27 September 2023 , 10:50
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Ashley James has opened up about feeling "shocked and embarrassed" at health issue after giving birth to her children.
The DJ is trying to remove the stigma when it comes to incontinence, saying at first it embarrassed her but now she understands it can be a part of childbirth. It has been reported that just 53% of sufferers feel comfortable talking to their doctor about the common issue.
Ashley is mum to son Alfie, two, and daughter Ada Isabella Blue Andrews, who was born earlier this year. She shares both her children with her partner Tommy Andrews.
Ashley has now opened up on her birth experience and postnatal recovery in partnership with TENA, who have launched their End Bladder Shame campaign, with Ashley is part of. The mum-of-two said: "Following childbirth, I just thought that the postnatal recovery was whether or not you bounced back, and I thought that you'd be back to normal, let's say, after about six weeks.
"So, as someone who's always been fit and healthy, I was quite shocked, but also I felt very ashamed and embarrassed that I was experiencing lots of medical issues such as incontinence. I almost felt like I was the only one that was suffering and because of that I did suffer in silence for a while."
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Ashley has two childrenThe 36-year-old went on to say that it was only when she started talking about it, that she realise how common incontinence is. She said that she felt "less alone" once she opened up.
"Once I started to speak about it, especially online, I actually felt much more empowered and much less ashamed because I realised how many other people were also experiencing similar issues and I think that's the beauty of sharing. You feel less alone, and the more you talk about it, the more you help other people and the more people come to you," Ashley said.
Data had revealed that two thirds of Brits would be too ashamed to tell their family and friends about their incontinence, and four in 10 would rather risk the problem getting worse before seeking medical advice.
TV Doctor Zoe Williams said: "Incontinence affects almost a quarter of the population, so you’re not alone if you find yourself suffering. What’s concerning is that the vast majority of Brits will avoid seeing a doctor in case of bad news."