to explore all available methods. With Labour TENS gaining broader attention, let’s delve into recent insights and trends in Australian birthing practices, with a special focus on the versatility of TENS. At Elle TENS, our aim is not only to provide mums-to-be with the leading TENS machine for their labour but also to empower you with the knowledge to make the most informed decisions on your journey. TENS: A Flexible, Drug-Free Pain Management Option A recent article from Fiona Stanley Fremantle Hospital, one of Perth’s major hospitals under the Southern Metropolitan Health Service Area, highlights TENS as a safe pain control option during labour. They highlight that: TENS is safe for both mother and baby when used correctly. It can reduce the likelihood of reporting severe pain during labour. TENS works by partially blocking pain messages to the brain and releasing natural painkillers. The benefits of using TENS during labour are: Easy to use at home and in the hospital Controlled by the mother No side effects or drowsiness Non-invasive and allows freedom of movement Can be used alongside other pain relief methods The Versatility of TENS One of the standout advantages of TENS is its flexibility throughout the labour process: Start at home: You can begin using TENS as soon as contractions start, providing relief from the earliest stages of labour. Hospital-friendly: Continue using TENS during your journey to and at the hospital. Compatible with other methods: TENS can be used in conjunction with gas for additional pain management. Limitations: While versatile, TENS and water don’t mix – so no TENS in the birthing pool! (Unless you’re aiming for a shocking experience, and we don’t mean the kind that comes with meeting your baby for the first time ) This versatility allows for a seamless transition from home to hospital, providing consistent pain relief throughout your labour journey. Australian Birth Statistics: A Trend Towards Natural Approaches Recent data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (2022) shows: 61% of women in Australia had a vaginal birth (49% had a non-instrumental vaginal birth, 6.9% had a vacuum-assisted vaginal birth, 4.7% had a forceps-assisted vaginal birth) While 39% of births were caesarean sections, there’s a growing interest in natural birthing options. Pain Relief Choices in Australian Births Interestingly, about 80% of women who give birth in Australia receive some form of pain relief. The breakdown is as follows: Gas: Used by 101,642 women Epidural/spinal blocks: Received by 90,384 women (46% of births) Opioids: Used by 20,314 women These statistics show that while many women still opt for medical pain relief, there’s a significant portion exploring alternative methods. The Growing Interest in Drug-Free Options The fact that 54% of women don’t use epidurals suggests a substantial interest in drug-free or alternative pain management techniques. TENS machines, being non-invasive and drug-free, align well with this trend. Conclusion As Australian birthing practices evolve, TENS offers a versatile option for labour pain management, aligning with the growing preference for natural birthing experiences. If you’re considering TENS for your labour: Discuss its suitability with your healthcare provider Remember it can be used from home to the hospital, but not in water Aim for a safe and comfortable birthing experience for both mother and baby For more information on pregnancy pain management, consult these reputable Australian resources: Pregnancy, Birth and Baby (www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au) The Royal Women’s Hospital (www.thewomens.org.au) healthdirect (www.healthdirect.gov.au) Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (www.aihw.gov.au) Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG) These sites offer evidence-based information from trusted health organisations. Always seek personalised advice from your healthcare provider for your specific needs to see if TENS is a suitable natural pain relief for you and your birthing jouney. Final note We invite you to explore our range of Labour TENS machines, designed to support you through your birthing journey. For the latest updates, tips, and information on pain management during labour, follow us on our social media channels and stay informed throughout your pregnancy.
