While you are reading this – take a nice deep breath in. Now exhale. Feels great, right? Although proper breathing feels great, chances are that you hold your breath throughout the day without even realizing it, especially while concentrating, or performing actions such as lifting, reaching and pulling. Almost all individuals have a tendency to hold their breath, but it is much more common among women. Even holding your breath while performing daily tasks can be detrimental.
Q: What happens when I hold my breath?
Holding your breath, especially when bearing down, causes intra-abdominal pressure and thus increases pressure on the bladder. The urethra is supported by a network of muscles and fascia of the pelvic floor. If this support is weakened, the urethra will move downwards at those times of increased intra-abdominal pressure, thus causing urinary frequency or urinary leakage.
Patient: “I was referred to this practice from my doctor because I was having urinary incontinence . . . urgency and frequency . . . and I was not receptive to surgery so he sent me here. Since I have been coming, the Kegel exercises have been helping. I do those pretty much any time I can think about it during the day . . . whether I am washing dishes, driving a car or while I am at work.”
Q: What has had the biggest impact on your daily life?
“Breathing. I have realized that I hold my breath a lot, whether it’s when I’m putting my mascara on or my makeup . . . when I lean into the mirror, I am holding my breath. So, Cora has made me aware that I do that . . . so I am learning to breathe.”
Postpartum Strong® 
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