Strictly star Kristina Rihanoff addresses a taboo post-birth concern through her latest endeavour – Wales Online
Former Strictly Come Dancing professional, Kristina Rihanoff, aged 47, has opened up about her battle with bladder weakness after the birth of her daughter, Mila, in 2016.
Following her departure from Strictly in 2015, Kristina and her partner, Ben Cohen, welcomed their daughter in the subsequent year. However, upon attempting to make a comeback to dancing, she encountered the harsh reality of how her body had been significantly altered post-pregnancy. The changes affected her core and pelvic floor muscles, leading to an eight-month break from dancing. But the impact extended beyond the dance floor, as Kristina faced daily challenges, including difficulties in caring for her child and managing household tasks due to postpartum bladder weakness.
Reflecting on her experience, Kristina shared the mental struggle of realizing she couldn’t immediately resume professional dancing. She described feeling unprepared for the post-birth changes her body underwent, highlighting the lack of discourse around the possibility of experiencing pelvic floor weakness to the extent of losing control.
Additionally, Kristina challenged the assumption that as a highly athletic individual, she would effortlessly regain her previous fitness levels. She emphasised the mental and physical obstacles she had to overcome to return to dancing. Despite the setbacks, Kristina is now dedicated to helping other women strengthen their pelvic floors. She stressed the importance of women not feeling intimidated by exercise or movement, even in the presence of bladder weakness, and encouraged seeking support from online resources, healthcare professionals, and family members.
Partnering with TENA, Kristina is supporting the launch of their new TENA Silhouette underwear, aimed at boosting women’s confidence and providing essential support for those managing bladder issues. A recent survey by TENA Silhouette revealed that two-thirds of women, like Kristina, have confronted bladder weakness at some point. Yet, many women underestimate the significance of this issue, with some accepting it as inherent to womanhood. The survey also showed how bladder weakness can limit clothing choices, impede physical activities, and confine individuals to their homes.
Jennifer Grayson, brand manager at TENA, expressed enthusiasm for working with Kristina to challenge the stigma surrounding bladder weakness. She emphasised the crucial need for open discussions to ensure individuals seek the help they require. Grayson highlighted the importance of breaking the taboo associated with bladder issues and encouraged individuals to consult healthcare professionals or organisations like the MUTU System for support.
Kristina echoed the call to empower women to address bladder weakness openly and seek the necessary assistance without embarrassment. She emphasised that these challenges are natural and should not induce feelings of inadequacy. Kristina underscored the significance of positive attitudes and simple exercises that can be performed at home to effect meaningful changes.
In conclusion, Kristina highlighted the necessity of candid conversations about pelvic floor health and encouraged individuals to embrace exercises to address underlying issues effectively. The collaboration between Kristina and TENA aims to promote awareness, provide support, and empower women to manage bladder weakness confidently.