Bed Wetting: Myths and Facts
Enuresis, more popularly known as bed wetting, is a common condition among children of school age. A bed wetter urinates during sleep, and this happens without knowledge or control of the child. Because of this, many parents find themselves in a stressful and embarrassing situation. As for the child, such condition causes discomfort, sleep interruption, and embarrassment.
Indeed, enuresis has many unpleasant effects on both the child and the parents. But these effects can be minimized if parents do away with all the misconceptions and learn the truth about their children’s condition.
The following are the myths and facts about enuresis that every parent should know:
Myth #1: Bed wetter are too lazy to control their urination.
This assumption is not only inaccurate, but also destructive because it only makes the child feel bad about himself. The truth is, bed wetter have no control over their condition.
Myth #2: Children who wet their bed have emotional or mental problems.
This misconception may have stemmed from the fact that autistic children usually wet their bed. That is not the case in most bed wetters. Although enuresis results in psychological problems such as low self-esteem, these problems do not cause children to wet their bed. But stress and other emotional issues such as divorce of parents or death of a loved one can trigger enuresis in children who previously have had dry nights.
Myth #3: Wearing diapers at night will slow down the process of getting rid of the habit.
Experts say that using diapers does not prevent a child from outgrowing enuresis on his own. In fact, diapers offer some benefits. For the bed wetters, diapers prevent them from getting wet and cold when they wake up. For parents, diapers spare them the burden of changing the bed covers or washing the mattresses often.
Myth #4: Fluid intake before bedtime causes enuresis.
Yes, restricting the amount of fluid intake before your child goes to sleep can lessen the volume of urine released during nighttime. However, drinking liquids before bedtime does not cause the child to wet his bed.
Fact #1: Enuresis is hereditary.
If there is a history of enuresis in your family, your child is likely to become a bed wetter. Three out of four children who suffer from the condition have a family history of enuresis.
Fact #2: Some bed wetters have a functionally small (not anatomically small) bladder.
This means these children quickly feel a full bladder, so the urge to urinate is frequent.
Fact #3: Bed wetters find it hard to rouse from sleep, which keeps them from responding to their body’s signal to urinate.
Fact #4: Hormonal imbalance causes enuresis.
Some children lack the amount of anti-diuretic hormone that signals the kidneys to produce less urine while they sleep. The result? More urine at nighttime.
Fact #5: Enuresis may be a symptom of underlying medical conditions.
If your child suffers from bed wetting, it is likely that he may have one or two of the following diseases: diabetes, urinary tract infection, sleep apnea, spinal cord problems, and constipation.
It is recommended that you visit a doctor to have your child checked and to get advice on the possible treatment methods to stop enuresis.
Bed Wetting Facts
Many kids and even teenagers seem to dread still experiencing bed wetting. It can sometimes be a cause of concern for parents. But there are some facts that both parents as well as their kids should know about bed wetting. Here are some of them.
Bed wetting, also known as nocturnal enuresis or simply enuresis, is a condition wherein children and even some adults have the inability to control urination while in their sleep. The result is that they end up wetting their bed and only realize that it has happened after they wake up in the morning. It is actually a common problem among children three years old and below.
After that time, kids develop the ability to control their urination and sometime even wake up in the middle of the night every time they feel like urinating. But unfortunately, there are other kids who may not be as lucky. They may still experience the inability to control or even feel that they are urinating during their sleep. Around 15 percent of kids may still experience bed wetting after the age of three.
Studies have shown that boys are more likely to wet their beds than girls. Enuresis has also been found to run in the family. Kids who have parents with a previous history of bed wetting when they were young are more likely to also develop the problem. Bed wetting usually stops by the time children reach the age of puberty.
In kids, bed wetting rarely is associated with a kidney or bladder problem. The usual case is that some kids may develop bladder control at a slower pace than normal. But there might be possibilities that some cases may be caused by certain infections. That is why it may also be a good suggestion to consult with a doctor to determine the actual cause of bed wetting in kids just to make sure.
