You know how marriage is made out of the tough stuff of life? The middle-of-the-night kids waking up, getting stuck with trash duty, hanging with your spouse through times when they need more support…from their underwear?? I know, I KNOW. My husband is a saint…
It’s safe to say that some parts of me adjusted less well to postpartum life than one might hope. While I managed to reacquaint myself with my beloved Jillian Michaels DVDs in the months after giving birth, my bladder apparently didn’t get the memo that jump squats were now back on the agenda.
Upon mentioning this situation to my OB/GYN, she immediately suggested I begin a course of rigorous physical therapy for my nether regions. While I’m sure this is indeed a smart and lovely solution, the notion made me laugh so hard I nearly fell off the exam table, archaic leg stirrups and all. Pretty sure my doctor was not impressed, but making time for something like this when I still hadn’t figured out a time to replace my toothpaste or shampoo my hair? “Hey babe, I’ll see you in a couple hours. Good luck with our screaming newborn. I’m off for pelvic therapy.”
So we settled into a routine. I exercised; I peed myself. My husband threatened most days to stop on his way home from work for a pack of Depend. It was a high time in our marriage.
Fortunately, things have sorted themselves a bit and the threatening panic of having to clear closet room for both my children’s diapers and my own no longer exists. We have both largely potty-trained.
BUT the thing is, while I certainly don’t hope for a repeat period of leakage in my life, should it happen again, I’m not going to be so loathe to have my husband swing by the store. I’m impressed with Depend’s new campaign. The whole idea is that if you need help, get it. Don’t let what is a common problem stand in the way of carrying on with your life. While I didn’t feel very fortunate while surrounded by fussy kiddos and dirty bottles, I was actually super-fortunate. I was able to be at home and do multiple loads of laundry a day if need be (not that I wanted to!).
But if you can’t be at home to manage the situation (or just don’t feel like running your washing machine all day), don’t let bladder leakage get in your way. Go grab a pack! The new designs? Look, fit and feel like like regular underwear and feature a cloth-like fabric for a sleek, ultra-smooth fit. Seriously, GO CHECK THEM OUT.
Also, for the next three years, Depend is donating $1, up to $3 million, to the Simon Foundation for Continence and United Way for each person who participates in the Underwareness campaign, a social movement and charitable cause. To participate, share a Depend photo or video and tag your tweet or Instagram posts with #underwareness or #dropyourpants.
Over 65 million Americans experience bladder leakage, and nearly half of them are under 50. (Can you hear that rejoicing? That’s the sound of me giddy-dancing that, for once, I’m not totally “the weird one”–other young people have had this problem too!).
I know no one wants to talk about it, but if you should find yourself grabbing that pack of Depend off the shelf, know that you’re not alone. No judgement from this Mom of the Year–just a whole bunch of high fives.
******Thanks to Depend for sponsoring today’s post about the #dropyourpants for #underwareness movement!*******
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Dawn Koller says
It sure beats having to use a ids diaper or pull up in an emergency. Especially if you get stuck on the long PA turnpike and really have to go. Brave Blog post! xo
Meredith says
You kill me. And you need to write my book for me someday. xo
Cynthia Gabriele Sprouts Consignment Boutique says
Great for long road trips too!
Meredith says
;), Cindy!
Angela McKeown Momopolize says
Heading out for an afternoon of “pelvic therapy” – bahahaha! And to be told that while in the stirrups no less. 😀 GREAT post! I checked out the Depend campaign link too! Surprising how much they really do look like normal underwear.
Meredith says
Angela, I love that I can explore this whole world of Depend with you–pelvic therapy shocks included!
Mike says
Meredith, you are certainly not “the weird one” as far as this problem is concerned. But, the fact is that anyone who experiences bladder problems so often feel like they are the only one, simply because it’s not talked about. I myself know only too well the feeling of setting off on a journey or attending an event wondering if I’ll be ‘alright’, and the countless times I’ve had to rush off to the bathroom at the most inappropriate time. So, I too am rejoicing after checking out the link. Hopefully it’s a step towards lifting the taboo associated with this.