A study published in the October issue of Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry by Yale School of Medicine researchers indicates that mothers who deliver their baby vaginally are more strongly bonded to their newborn than a mother who deliver via cesarean section.

The researchers performed brain scans on the mothers while they listened to their baby crying during a diaper change. The mothers who delivered vaginally were found (via fMRI) to have more activity in the area of the brain that regulates emotion and empathy. The researchers believe this is an indication that the process of a vaginal birth somehow “primes” the woman’s brain for becoming a mother.

While the intent of the article and its publication was to encourage women to consider vaginal births in light of recent trends towards planned c-sections, I feel that the results are questionable at best. Brain activity in the area that regulates empathy does not make a bond with a child; being a mother to the child, caring for the baby and feeding him or her creates a bond.

No mention was made as to the feeding methods for the babies. Were they all breastfed? All bottle fed? Nor was their daily care situation discussed. What percentage were at home with their baby all day? What percentage were working and left the baby with a caregiver? And how many of them had a partner to assist them in the parenting process versus those who were single mothers? All of these details can impact how a mother bonds with her baby. Ignoring them completely makes the results suspect, at best.

Source: Natural Childbirth Linked to Stronger Baby Bonding Than C-Sections via Health News Digest

It is thought that about one third of women suffer from stress incontinence. It is the most common form of incontinence. The symptoms are accidental leaks of wee when you laugh, cough, sneeze, lift or exercise. Stress incontinence regularly occurs during pregnancy, due to the hormone relaxin, which softens the muscles, but often goes after the birth. However it is also particularly common in the five years after childbirth as this can weaken the muscles and it is also more likely as we age.

Stress incontinence is caused by a muscle at the bottom of the bladder, which doesn?t stay closed when it should and therefore leads to leakage. Also, premenstrually, the hormones can affect the pelvic floor muscles and make the symptoms worse. Obesity and constipation can put added pressure on the muscles and increase the chances of stress incontinence. The menopause often weakens the pelvic floor and therefore increases the possibility of such problems. Smoking and health conditions that make you cough can also make stress incontinence worse, since the coughing can weaken the muscles. Giving up smoking is recommended for those with stress incontinence.

One solution to this problem is pelvic floor exercises. These involve tightening and releasing the muscles around the anus and then around the vagina on a regular basis. I do this when waiting for a bus or in a queue at the shop, at least it feels like I am doing something useful with my time!!

This exercising can also be done by the use of vaginal cones which are inserted in the vagina and are held there by the pelvic floor muscles. You tense the muscles up to hold the cone in place initially for one minute. There are varying size cones to be used as the muscles get stronger and the period of time can also be lengthened. I have never tried this so I do not know what it is like. If necessary there is also medication and surgery that can be used to help the problem, but for most people it is just a bit of a nuisance and nothing more serious.

Stress incontinence can occur in men, but it is uncommon and often the result of either an accident or surgery.

This article is not meant to constitute medical advice, please contact your doctor if you have any concerns.

For further information

What is Stress Urinary Incontinence

Stress Incontinence

Pelvic Floor Exercises

Vaginal Cones