Some doctors also believe that certain cases of bed wetting may be rooted in certain emotional or psychological issues. A kid suddenly experiencing bed wetting after a certain period of dryness mat be a reflection of certain new fears and insecurities that the child may have. Certain situations such as moving into a new home, the parents undergoing divorce, or losing a loved one may sometimes affect children in such a way as to cause them to wet their beds at night.
It is also important to note that making children feel embarrassed or shameful with their bed wetting experience would not be an effective way to help them stop the habit. What it may do is develop certain insecurities as well as make kids feel bad about themselves for bed wetting. Bear in mind that children do not wet their beds on purpose.
Instead of making their children feel ashamed and embarrassed, parents should try to encourage and express confidence in their children that they will eventually out grow this condition. Positive reinforcement would usually work better in trying to stop bed wetting in children.
Bed Wetting Effects On Your Child
There are different causes of bed wetting, it is not just something your child would do to get into your nerves. These are night time accidents that could happen even with the best potty trained children. Some would say that children would outgrow bed wetting, but there are some parents who are anxious to help their children get over with them. Bed wetting could interfere with your child’s social activities like attending slumber parties and camps. Aside from interfering with social activities, it could also affect the child’s confidence and esteem.
Within the age of five years old, about 20% of children still wet their beds. For parents and children, it is important to know that this is a common problem and not just a problem with your child. Doctors and medical professionals would often stress on the fact that bed wetting is not intentional and your child is not to be blamed with the situation. Some parents or family members approach bed wetting as a big problem or issue which adds to the pressure and stress on the child.
As mentioned, bed wetting could have an impact on your child’s confidence and self-esteem. There are debates about this relation, however, there are also medical researches showing that bed wetting management was able to help in improving the child’s self-esteem. Children and adolescents acknowledge that bed wetting could be a stressful event in the family. Bed wetting closely follows divorce and parents fighting as a family problem according to children and adolescents.
Some children who suffer from bed wetting or nocturnal enuresis can get punished by parents, teased by siblings and other relatives, and tend to keep it as a secret from friends for the fear of getting embarrassed or ashamed. There are also studies showing that children tend to develop behavioural problems that are often associated with the stress and the low-self –esteem of children with nocturnal enuresis. Children could feel guilty or withdrawn especially if they sensed that they have no control over the problem.
Behaviour problems could even manifest in the schools. There are studies showing that children suffering from bed wetting tend to be more aggressive and project a poor self-image. These children may also have problems paying attention in class, get lower grades and overall performance in school.
A child who wets the bed may consider this night time incident as a big time problem. As a parent and family members, it is important to downplay this problem. Stress caused by bed wetting may even worsen the incident. Constant assuring is important. Children may feel that they are the only ones who experience bed wetting in their age. Assure your kid that what he is experiencing is a common problem. It is just that children may be embarrassed to talk about it. You could even share a story of another family member who also had trouble with bed wetting but was able to get over it. Assure your child that you will be with him all the way.
There are studies showing that children who have problems with bed wetting often would say that the best thing about staying dry will be participating in sleepovers and camps. This may make your child feel isolated. And feeling isolated is never good for anyone.
Bed Wetting And Stress
Bed wetting is not just a child’s problem but a problem for parents too. Bed wetting is a common incident. About 20% of five-year olds still wet their beds at night. By the time they reach 6 years old, the figure tends to be slashed in half. Each night, about 5 to 7 million children fail to do their business in the bathroom, there are more boys who tend to wet their bed than girls.
There are different causes of nocturnal neurosis or bed wetting. But its most common causes are neurological or developmental delays and family history. Medical reasons are least common but possible causes. There are also studies showing that bed wetting can also be caused by stress. Although, stress is not the identified cause of primary neurosis or bed wetting since infancy, it could be attributed with secondary neurosis or reverting to-night time wetting.
