As the saying goes, with age comes wisdom—but for some women, getting older brings a lot of other unexpected changes along with it.
One can be bladder leaks, but according to Tabitha Brown, the most important truth women should remember when experiencing the inconvenient health condition is that you’re not alone.
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The social media sensation—who first gained notoriety for her vegan cooking videos and down-to-earth, warm-spirited nature—chatted with Parade during an exclusive interview on Thursday, Oct. 17.
Through her partnership with Always Discreet, Brown expressed a desire to help women feel more comfortable when dealing with physical changes that can seem embarrassing but are extremely common.
Bladder leaks for Brown, 45, started in her 30s after giving birth to her second child. And it’s not something she’s shying away from bringing up.
“I’m talking to my kids about it already,” the Fridays with Tab & Chance podcaster revealed, mentioning her daughters, 29 and 23. “Things change. So I think, just making sure that we have a conversation and don’t hide it so you don’t feel like you’re just suffering by yourself.”
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What began with feeling like she was “about to pee on herself” at times when she would laugh or cough, led to having to wear certain clothing to prevent any mishaps.
“This is crazy,” the New York Times bestselling author would think to herself, admitting, “And it became a little bit of a concern for me when it comes to ‘What am I gonna wear? I don’t wanna come through my clothes. Do I need to wear a pantyliner all the time? Am I gonna have to start wearing a pad?'”
“I want to start the conversation to take the stigma out of it; to make women feel less alone like it’s just them,” she said, further doubling down, “Honey, me too—it happens. The main thing is that you’re not by yourself in it.”
Related: Suddenly Lacking Bladder Control? Here Are 7 Surprising Ways To Help Get It Back
And that’s not all Brown is doing to bring awareness to the topic. Beyond remaining open and starting conversations surrounding bladder leaks that can “happen in all ages,” she’s making it known that needing a little “security” is nothing to be ashamed of. Luckily, the Tab Time star swears by Always Discreet’s lineup of comfortable product options, from the light protection of pantyliners to briefs for heavier coverage if needed.
As for women dealing with bladder leaks but finding it difficult to acknowledge or to talk about it, Brown suggested looping in family and friends to make yourself feel more comfortable.
If that’s not an option, The Chi actress also recommended turning to social media to chat with other women talking about the topic, or even joining Facebook groups.
“If you don’t feel comfortable saying it out loud, you can type in a response. You can, you know, talk to other women on this. So create your own village that way,” the cookware designer added.
Additionally, “give yourself grace. Don’t take yourself so serious because it’s part of our human body as a woman.”
Next: Actress and Motivational Social Media Star Tabitha Brown Explains Why Hitting It Big After 40 Is Good For “Her Business”
