As any mother can attest, our bodies undergo considerable changes during pregnancy and childbirth, and while much discussion surrounds this, there exists less candour regarding the aftermath of labour.
Determined to shed light on the possible implications of childbirth, RTÉ star, Bláthnaid Ní Chofaigh, opened up about her own struggle with adult incontinence and insisted the matter needs further exposure.
Concerned that women and new mums are suffering alone, the former Afternoon Show host attempted to remove the stigma of the condition while appearing on Newstalk's Sean Moncrieff show.
Revealing she struggled to come to terms with the condition and its far-reaching implications, the mum-of-four explained "she had no idea of the impact it [incontinence] was having on her life" until she underwent surgery to correct the problem.
Acknowledging the changes a woman's body goes through in her lifetime, Bláthnid said: "The vagina does take a battering. Jeepers and I'm not even talking about the sex stuff. I'm talking about babas!"
The broadcaster, who turned 45 last month, revealed that she was forced to plan her daily life around the condition, explaining: “I had to do all my exercise in the morning. After my morning workout I had to wear a pad. I couldn't do anything after lunch especially if I had a coffee or a glass of water"
With one in three women suffering from adult incontinence at some point in their lives, Bláthnaid urges the public to speak up and address the issue in a bid to support others.
With trademark candour, the mum exclaimed: "Will yee all stop talking about how sensitive it is and just talk about it. Talk about it! Let it all out!"
We couldn't agree more.
