Symptoms of cystocele?

Hi Clavicula

I hope your toddler is climbing up to feed, rather than your lifting them? Tandem nursing has its own challenges. I would think that it wouldn't make much difference to your oestrogen levels though. I think it is prolactin that keeps oestrogen low, but it is not a linear relationship. We have previously discussed the role of oestrogen in POP and it seems that clinically, POP's do not improve automatically with weaning, though in theory the tissues should become more plumped up and moist.

We automatically think that the whole pelvic area will recover steadily from day 1. I think Granolamom's experience is that her POPs were at their worst at 3 months pp. I think we start to do more physically about a month after the birth, and put more strain on the perineum if your posture is not maintaining your lumbar curve and pinning your bladder forwards. It sounds like your bladder is having a hard time.

This could be to do with almost anything in your daily activities. Have you been doing kegels? See Christine's blog entry, "Kegels the Right Way", to follow up on this. They should have a beneficial effect on your continence, but are not the final word. It is also important to empty your bladder completely, at least once a day, to prevent buildup of stale urine and potential UTI. Also a low bladder can expose your urethral opening to dried urine on your knickers. This can cause irritation and urgency. Try changing your knickers or pantie liners several times a day. A nappy rash cream might also help reduce inflammation until you can maintain a fuller bladder for longer. You might also benefit from some professional bladder training as well. There is a lot about the mechanics of cystocele and bladder emptying in Saving the Whole Woman.

Posture improvement will be your primary aim. With two littlies nursing, you would probably be in nurture mode with your shoulders and your upper back hunched forward a lot of the time. To pin your bladder forwards you need to allow your breasts to be out front, your shoulders relaxed and low. This will keep your pubic bones at the bottom and your coccyx out the back, rather than underneath. This is probably pretty hard for you. Some imagination will be needed, particularly as you will be spending a significant amount of time each day nursing.

Keep posting when you have thought about these factors. I never got to tandem nurse. I am jealous, even twenty two years down the track. Good on you!

Cheers

Louise

welcome and congrats on the new baby
sorry about the cystocele though. I had the urge to pee thing when I started here and don't anymore. so that's good, right? I pretty much have no symptoms aside from an actual bulge, which I've made peace with, just like I've made peace with the wrinkles that have recently made an appearance 'round my eyes (I'm 36).

believe it or not, but 5 mo pp is still early. your body will continue to change for up to 2 years, possibly longer. but there are definitely things you can do to maximize the healing process
avoid constipation/straining on the toilet
avoid crunches, situps, and the like
keep your bladder empty to prevent uti's (try urinating on all fours to tip the bladder into a better position for emptying. do this at least once daily)
learn the posture to reposition your pelvic organs and keep them where they belong.
personally, if time is short (and with three little ones I imagine it is), I'd scrap the kegel routine adn focus instead on the posture. buy christine's book or dvd if you can afford it, it is my prolapse-bible. learn the exercises in there, specifically firebreathing, nauli and plies. personally, I do only 5 min of exercise twice daily and have seen positive results.

imagining life with your symptoms IS terrifying. if it helps, know that I had all those symptoms too, adn I am currently living an active life symptom free, aside from a bulgy feeling around ovulation adn right before I get my period. life is good. it will be for you too.

and oh, about estrogen. I dont' think estrogen (or lack thereof) can cause a prolapse. prolapse is a structural problem. all estrogen can do is plump up the vaginal walls.

ah, the kids are looking for me.