After the arrival of my children, I found myself sharing the familiar desires of many mothers: a longing for a moment of peace and the hope of slipping back into my pre-pregnancy jeans. Yet, more than anything, I yearned for the ability to sneeze or perform jumping jacks without experiencing any unintended leaks.
Fortunately, my circumstances were quite unique, as both of my children were born in France. French women are often idealized for their figures, their children’s adventurous palates, and their ability to raise well-mannered offspring. Now, it seems, we can add another feather to their cap: they possess remarkably strong pelvic floors.
While I may not have been born with a French pelvic floor, my time living in France has certainly infused my experience with a touch of French expertise. Thanks to the exceptional pre- and postnatal care that I received—standard for all mothers in the country—I embarked on a journey that would transform my understanding of pelvic health.
After childbirth, women in France typically attend a six-week postpartum checkup. During this visit, much like my French counterparts, I received a prescription for ten sessions with a midwife, known as a sage femme, to commence my pelvic floor rehabilitation, or rééducation du périnée—a term that initially puzzled me.
With my prescription in hand and my sleeping infant securely in her carrier, I approached my first appointment with a mixture of excitement and ignorance. Upon entering, the midwife greeted me warmly and handed me an unusual device she referred to as a sonde, which I cheekily dubbed my “joystick.”
As our consultation commenced, the midwife posed a series of personal and somewhat embarrassing questions: “Do you experience leakage when you sneeze? Can you shower without issues? How would you describe your sexual experiences?” I wondered if her inquiries were purely clinical or if she harbored a genuine curiosity.
After this candid exchange, I found myself on the examination table, where the midwife conducted an extensive internal evaluation. Unlike the brief exams I was accustomed to, this session felt prolonged, with her guiding me through a series of contractions and relaxations while maintaining an amiable conversation. Initially, I felt apprehensive, but as I became accustomed to the process, our interactions evolved into a comfortable rapport.
As my sessions progressed, the “joystick” transitioned into a more sophisticated apparatus connected to a computer. With this device, I engaged in a unique form of therapy where I controlled a yellow dot on the screen by contracting and relaxing my pelvic muscles. The experience became akin to playing a video game, transforming my rehabilitation into a surprisingly enjoyable endeavor.
Fast forward two years, and I found myself preparing for my final session with baby number two observing from the sidelines. As I prepared for my final round of pelvic floor exercises, I felt like an athlete gearing up for the Vagina Olympics. The midwife adjusted the electric stimulation settings, and I humorously declared my confidence in my pelvic strength, only to later find myself startled by an unexpected jolt.
Rehabilitation and recovery after childbirth require significant sacrifice, particularly for mothers. Dads certainly can’t relate to voluntarily experiencing discomfort in such sensitive areas. It’s a testament to the lengths women will go to reclaim aspects of their pre-baby bodies.
As I reflect on my journey as a mother over the past four years, I can’t help but send a silent apology to my own mother each time I sneeze, reaching for the tissue box with a knowing smile.
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Summary
This article explores the unique experience of pelvic floor rehabilitation for women post-childbirth, particularly through the lens of French medical practices. It highlights the importance of pelvic health, the amusing aspects of the rehabilitation process, and the sacrifices mothers make for their bodies after childbirth, while also providing resources for further information on home insemination and pregnancy.