Jana Pittman’s honest talk about bladder leakage sets brave, new narrative
“It is hard to admit you are wetting yourself.”
While Olympic champion, doctor and author, Jana Pittman speaks openly and candidly about her experience with incontinence after six children, many still shy away from the subject and from asking for help.
Bladder leakage, also known as incontinence, is common among mothers, particularly in the early months after giving birth.
Pregnancy and childbirth can put a lot of strain on the pelvic floor muscles, which support the bladder, uterus, and other pelvic organs.
While bladder leakage is common, there are treatments and strategies available to manage and improve bladder control.
These can include pelvic floor exercises, lifestyle changes, bladder training, medication and in some cases, surgical intervention.
Jana and her husband Paul Gatward welcomed twins Quinlan and Willow in 2022 and are also parents to Charlie born 2020), Emily (born 2015), Jemima (born 2016), and Jana’s eldest child, Cornelis (born 2006), from her first marriage.
“My first experience with incontinence was when I was an athlete,” says Jana, 41.
“I was so young at just 22, and had a baby and won the world championship but I couldn’t talk to anyone about it, and no one had any information to help. It was a very lonely and alienating experience.”
In fact, 70% of people with incontinence do not seek advice and treatment, so now is the time to speak openly about bodily leaks, break taboos and encourage other to seek the support and treatment they need.
Jana says “embarrassment” is the biggest roadblock for women avoiding treatment for incontinence.
“Embarrassment, especially younger women who don’t realise they aren’t alone and that it is quite common. It is hard to admit you are wetting yourself, which is one of the reasons I decided to admit it on national TV during my SAS Australia show, as we need to be brave and seek help,” she says.
After welcoming twins, Quinlan and Willow in March, 2022, Jana says it took some time for her pelvic floor to recover.
“The recovery was definitely a little longer but I think this was also because I have had six kids and the last three within two years so my pelvic floor took some time to recover. After the birth of the twins, I was totally incontinent for two weeks, literally couldn’t hold my urine, this had not happened before,” she says.
“I also had a lot more residual tummy this time too as I had stretched a lot to accommodate two babies. Modibodi undies were an absolute must. Initially the first few days after birth with a pad due to the very heavy bleeding so I didn’t have to worry about overflow, but soon just the high waisted Modibodi pants were perfect for both urine and the blood.”
World Continence Week (19-25 June) is time to open the floor and hear stories of those who have lived with the experience of incontinence and empower them to live confidently, seeking the help they need.
