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Showing posts from July, 2025

💕 Breathing Into the Crinkle: What Pelvic Floor PT Taught Me This Week

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I had physical therapy again today with my pelvic floor specialist, and wow—this week took me deeper than I expected. We focused on four practices: • Pelvic floor engagement and release • Diaphragmatic (belly) breathing • Happy Baby pose with breath • Legs up the wall They sound gentle, right? But I learned how powerful—and surprisingly challenging—they really are. Especially when you’re proudly padded like me. At one point, she gently pointed out that my breathing pattern was working against my pelvic floor. I was unintentionally bracing and pushing down, creating the opposite effect of what I wanted. My body was doing its best, but it needed a softer kind of attention. That moment hit hard. What I’m Learning I’ve always thought of my incontinence as something I just had to manage—diapers, plastic pants, careful planning. But pelvic floor therapy is teaching me to relate to my body differently. Not just to control it, but to understand it. To breathe with it. To soften ...

Not All Incontinence Products Are Created Equal (and My Bladder Clearly Didn’t Get the Memo)

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Let’s be honest—some of these product labels are wildly misleading. You’ll see stuff marketed as “All-Day Protection,” “Nighttime Confidence,” “Ultra Absorbent,” and even “Leak Proof.” Sounds amazing, right? Then you look a little closer… and it holds maybe 2 to 5 ounces. Five. Ounces. My water bottle laughs at that. And honestly? So does my bladder—because when I leak, it can be 30, 34, sometimes even more ounces at once. That’s not a “little dribble,” that’s a full-on flash flood 🚨 So when those “discreet” pull-ups or pads fail me (again), I don’t blame myself. I blame the fact that a lot of these products just aren’t made for folks like me. That’s why I stick to the real heavy-duty stuff—  BetterDry,   Rearz, InControl and Northshore  when I’m feeling cute and crinkly. These are the diapers that don’t mess around. Thick, thirsty, and built for actual bladder-level leaks—not wishful thinking. And yes, I usually slip a pair of plastic pants over them too—because I like ...

Support Sunday Pose by Pose Spotlight — Week 5 Chair Pose (Utkatasana) with Pelvic Floor Engagement Rooted. Rising. Resilient.

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  Welcome to Support Sunday , where we explore yoga poses that build inner strength and gentle confidence—especially for those of us living with incontinence, pelvic floor challenges, or a padded little secret under our leggings. This week’s pose is steady, simple, and oh-so-empowering. It reminds us that we can be soft and strong, gentle and grounded. Let’s rise into Chair Pose together. 🧘‍♀️ 5. Chair Pose (Utkatasana) with Pelvic Floor Engagement How to do it: Start standing tall with your feet together or hip-width apart. Inhale, then bend your knees as if sitting into an invisible chair behind you. Keep your chest lifted, arms reaching up or forward. Engage your core gently and softly lift your pelvic floor—like you're drawing up from deep within. Focus on length through your spine and try not to let your knees push past your toes. 🕊️ Duration: Hold for 3–5 breaths , or longer if you're feeling stable. Rest and repeat if desired. 💞 Note: “Strong thighs, li...

Planes, Pads, and Peace of Mind: My Travel Toolkit for Incontinence

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Traveling with incontinence isn’t always easy—but it is possible. Whether you're flying cross-country, road-tripping with friends, or staying in an Airbnb, you can absolutely stay confident, protected, and present. I've done it for years, and while every trip brings new lessons, I've learned that the right mindset and preparation make all the difference. Here’s how I manage travel with full-time incontinence—and how you can, too. 1. Pack with Confidence I always start with a checklist of essentials: High-absorbency briefs for both day and night use Boosters for extended wear or overnight protection Waterproof covers (PUL or plastic pants) to prevent leaks Disposable underpads for beds, seats, or unexpected situations Baby wipes and disposal bags for easy cleanups Wet/dry bags for discreet and hygienic storage Compression shorts or leggings for discretion under clothes Spare outfits just in case Packing extras means I never have to worry about finding supplies mid-trip. 2. C...