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FAQ on Labour Pain
Let’s have a chat about labour pain, shall we? It’s a bit of a complex beast, but we’ll break it down for you in a friendly way. Here’s what’s really going on when you’re bringing your little one into the world. What Causes Labour Pain? The Uterus Doing Its Thing Your uterus is working overtime, contracting to help your bub make its grand entrance. These contractions can be pretty intense, like a really strong bear hug you can’t escape! Cervix Changes Your cervix is getting ready for the big show, stretching and opening up. This can feel a bit uncomfortable, to say the least. Pressure Down Under As bub moves down, they’re putting pressure on your pelvic floor. It’s like they’re knocking on the door, saying “I’m ready to come out now!” Stretching Sensations Your body is making room for bub to pass through. This stretching can feel pretty full-on, especially towards the end. Bub’s Journey As your little one moves into position and starts their journey out, you’ll feel increased pressure. It’s like they’re packing their bags and heading for the exit! Waters Breaking When your waters break, it can increase the pressure and discomfort. It’s nature’s way of saying “Show time!” Perineum Prep The area between your vagina and bum (perineum) is getting ready for bub’s arrival. This can add to the overall sensation. Mind Matters Your emotions and thoughts play a big role too. Feeling anxious or scared can amp up the pain, while feeling calm and prepared can help manage it. Back Labour Some mums experience back labour, where bub’s position causes extra pressure on the lower back. It’s like having a backache on steroids! Remember, every mum’s experience is unique. Some describe it as intense pressure, others as strong period pain. The good news is there are heaps of ways to manage labour pain, from natural techniques to medical options. In our opinion, our Elle TENS devices are a top-notch choice for pain management during labour. It’s a world-class device trusted by midwives and mums that gives you control and comfort without the need for drugs. Of course, your midwife or doctor will work with you to find what suits you best, but we reckon the Elle TENS is worth a go! Labour might be tough, but you’re tougher! And at the end of it all, you’ll have your beautiful bub in your arms. How good is that?
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Labour Tens
Many Mums-To-Be plan for a natural birth and discuss their pain relief options with their midwife, doula or obstetrician well ahead of the big day. Labour TENS or Obstetric TENS is a safe method of pain relief that is recommended by medical professionals as it provides Mums with a wonderful source of pain relief during their labour. We all know that birthing your baby is not easy but it is certainly possible to do it without drugs or medical intervention with the help of a TENS machine – check out our reviews where you will hear from women who have used our labour TENS to achieve just that. Not only will a labour TENS provide you with a drug free option for pain relief, it also allows you to stay in the comfort of your own home for longer during your initial stages of labour. Lots of women also say that it is a great distraction and using the Boost button during contractions gives them an element of control – which has to be a good thing! Labour TENS is not a new concept, it has been used all over the world in maternity wards and home births with the full support of midwives, doulas and obstetricians for many years. It is really popular in the UK where 1in 5 women use it as their only source of pain relief during labour. Our TENS devices are Babycare TENS from the United Kingdom, which are the leading maternity TENS supplier in the world and the most popular choice for mums-to-be. Babycare TENS machines are specifically designed to combat pain during childbirth. All Babycare TENS machines include an integrated ‘boost button’, vital for relieving pain during contractions.
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What is TENS?
How does a TENS machine work? TENS is Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve stimulation or TENS for short. It is an effective method of pain relief involving the use of a mild electrical current. Users attach Electrode pads to the affected part of the body and then switch on the TENS Machine. The TENS Machine passes small electrical impulses to the affected area of your body, this is where the user feels a tingling sensation similar to pins and needles. These tingling sensations which are the electrical impulses reduce the pain signals going to the bodies spinal cord and brain, which help to relieve pain and relax muscles. They also stimulate the production of endorphins, which are the body’s natural painkillers. What is TENS? Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation or TENS for short is an effective method of pain relief involving the use of a mild electrical current. Users attach Electrode pads to the affected part of the body and then switch on the TENS Machine. The TENS Machine passes small electrical impulses to the affected area of your body, this is where the user feels a tingling sensation similar to pins and needles. These tingling sensations which are the electrical impulses reduce the pain signals going to the bodies spinal cord and brain, which help to relieve pain and relax muscles. They also stimulate the production of endorphins, which are the body’s natural painkillers. What TENS is used for? TENS can be used to help reduce pain and muscle spasms caused by a wide range of conditions including: arthritis period pain knee pain neck pain back pain sports injuries It is also used as a method of pain relief during labour. “One in 5 Australians aged 45 and over are living with persistent, ongoing pain.” Trying TENS If you’re thinking about trying TENS, it’s a good idea to speak to your GP about a referral to a physiotherapist. TENS machines are available for purchase or hire. If you have Private Health Insurance you may be eligible for a rebate on your purchase – just check with your provider. How to use TENS The information below is a general guide on how to use a TENS machine. You should always follow the manufacturer’s specific instructions. TENS machines are small and lightweight, so you can use them while you’re working or on the move. You can put it in your pocket, clip it to your belt, attach it to a lanyard or hold it in your hand. You can use TENS throughout the day for as long as you like, although it shouldn’t be used while you’re driving, operating machinery, or in the bath or shower. Positioning the pads Make sure the machine is switched off before you attach the pads to your skin. Position the pads either side of the painful area, at least 2.5cm (1 inch) apart. Never place the pads over: the front or sides of your neck your temples your mouth or eyes your chest and upper back at the same time irritated, infected or broken skin varicose veins numb areas Turning it on and adjusting the strength Turn on the TENS machine when the pads are attached in the correct places. You’ll feel a slight tingling sensation pass through your skin.The machine allows you to control the strength of the electrical impulses by simply using the arrow buttons. Start on a low setting and gradually increase it until the sensation feels strong but comfortable. If the tingling sensation starts to feel painful or uncomfortable, reduce it slightly. Switch the TENS machine off after you’ve finished using it and remove the electrodes from your skin. With reusable electrodes, place them back on the paper backing they came on to preserve the stickiness! Are there any risks of side effects? For most people, TENS is a safe treatment with no side effects. Some people may be allergic to the pads and their skin may become red and irritated, but special pads for people with allergies are available. TENS isn’t safe for everyone to use. Don’t use it without first seeking medical advice if: you have a pacemaker or another type of electrical or metal implant in your body you’re pregnant, or there’s a chance you might be pregnant – TENS may not be recommended early in pregnancy. (TENS machines are suitable during labour) you have epilepsy or a heart problem
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Pelvic Floor – What Mums Need to Know
Great interview with a Womens Health Physiotherapist with Newbornbaby.com.au regarding Pelvic Floor. No woman will get through her pregnancy without hearing these two little words, and the confusion which often surrounds them can be enough to trigger a minor panic attack. Most of us know it has something to do with bladder control but beyond that, its significance to our bodies and our lives can be vague. Yet it’s extremely important. And the impact on our pelvic floor by pregnancy and birth is something we can work to minimise from conception. To make things a little clearer, we spoke with Women’s Health Physiotherapist and Director of BeActive Physiotherapy, Shira Kramer. What is the Pelvic Floor? The pelvic floor is the base of a group of muscles referred to as the ‘core’. These muscles are located in the pelvis and attach to the pubic bone and the front and tail-bone (coccyx) and the back. “The pelvic floor muscles work together with the deep abdominal muscles and deep back muscles to support the spine,” says Dr Kramer. “They also help to control the pressure inside the abdominal cavity and assist in supporting the bladder, bowel and uterus in women. “In addition they help maintain bladder and bowel control and play an important role in sexual sensation and function.” How does pregnancy and birth effect the Pelvic Floor? In pregnancy the hormone ‘relaxin’ is released throughout the body and softens the tissues to accommodate for the growing baby. “This softening effect of relaxing along the increased weight of the baby (and body weight) places pressure on the pelvic floor muscles,” says Dr Kramer. The pelvic floor muscles and ligaments are stretched during childbirth to allow delivery of the baby from the pelvic outlet. Will the outcome be the same for everyone? According to Dr Kramer, there are a number of risk factors that contribute to pelvic floor dysfunction. These include: multiple births instrumental