Does pelvic floor exercising after having a baby make a difference?
Definitely, YES! Research shows that a regular program of pelvic floor exercise does make a difference; it reduces the likelihood of ongoing stress incontinence and increases muscle strength, with results of an eight-week program still sustained a year later : [A program of] pelvic floor muscle strength training programme can add significantly to physical recovery after childbirth. (Morkved & others). However pelvic floor exercises need to be performed for life to fully protect the pelvic floor. New mothers need to incorporate exercises into their own routines, rather than relying on supervised postnatal exercising. which research shows is unlikely to be sustained effectively once the health professional support is no longer available (Agur & others).
