How to Navigate the Time After Childbirth and Before Menopause

These days, it’s far too easy to compare your postpartum or perimenopause journey to that of other women on social media. Instagram often makes it seem like women have it all together, from the filters they choose to their perfectly composed captions.

However, we aren’t here to point the finger. The blame doesn’t lie on any individual, but society as a whole, which places so much pressure on women to appear perfectly normal after giving birth or while transitioning into menopause, despite whatever symptoms they may be experiencing. 

While changing the silencing of postpartum and perimenopausal women won’t happen overnight, you can make changes right now by opening up and giving yourself grace. It’s important to acknowledge that these journeys are all about recovering at your own pace. With this in mind, we offer some tips on navigating the time after childbirth and before menopause. 

Embrace the unexpected.

Let’s face it: Things are going to happen after childbirth – and closer to menopause – that won’t always be pretty. Staying silent about these issues isn’t going to make them any better, especially when you could be benefiting from the advice that others have to offer. 

Bladder leaks, for instance, are incredibly common after childbirth and as women get older, but they are rarely acknowledged. Some researchers believe that as many as half of all women experience bladder leaks in the postpartum journey, while others believe it’s closer to a third. Regardless of the actual number, a leaky bladder is common after giving birth because the muscles around the urethra become stretched and weakened. It’s also common to experience leakage in perimenopause, because reduced levels of estrogen can cause the lining of the urethra to thin out. Aging in general can weaken those muscles as well. 

On top of leakage, heavy bleeding is common during the first few weeks after childbirth, and irregular bleeding is common when transitioning into menopause. With all of these uncontrollable issues to worry about on top of your normal schedule, it’s no wonder that you may feel stressed and overwhelmed. 

It’s time to embrace these unexpected moments so you can take them on with ease. The right tools are essential when it comes to taking care of your body and juggling other obligations. One by Poise® are uniquely designed 2-in-1 pads available at Walmart, which offer protection for surprise laugh leaks and period weeks. The Dual Leakblock System™ will keep you 10 times drier than the leading brand* and also trap any odors. Plus, the wings are designed to stay in place and help you move comfortably, no matter what you do or where you go. 

With a pad built for any surprise, you no longer have to worry about buying two different products and determining which one to wear in your hour of need. One by Poise® goes beyond the surface level to address the nitty-gritty of your problems, from its superior absorbency to its all-day durability. Wearing protection that does it all will help you get on with your day and free you from unnecessary stress and anxiety. 

Talk freely.

While we’re on the topic of bladder leaks and unruly periods, we might as well address what we’ve already been doing: talking freely. You may have been brought up to believe that certain topics are taboo and discussing them would make you seem rude and crass. You may simply be embarrassed to talk about bodily functions.

However, sweeping these topics under the rug will not help you heal. If your body is going through tremendous change, it’s important to get advice from your loved ones and doctors. How else will you be able to determine what’s normal and what’s not? Give yourself the permission to talk about both your period and bladder leaks and you may find comfort in knowing that you’re not alone and getting as much information as possible. 

Make self-care a priority.

You may be used to ignoring aches and pains in your body, especially if it allows you to get on with your busy day. Unfortunately, this means you are ignoring signals saying it’s time to slow down and take care of yourself. Canceling an activity or leaving the dishes for someone else to do might be an immediate inconvenience for your family but could prevent your symptoms from worsening in the long run.

With this in mind, it’s important to keep self-care at the top of your list. If you begin to experience postpartum symptoms or perimenopausal flare-ups, make sure to give yourself a break so your body can rest. Take a day off from work if you need it. Ask someone to care for your child in the afternoon so you can take a yoga class. Don’t feel guilty for declining an invitation to participate in an event. Making yourself a priority can help you bounce back from hard days and feel better as a whole.

Recognize the signs that you are transitioning into menopause.

If you are in your 40s or 50s, educating yourself on the signs of menopause is extremely important. Knowing the symptoms will help you understand what your body is going through physically. It will also help you mentally prepare for the transition and make it more likely that you will alert your doctor if you begin experiencing symptoms. 

The most common symptoms to look out for include hot flashes, or sudden waves of heat accompanied by a rapid heartbeat, night sweats, irregular sleep, the drying of vaginal tissue, and irregular menstrual periods until menopause is complete. 

Sometimes, a skipped period can also cause heavy bleeding later on because the lining in the uterus builds up more than normal. It’s therefore a good idea to rely on products that have been vetted to help you through this difficult time, such as One by Poise®. By providing all-day 2-in-1 protection for bladder and period leaks when you need it the most, these comfortable pads will help you manage whatever comes your way.

Thank your body.

Wherever you are in your postpartum or perimenopause journey, remember to thank your body for how much it has accomplished over the years. Your body goes through a great deal, and it will always remember what comes with childbirth and menopause. This doesn’t mean that you won’t recover but acknowledging the long-lasting effects of either event is important for both your mental and physical health. 

Give your body grace, and let it heal in its own time. Practicing gratitude for what your body does for you may also raise your self-esteem. Better yet, it will help you set a good example for other women around you. 

This article was sponsored by One by Poise^®.