38: 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 fix
• The surprising connection between constipation and bedwetting in children
• How pediatric pelvic assessments differ dramatically from adult evaluations
• Why education and communication are more powerful than hands-on treatment for kids
• The rising rates of pediatric constipation and what's really behind them
• How 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 power
• Create an environment where talking about bodily functions is normalized and shame-free
• Potty training timelines vary enormously and shouldn't be rushed
• Many adult pelvic health issues have roots in childhood experiences
• Bedwetting before age 7 is completely normal
• Constipation management requires sustained, thorough treatment
• Multiple factors beyond diet contribute to pediatric constipation

Sound Bites

• "Start with monitoring that bowel"
• "It's almost like a checklist, isn't it?"
• "The kid's not being naughty"
• "We need to improve perinatal care, but we also need to give them the 24 hours before"
• "Kids don't have shame, we create the shame for them"

Connect with Clare

• Website: Clare-Bourne.com
• Instagram: @clarebournephysio
• Book: "Strong Foundations: Why Pelvic Health Matters"
• Also on: TikTok and LinkedIn
• Resources: Webinars, eBooks, and educational materials for all financial situations

Connect with The Hole Shebang

• Website: Blueberry Therapy Pelvic Health and Pediatrics
• Instagram: @blueberrytherapypelvichealth
• Upcoming Event: The Pleasure Principle Conference - May 8th, 2026

Clare's Theme Song

"There She Goes" - A go-getter anthem that captures her approach to tackling taboo topics in pelvic health with determination and joy!