births (using forceps or ventouse) long second stage of labour severe perineal tearing, or large babies Can we help to prevent or minimise Pelvic Floor issues? “Absolutely!” says Dr Kramer. Pelvic floor muscle exercises are an effective way to maintain pelvic floor strength during and after pregnancy. “Good pelvic floor muscle tone enables women to maintain bladder and bowel control through pregnancy and into motherhood”. “They also help reduce the risk of developing prolapse during and after pregnancy and assist with recovery after birth.” What can we expect following birth? Childbirth is essentially a trauma to the pelvic floor muscle. Like any soft tissue injury there may be pain, swelling and inflammation. The pelvic floor muscles take time to get back to their usual state after birth. The effects of the hormone relaxin can last up to 6 months after birth and pelvic floor care post delivery is crucial in the recovery process. Dr Kramer recommends a regime of rest, ice, compression and elevation in the first few days following a vaginal delivery. Is it important to have your pelvic floor professionally assessed following birth? “Yes,” says Dr Kramer. Most hospitals have a physiotherapist come and do a postnatal check and give advice on how to care for pelvic floor muscles post delivery. If appropriate they will also teach you how to activate these muscles and give you advice to optimise recovery. Those not assessed in hospital or those requiring follow up should check in to see a local women’s health physiotherapist for assessment and management. How can we determine the level of impact to our pelvic floor? Being aware of what signs and symptoms to look out for is crucial. If in doubt seek a professional opinion. It is recommended to seek professional assessment by a women’s health physiotherapist if any of the symptoms below are experienced: accidentally leaking urine when you exercise, laugh, cough or sneeze frequently needing to go to the toilet finding it difficult to empty your bladder or bowel accidentally losing control of your bladder or bowel accidentally passing wind, or sensation of bulging, dragging or heaviness in pelvic area (prolapse) pain in the pelvic area What exercises/steps should we take to get our pelvic floor back on track? Pelvic floor muscle care should be prioritised in pregnancy and in the postnatal period. “For the first few days following delivery rest, ice and compression are recommended,” says Dr Kramer. “Integrating pelvic floor exercises as guided by health care professional is integral to recovery and optimising function. To perform a basic pelvic floor exercise tighten and lift around your front and back passage as if you are holding on to go to the toilet, and releasing. These can be performed during pregnancy as well. “Make pelvic floor exercise a part of your daily life,” says Dr Kramer. “Tightening your pelvic floor muscles every time you cough, sneeze or lift. “Doing some regular exercise such as walking. “Progressing your exercises by doing them during the day in different positions such as standing, sitting or leaning on your hands and knees.” How do we know if we’re performing the exercises properly? Ideally an assessment by a women’s health physiotherapist is recommended, as they have a variety of assessment tools which may include a gentle digital examination or an assessment with real-time ultrasound. “At home as a one off test to see if you are on the right track try to stop the flow of urine whilst you are on the toilet. If you can stop the flow you are likely on the right track. If there is no change to the flow you are unlikely activating the muscle correctly.” Are there any activities to avoid following birth? “Ease back into exercise and make sure your program is safe for your pelvic floor,” says Dr Kramer. “Avoid high impact exercise such as running and jumping, no lifting unless absolutely necessary and set your pelvic floor muscles before you lift, sneeze or cough. “Also try to avoid constipation, putting on too much weight and repetitive coughing and straining.” How do we know if things are improving? A professional can assess for progress by testing the strength (how hard you can squeeze) of the contraction as well as the endurance of the contraction (how long you can hold it for). For many women, it is important to follow a specific exercise program tailored to their individual needs. If you are unsure of whether you are exercising your pelvic floor muscles correctly or you have urinary problems, you should make an appointment with a women’s health physiotherapist. For those of you who are planning a natural birth and still deciding on a labour TENS for pain relief, consider the Elle TENS+ which is an all in one labour TENS, general/sports TENS and a Pelvic Floor Stimulator – which does the Pelvic Floor exercises for you! Alternatively if you don’t need a labour TENS consider the SensaTONE Pelvic Floor Stimulator. Relevant posts: https://elletens.com.au/incontinence-bladder-control-problems-in-women/ http://newbornbaby.com.au/pelvic-floor/
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Smart TENS Ambassador Trent Merrin loves his Smart TENS!