🩷 Wardrobe Wednesday: I Swapped My Joggers for These Old Navy Short Shorts — and They’re Just as Comfortable 🩷

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Short Girl Summer is here, and these are my go-tos… Mint, black, soft, padded, proud—and all me. Each week, I’ll be sharing real-life outfit ideas, tips, and reflections on how I dress for yoga, the gym, and daily life while managing incontinence. For me, that means wearing thick diapers and plastic baby pants under everything I own—and still showing up with softness, style, and confidence. As a self-proclaimed athleisure enthusiast (with an overflowing closet to prove it—okay, maybe more of an aspiring expert), I’ve tried it all: leggings, yoga pants, joggers, you name it. I’m still building my dream wardrobe one pair of yoga pants at a time—but if there’s one thing I’ve become very particular about, it’s fabric. When I find a material I love, I stay loyal—and this summer, my loyalty has a new favorite form: shorts. I’ve long been a fan of Old Navy’s Studio Smooth, PowerSoft, and Dynamic Fleece lines. So when I saw their shorts in the same dreamy materials, I had to try them. Let m...

Support Sunday Pose by Pose Spotlight — Week 4 Happy Baby Pose (Ananda Balasana) Open. Wiggle. Giggle.

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Welcome back to Support Sunday , the softest little corner of the week—where we explore yoga poses that hold, heal, and support your beautiful body, especially if you live with incontinence or pelvic floor tension. This week’s pose is a favorite —not just for how it helps the body, but for how it helps the heart. It’s playful. It’s freeing. It’s like rolling around in joy. And it’s very special to me… I just loves this pose. 🧘‍♀️ 4. Happy Baby Pose (Ananda Balasana) How to do it: Lie on your back. Bend your knees toward your chest and reach up to grab the outsides of your feet with your hands. Let your knees fall open, and your feet flex toward the ceiling. Gently rock side to side if it feels good. If holding your feet is too much, you can hold your ankles, calves, or use a yoga strap. Just find your version. 🕊️ Duration: Hold for 5–8 soft breaths , or longer if you're enjoying the wiggles and release. 💞 Note: “Just like Alice—giggle if it tickles and let your hips...

Proud, Padded, and Deserving: Helping Veterans Fight for the Incontinence Care They’ve Earned

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  By Alice, a Army Vet in yoga pants and diapers who’s been there. When people think of veterans, they don’t picture adult diapers. But maybe they should. Because the truth is, many of us come home from service with wounds—visible or not—that leave us struggling with bladder control, PTSD, and a medical system that’s often more ready to hand us a mop than a real solution. I know, because I’ve lived it. I’m a U.S. Army veteran. I also live with severe urinary incontinence. My condition was made worse by going undiagnosed at first and then the medications I was prescribed. At first, I tried to tough it out. I felt ashamed. I fought every instinct I had just to admit I needed better support than what the VA offered. They gave me Depends—cheap, ineffective, and nowhere near enough to manage my full nighttime voids. I was waking up soaked, cold, and angry. It wasn’t just about being wet—it was about feeling dehumanized. Like I didn’t matter enough to be dry. Like I was supposed to just ...

Support Sunday Pose by Pose Spotlight — Week 3 Legs-Up-the-Wall (Viparita Karani) Surrender. Restore. Receive.

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  Welcome back to Support Sunday, where we gather in softness to explore yoga poses that support pelvic health, emotional healing, and diapered dignity. Whether you're here with incontinence, postpartum tenderness, or simply seeking rest—you belong. This week’s pose is a deeply soothing favorite. It’s quiet. It’s simple. And it can transform everything in just a few minutes. 🧘‍♀️ 3. Legs-Up-the-Wall (Viparita Karani) How to do it: Sit sideways with one hip next to a clear wall. Gently swing your legs up the wall as you lower your upper body to the floor, lying back with your arms open beside you, palms facing up. Adjust until your body feels balanced and supported. You can place a folded blanket or bolster under your hips for a gentle lift, or a pillow beneath your head for comfort. 🕊️ Duration: Stay for 5–10 minutes, or longer if it feels good. Focus on long, relaxed breaths and let your whole body melt into the floor. 💞 Note: “This is your rest pose, baby. Let gravity hold wha...

Finding the Right Nest -A Incontinent Yogi’s Guide to Choosing a Studio That Sees You

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  There’s a difference between being welcomed and being marketed to. When you wear diapers—because of incontinence, disability, trauma, or even personal choice—walking into a yoga studio isn’t always simple. You carry more than a mat and a water bottle. You carry your story. And what you need from that studio isn’t just clean floors or a good playlist. You need to feel safe. You need to feel seen. Today, I visited a few studios near me. One was sleek and polished, with all the commercial trimmings. The other was warm, soft, and smelled like lavender and real people. Guess which one felt like home? 🌸 What People Like Us Actually Need When your body crinkles with every stretch and shift, when you may need a backup diaper in your tote or a quiet place to change after class… yoga becomes more than just a wellness practice. It becomes a vulnerable act. So here’s what people like us need—not in theory, but in truth: ·          Kindness, not perfo...

