The Scoop on Kids Poop: The Secret World of Pediatric Pelvic Health with Clare Bourne

Episode Overview Join Kristen Parise as she dives into the often-overlooked world of pediatric pelvic health with Clare Bourne, a London-based pelvic health physiotherapist and author. From bedwetting misconceptions to constipation crises, Clare shares her expertise on helping children and families navigate pelvic floor challenges while breaking down the shame and taboos that often surround these essential bodily functions. What You'll Learn Why potty training should be viewed as a developmental process, not a quick fixThe surprising connection between constipation and bedwetting in childrenHow pediatric pelvic assessments differ dramatically from adult evaluationsWhy education and communication are more powerful than hands-on treatment for kidsThe rising rates of pediatric constipation and what's really behind themHow childhood pelvic issues can impact menstrual health and sexual function later in life Episode Highlights Clare's Journey: From Adult to Pediatric Pelvic Health Clare shares her unique career path as someone who's been in pelvic health for her entire career, rather than transitioning from other areas. Her journey into pediatric work was reignited by her own children's potty training experiences and her realization that many adult pelvic issues trace back to childhood patterns that were never properly addressed. The Detective Work of Pediatric Assessment Unlike adult pelvic health where physical examination is central, Clare explains how pediatric assessment is primarily about education, understanding, and "unpicking" what's happening. She describes feeling like a detective, gathering clues about bowel habits, bladder patterns, and family dynamics rather than relying on internal examinations. Bedwetting: Breaking Down the Biggest Misconceptions Clare tackles the widespread misunderstanding that once a child is potty trained, they should automatically be dry at night. She explains the hormonal maturity, bladder capacity, and sleep factors that make nighttime dryness a completely different process, emphasizing that bedwetting isn't a problem until age 7 or later. The Constipation Crisis: More Than Just Diet Moving beyond the oversimplified "eat more fiber" narrative, Clare reveals the complex factors contributing to rising pediatric constipation rates. From lack of parental support to bathroom access issues at schools, from stress impacts to inappropriate potty training pressures, she paints a comprehensive picture of this growing problem. The Mind-Body Connection in Little Bodies Clare and Kristen explore how children's pelvic health issues often arise during life transitions—new siblings, starting school, family moves—as children exert control over what they can: their eating, peeing, and pooping. This leads to a discussion about the importance of multidisciplinary care including play therapy. From Tampons to Intercourse: The Long-Term Impact In a particularly enlightening segment, Clare traces how childhood constipation and holding patterns can lead to increased pelvic floor tension, making tampon insertion painful in adolescence and potentially contributing to painful intercourse later. She emphasizes how 30 years of pelvic health history matters long before someone gives birth. Episode Chapters 00:00-02:30: Introduction to Clare and Her Pelvic Health Journey – A career-long specialist shares her path 02:30-05:17: The Connection Between Pelvic Floor and Continence – How children learn bladder and bowel control 05:17-08:25: Pediatric vs. Adult Assessment Approaches – Why education trumps examination with kids 08:25-11:23: Common Pediatric Pelvic Issues – Bedwetting, constipation, and beyond 11:23-16:41: The Importance of Education and Breaking Shame – Teaching kids proper anatomy and function 16:41-21:09: Practical First Steps for Parents – What to try before seeking professional help 21:09-24:47: Understanding the Pediatric Constipation Epidemic – Statistics and contributing factors 24:47-28:22: The Role of Stress and Family Support – How global events impact children's health 28:22-30:21: Medication Management and Treatment Approaches – Why "long enough" matters 30:21-34:32: The Unique Challenges of Pediatric Treatment – Growth, development, and family dynamics 34:32-38:13: The Connection Between Childhood Issues and Adult Health – From constipation to sexual function 38:13-End: Empowering Through Education and Resources – Making pelvic health accessible to all Key Takeaways Start monitoring your child's bowel habits regularly - knowledge is powerCreate an environment where talking about bodily functions is normalized and shame-freePotty training timelines vary enormously and shouldn't be rushedMany adult pelvic health issues have roots in childhood experiencesBedwetting before age 7 is completely normalConstipation management requires sustained, thorough treatmentMultiple factors beyond diet contribute to pediatric constipation Sound Bites "...