We are really proud to have one of Australia’s greatest professional rugby league footballer Trent Merrin supporting our TENS products. Trent’s experience is a great example of the benefit of TENS to support his recovery from injuries. We are super excited to announce Panthers own Trent Merrin as an ambassador for our Smart TENS machine. Trent loves the Smart TENS and has been using the it for a while now as he mentioned on his post. It is a great form of natural pain relief. TENS can be used for rehabilitation and provides pain relief for sprains and injuries all over the body. TENS is recognised as a safe and highly effective method of pain relief and is regularly recommended by medical professionals. Being a drug free alternative it is great for people concerned or restricted with use of medications. What conditions can be treated with TENS? Many painful conditions (and some non-painful conditions) can be treated with TENS. As with all other forms of therapy, it is essential to have the cause of your pain diagnosed by your medical adviser beforehand. Pain can be a warning sign, to alert us that something may be wrong. Some types of chronic pain may result in continuous discomfort, depression, restriction in our movements and general functioning. Acute pain is usually more severe and of shorter duration, e.g childbirth, trauma or surgery. Acute and chronic pain can be treated with TENS and some of the more common below: Acute sprains/strains e.g sports and occupational injuries Rheumatoid arthritis Osteoarthritis of one or several joints Ankylosing spondylosis Neck pain, cervical spondylosis, whiplash injuries Low back pain resulting from strains, prolapsed disc, spondylitis, Osteoporosis Referred pains such as sciatica Fibrositis/myofascial pain syndromes Tendonitis/bursitis Carpal tunnel syndrome Peripheral nerve injuries and neuropathy of various causes Phantom limb pain Post herpetic (shingles) neuralgia Post operative neuralgia and scar tissue pain Pain in cancer and the terminally ill Labour pain Nausea and vomiting Migraine How do I use the Smart TENS? It’s very simple, connect the electrodes to the leads (included in the box) which you insert into the top of the Smart TENS, peel off the backing from electrodes and apply them to the area where you are feeling pain, turn it on and select your preferred mode. With its 4 pre-set modes for ease of use: constant, burst, massage and mixed, you are in control, and can increase or decrease the intensity of the pulses as you wish. Information about best positions for electrode placement is included in the pack as well as a free digital download of Dr Gordon Gadsby’s book titled ‘An easy guide to TENS pain relief’. In this illustrated and easy to understand guide to TENS therapy, Dr Gadsby provides clear guidance on what painful conditions can be effectively treated with TENS machines. Tip: Remember if you have private health insurance you may be eligible for a rebate on all TENS devices, check with your provider today.
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Peer and Professional Support For New Mums
Peer and Professional Support For New Mums – Liz Wilkes, My Midwives The millennium mum is facing a stream of very modern challenges in her quest to make informed choices for baby, herself whilst staying afloat in our increasingly busy world. Having answers at our fingertips with various internet and social media connections is a double edged sword. It provides the ability to get the answer to your problem quickly but without any ability to put that answer into the context. As women connect more with each other over the internet, it appears that anxiety may be increasing. Are women are losing their connections with each other? Perhaps we should take some steps to move back to basics. The support required during pregnancy and after a baby is born is unique to each mum – anxiety needs to be reduced with hands on help which is individualised to each mum and bub. My Midwives provides women one on one midwifery care from the moment they are pregnant, until their baby is six weeks old. Here are some tips to help reduce stress and anxiety for New Mums: During pregnancy: Tell those who provide horror stories or negative accounts to go elsewhere. Make sure you spend time in each pregnancy visit talking to your care provider about any worries or fears. It is very important to make sure that the person providing your care has time to spend with you– at least 30 minutes each visit should be spent just talking – so that you feel comfortable and confident at the end of your visit. If you are not getting what you need in pregnancy, find another source of information. Independent antenatal classes, birth preparation groups and private midwives can give another perspective if you are having difficulty finding out what you need to know. Post Birth: In the first weeks after birth it is important to have hands that help. Have a note on the door and when you are asleep, stay asleep. When you are awake and accepting visitors make sure that every visitor knows they will have a job to do. It is not the time now to run around and do housework whilst your visitors nurse the baby. Make sure everyone starts a load of washing – or hangs it out – or sweeps the floor, goes and does a