Yes, You Can - Wearing Women’s Leggings to Yoga as a Man

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  There’s a question that comes up more often than you’d think, whispered in locker rooms, asked quietly in DMs, or just left unspoken: “Is it okay for a man to wear women’s leggings to yoga?” The answer is a soft, resounding yes. Not just okay, but absolutely valid, comfortable, and empowering. And I want to walk you through why—because you deserve to feel confident on your mat, no matter what label is stitched into your waistband. ✅ 1. Yoga Is Inclusive, Not a Fashion Show Yoga studios aren’t runways. The people around you are too focused on breathing, flowing, and staying balanced to care what brand your leggings are—or which aisle they came from. The yoga space, at its best, is nonjudgmental and body-positive. It’s about presence, not presentation. And if you feel supported in soft high-waisted leggings with a pretty seam—wear them with pride. ✅ 2. Women’s Leggings Often Just Fit Better Let’s be real: men’s leggings can be limiting. They’re often too short, too stiff, or way to...

Support Sunday Pose by Pose Spotlight — Week 2 Cat-Cow Pose (Marjaryasana–Bitilasana) Flow. Soften. Breathe.

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  Welcome back to Support Sunday , our weekly pause to spotlight poses that help support healing, softness, and inner strength—especially for those of us living with incontinence, pelvic tension, or just a need to feel safe in our bodies again. This week, we’re inviting in gentle movement. Nothing forceful—just breath, rhythm, and flow. Meet your new favorite morning friend: Cat-Cow Pose . 🧘‍♀️ 2. Cat-Cow Pose (Marjaryasana–Bitilasana) How to do it: Start on your hands and knees, with your shoulders stacked over your wrists and your hips over your knees. Inhale (Cow Pose): Drop your belly toward the mat, lift your tailbone and chest, and gaze slightly up. Exhale (Cat Pose): Round your spine gently, tuck your tailbone, and draw your belly in as your head tucks toward your chest. Flow between these two poses, letting your breath guide the movement. 🕊️ Duration: Repeat for 6–10 rounds , slowly and softly. 💞 Note: “Let this be a soft massage for your belly and p...

Release Before You Strengthen - What Every Incontinent Yogi Should Know About the Pelvic Floor

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✨ Introduction: When you wear diapers—whether due to incontinence, disability, healing, or simply tender self-care—yoga becomes more than just movement. Every step onto the mat is an act of vulnerability, strength, and grace. People will tell you to “just do Kegels,” but that’s not always the answer. In fact, if your pelvic floor is already holding on too tight, squeezing harder can make things worse. As someone who crinkles with every stretch, I’ve learned the most important lesson in pelvic health isn’t about strength—it’s about trust. And trust starts with release. 🌿 Why “Release Before You Strengthen” Matters The pelvic floor is a sling of muscles that supports your bladder, bowels, and internal organs. But like any other muscles, they can be: Too weak (leading to leaks) Too tight (also leading to leaks!) Or stuck in both at once You might think strengthening is the only solution. But here’s the truth: ✨ A muscle that never relaxes can’t get stronger. ✨ 🛁 Pelvic Floor Release – L...

🩵 If He Just Tried It 🩵 What Most Men Will Never Know About Leggings, Activewear Tops, and Softness—And What I Live Every Day

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I see them sometimes—guys lingering at the edge of the women’s activewear section. Hovering near the leggings and activewear tops, pretending to look for a girlfriend, a wife, a sister. When no one’s watching, their hands brush the fabric. Their eyes flick toward the soft pastels, the stretchy knits, the beautiful world just a step away. But the moment they see someone else—a stranger, another man, even me—they bolt. Shame tells them softness isn’t for them. That comfort is somehow dangerous. That leggings, activewear tops, or yoga pants will unmake who they think they’re supposed to be. And there I am. In my big, crinkly diaper. Wearing leggings, or shorts, or yoga pants—whatever I chose that day. Standing proudly in that same aisle, picking through racks, comparing colors, holding a soft longline activewear top to my chest to check the fit. Sometimes girls giggle. Sometimes they just smile. But I’ve never had a problem. Because I’m not ashamed. The truth is: If he just tried it...