Published: September 26, 2015
When I became a mother, I found myself yearning for the simple pleasures of quiet moments and my old jeans fitting comfortably again. Yet, what I truly desired was the ability to sneeze or jump without the discomfort of involuntary leaks.
Fortunately, my good fortune came in the form of giving birth in France. French women are often portrayed as epitomes of balance—slim figures, children with diverse diets, and exemplary parenting skills. It turns out, there’s another area where they excel: their pelvic floor health.
While I may not have been born with a “French vagina,” my time in France and the births of my daughters there have certainly influenced my postpartum journey. Upon giving birth, I, like all French mothers, underwent a standard check-up six weeks later, during which I received a prescription for ten sessions with a midwife, known as a sage-femme, to begin my perineal rehabilitation—reéducation du périnée.
Armed with my prescription and a baguette, I approached my first appointment with a sense of naivety. After initial greetings, the midwife provided me with a device she referred to as a sonde (or wand), which I humorously dubbed my “joystick.”
The consultation began with a series of intimate questions that left me feeling a bit exposed: “Do you experience leaks when you sneeze? Can you shower without incidents? How is your sexual experience?” I questioned her motives but answered nonetheless.
Once on the examination table, I was surprised by the thoroughness of her examination. This was no quick check-up; it entailed significant time spent with her fingers assessing my pelvic floor while we engaged in light conversation. Initially, I felt uncomfortable, but as the visits continued, it became a routine that I adapted to.
As part of my rehabilitation, the midwife introduced me to the magic wand, which was connected to a computer. During our sessions, I would control a yellow dot on the screen by contracting and relaxing my pelvic muscles, all while receiving mild electric stimulation intended to strengthen my pelvic floor. This innovative approach transformed the experience into a somewhat engaging game.
Fast forward two years, and I found myself back on that table for my final session with my second child present. The midwife prepared to increase the intensity of the electric stimulation, and I jokingly claimed to have the “world’s strongest vagina.” However, when I accidentally shifted on the table, the unexpected intensity caused a rather loud response from me, leaving both of us startled.
The experience left me with a newfound respect for the sacrifices mothers make, particularly regarding their bodies. Where men might hesitate to endure such discomfort, women have shown a remarkable willingness to go through this to reclaim aspects of their pre-baby selves.
As a mother of two, I often find myself reflecting on the changes in my body, sending silent apologies to my own mother with every sneeze that reminds me of these experiences. If you’re interested in navigating your own journey of motherhood, including home insemination options, you might want to explore resources like this one about intracervical insemination. For detailed information on pregnancy processes, the Mayo Clinic offers excellent resources. Additionally, check out this useful cryobaby home insemination kit for further insights.
In summary, the journey through postpartum recovery can be both enlightening and challenging, especially as it relates to pelvic floor health. Engaging with qualified professionals, like midwives, can provide valuable support and resources for new mothers navigating this phase of life.
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