quick grocery shop. Your care provider after birth should be able to visit you in your own home for at least the first week to two weeks. Medicare rebates midwifery care during the postnatal period for up to six weeks, so make sure you are getting regular professional advice regarding feeding, baby care and maternal wellbeing. Again, if you are not getting this from your current care provider seek another alternative. Ongoing support: Mentally acknowledge that you will need more support than you are used to in the pregnancy and post birth period. Most millennium mums are used to being independent and having many busy aspects to their lives. Recognise that for a period life will be less fast. There needs to be time to slow down and enjoy these ‘once in a lifetime’ experiences. Having an excellent peer support group can start with an antenatal group or “Birth Prep” group which will turn into a “Mothers Group” with a group of mums with similar age babies. This can be an excellent way of providing each other with company and support. Making sure that this is a positive space is something that every woman can do. Look after yourself and your partner – you need 20 minutes for each of you and 20 minutes together every day…..that could be a walk together….or just a 20 minute cuppa or meal. Set up with your group that one mum can mind two babies to give each other a break now and again to have a date night or even a sleep. Pregnancy, birth and the post birth period is amazing. We live in a world where we see every single thing that happens in an instant. Remembering the importance of the human connection and the ability to give each other human support is never more important that in the time where we bring a new life into the world. Trying the old fashioned strategies of connection may be the thing that makes a difference. Liz Wilkes is the acting Managing Director of My Midwives, a midwife of 22 years and a mother of three. My Midwives provides Birth Preparation and Mothers Groups and antenatal classes and postnatal care for their clients and other visitors. See www.mymidwives.com.au
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Constance Hall thanks Childbirth for her ‘Wee’ Problem.
Australian Blogger, Freedom Fighter and Queen lover, Constance Hall certainly knows how to grab our attention with her honest, funny and sincere approach to life, love, children and relationships. This Queen, engages with women on a level that is open, honest and she just says it how it is. Lets be honest we love that! Last week, I read her FB post about her ‘wee’ problem. It starts out pretty romantic with Con and her beau Denim tiptoeing through a forest with her knight in shining armour giving her a piggy back. In a very brief post, Con explains that she wee’d on Denim when she jumped on his back! “Thanks Childbirth” Con says! Embarrasing… yes, does it just happen to Con….No! Of course I had a giggle, but it got me thinking about my pelvic floor and my near misses just like the 26 thousand women who responded to that FB post. Con’s honest post just made me feel even more passionate about how incontinence really affects women especially after childbirth and also how much I admired Con for posting her experience. All too often we brush the issue of incontinence under the carpet because we are too busy and we make the usual excuses that we have all heard before. It’s pretty sad that we are okay with the fact that we wee, when we sneeze, laugh, jump on the trampoline with our kids and even if we go to the gym or for a run. These are all the things we enjoy doing and yet most of us do nothing about our problem, sometimes we would rather avoid these activities than deal with the real issue. More than 4.8 million Australian’s experience bladder or bowel control problems – that figure is not just women its men also and it’s a huge number of people! You can of course use pads for the rest of your life, but why not see a doctor, a physio or use a pelvic floor stimulator…..do something to improve your quality of life, so each time flu season arrives you are not crossing your legs every time you have to sneeze. Imagine the freedom of not having to think about it or worry about it everyday, not having to plan where is the nearest toilet? It’s time for action and its time to get that pelvic floor in order! There are heaps of resources available online – Continence Foundation of Australia being one. Start those conversations with your doctor or physio, they can help you to find your pelvic floor, show you how to do pelvic floor exercises properly or suggest a pelvic floor stimulator like the SensaTONE which will exercise the pelvic floor muscles for you. There are lots of aids on the market like the SensaTONE or it may be that you just need to do your exercises like you brush your teeth – part of your daily routine. Not only do pelvic floor muscle exercises help with bladder and bowel function, they reduce the risk of prolapse which often involves surgery to remediate. Women recover quickly from natural childbirth and C-sections and even better it will increase sexual sensation and orgasmic potential and who doesn’t want that 😉 What are you waiting for? Take control of your Pelvic Floor today.
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