Do We Need French-Style Pelvic Floor Postpartum Care in UK?
Should the UK introduce this?
It’s high time we talk about an issue that's costing the NHS dearly—urinary incontinence.
Currently, the UK is spending about £80 million annually on incontinence products, with projections suggesting that healthcare costs could soar to £5.2 billion by 2035. But what if there was a proven strategy to drastically reduce these expenses and improve quality of life for millions? France’s postpartum pelvic floor program offers a compelling model.
The French Model: A Proactive Approach to Pelvic Health
'French mothers don't suffer from bladder incontinence.' This article is a few years old now, however it still holds true.
In France, new mothers receive up to 10 sessions with a pelvic floor physical therapist after childbirth. These postpartum pelvic floor exercises are fully covered by their healthcare system.
This isn’t just about recovery. Prevention is always better than the cure! This preventative care helps strengthen pelvic muscles which significantly reduces the likelihood of incontinence later on.
I remember myself, my postpartum care consisted of my health visitor asking me if I had started my kegel exercises. I did try and remember, leaving post it notes for myself around the house, but it wasn't enough. For years after having my children, there's just no way I would have gone on a trampoline with them for fear of leaks. It felt like my insides were hanging out!
Why the UK Should Take Note
The benefits of implementing a similar system in the UK could be life changing for many people. But it would also have further benefits:
1. Cost Savings
According to Statista, the average UK person spends around 10% more on buying incontinence products per capita than France. This market in the UK in 2024 was estimated to be around £236 million annually. This is PURELY consumer buying, the NHS in many cases provides incontinence products free of charge, and it is estimated that they spend half a BILLION pounds annually on incontinence care.
Even with the cost of introducing this scheme, reducing the reliance on incontinence products could save the NHS a substantial amount each year, freeing up resources for other critical healthcare services.
2. Enhanced Quality of Life
So many women have postpartum incontinence and fail the 'trampoline test' which can reduce their levels of activity on an ongoing basis. It's tricky to run without needing pads or incontinence pants!
Strong pelvic floor muscles can prevent the common yet seldom discussed issue of postpartum incontinence, boosting women’s confidence and overall wellbeing.
3. Long-Term Health Benefits
Effective early intervention can prevent complications related to weakened pelvic muscles, such as pelvic organ prolapse. Again, these issues can have a severe impact on womens health in the long term.
4. Improved Mental Health Outcomes
Worry about where the nearest toilet is, or worry that you you'll soil yourself whilst out can severely impact some Addressing pelvic health proactively can alleviate the psychological burden associated with incontinence.
Adopting France’s model would definitely require investment in training and resources to increase the availability of qualified pelvic health specialists.
However, the potential savings and hugely improved patient outcomes would justify the investment.
With all this being said, it is possible to work on your pelvic floor yourself at home. The key is consistency and incorporating the exercises into your daily routine.
Tips On Postpartum Pelvic Floor Exercise
After a vaginal delivery, it’s essential to begin postpartum pelvic floor exercises to strengthen the muscles weakened during pregnancy and childbirth.
Working with a pelvic floor physical therapist or a women’s health physiotherapist can provide personalized guidance to ensure you're performing the exercises correctly and safely.
Diaphragmatic Breathing
One simple exercise you can start with is diaphragmatic breathing, which helps to engage and relax the pelvic floor muscles effectively.
Begin by lying down flat on the floor, or sitting upright with your feet flat and knees bent. Place one hand on your chest and the other just below your rib cage. This will allow you to feel your diaphragm move as you breathe.
Slowly inhale through your nose, allowing your belly to rise as much as feels comfortable, then exhale slowly through your mouth, gently contracting your belly towards your belly button, enhancing the engagement of your pelvic floor muscles.
Another beneficial position is to lie on your sides with your knees gently bent towards your chest. This position is particularly helpful if you find lying flat on your back uncomfortable.
From this position, you can practice short, quick contractions of the pelvic muscles, similar to the action of stopping the flow of urine. These quick contractions can help improve muscle tone and control. Aim to perform these exercises several times a day—as often as you feed your baby—to integrate them conveniently into your daily routine.
Whether you’re lying down, sitting, or standing, incorporating these exercises into your daily routine can significantly benefit your pelvic health postpartum. Always ensure you feel comfortable during the exercises and stop if you experience any pain.
Introducing the Secret Whispers Kegel Weights Kit
Sometimes, it can be tricky to know that you're doing your kegel exercises correctly. That's where the Secret Whispers kegel weights can help.
This kit provides a practical approach to strengthening pelvic muscles at home, featuring a comprehensive six-step training plan and support materials to help you through pelvic floor exercises postpartum.
Conclusion
As the UK seeks to save the NHS healthcare programme and improve patient care, considering the French proactive postpartum pelvic health program must be worthwhile. Investing in women’s health early on can lead to significant economic and social benefits.
In the meantime, products like the Secret Whispers Kegel Weights Kit provide accessible solutions for women seeking to enhance their pelvic strength and wellbeing.
By prioritising pelvic health, we can help new mothers across the UK ensure that they don't fail the trampoline test going forwards! Let’s make pelvic health a standard part of postpartum care.
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About the Author: Secret Whispers was founded by Julie Colan, a passionate mum and health advocate who saw the need for effective pelvic floor solutions. Now, Helen Rankin, the founder of Cheeky Wipes and Cheeky Pants—known for her award-winning work in sustainable product development—has taken the helm at Secret Whispers. Helen is committed to advancing the company’s mission, believing that women shouldn’t have to accept incontinence as a given. With the innovative Secret Whispers Kegel weights, she aims to offer every woman an effective, reusable solution for pelvic floor health. Try them and take control of your wellness journey today!