Children have different ways and methods of adapting to changes in their social relationships and environment. The changes could be minor or major, but these changes could be stressful to kids. Stress could happen if there is an additional member of the family like a new baby. Moving to a new home, bullying, divorce, and even death could cause stress among children.
Aside from these situations which could put stress to a child, emotional neglect could also be a cause of bed wetting. If a child is neglected or lack emotional stability, nighttime accidents could happen as response to the stress and anxiety.
If you have determined that stress has caused the child to return to bed wetting, then you would be able to address the issue. Once you have identified that stress is the reason, then talk to your doctor if getting your child see a psychologist would be suitable for the situation.
However, never assume that just because your child reverted to nighttime accidents means that he is under stress. There could be incidents in school and at home but may not be the reason. It is always safer to check with a doctor first, to get rid or overrule medical reasons.
If stress is indeed the cause of bed wetting, then you could also ask help from the members of the family. The family could show the child that they are there to support him or her. Enlist everyone in the family to help in guiding the child in the evening to avoid bed wetting. Bed wetting could interfere with some social activities, however, letting your child participate in some overnight activities could actually help and encourage your child to pursue with the night-time training.
There are some experts who have pointed out that bed wetting could be a “vicious” cycle. If stress causes the child to wet the sheets, this could also cause serious stress to the parents. Stressed out parents could distress children more and even making the situation worse. There are studies showing that punishing and shaming children because of bed wetting could actually, increase nighttime accidents.
Which would eventually lead to more punishment and shaming. This could cause serious problems with the child’s confidence and self-esteem.
Moving to the nursery
When you bring your new baby home, you probably will have the urge to keep him near you at all times, especially when you (try to!) go to sleep for the night. It makes sense to have a crib or cradle in your bedroom at first, since it will minimize the distance you have to walk to handle nighttime feedings.
You can try moving the baby into his nursery for naps right from the beginning, to try to minimize any trauma or anxiety by moving him into a strange room with new smells and sights when he’s a little older. Sit with him in a rocker or glider and rock him to sleep at first, then move him into his crib.
Later, you can put him in his crib and if he’s fussy or can’t get to sleep, try sitting near the crib for a few nights until he falls asleep. Then move the chair further away for another week or so. Finally, position the chair near the door, so the baby gets used to falling asleep without being right next to you.
It will be hard in the beginning, but if you’re consistent, eventually, you’ll get your baby to the point where he can fall asleep in his own room. Start to establish a nighttime routine, so your baby knows what to expect. A nice, warm bath, followed by changing into soft clean pajamas is a good start. Even a very young baby can be read to at bedtime. You can also sing to him and just talk to him. The sound of your voice is what matters so he feels safe and secure enough to fall asleep. By starting these simple routines early, hopefully you’ll avoid trouble later on trying to move the baby into his nursery and getting him to sleep at a normal time.
How To Use A Breast Pump
Just like breast feeding, pumping is a skill that you learn. When first trying a breast pump, most mothers are only able to express a few drops of milk. With the proper practice and knowledge, the mother will be more efficient at pumping.
Preparing the breast pump
- Read all the instructions in the kit very carefully.
- Every part of the breast pump will need to be sterilized before you begin using it.
- After use, all the parts of the pump will need to be washed in warm, soapy water, then rinsed with hot water and drained on a clean towel. The plastic tubing doesn't need to be cleaned unless you get milk into it. If you do wash it, it should be hung to allow time to dry and drain thoroughly.
- If your doctor feels the need, the entire kit can be sterilized every day.
- When you first start with an electric pump, the suction level should be on the lowest possible setting.
Getting started
- Warm compresses, gentle massages of the breast and gentle nipple stimulation will help to stimulate a quick let down.
- You should always relax while doing breast massages during pumping. Some mothers prefer to close their eyes then think about nursing the baby, imagining the baby in their arms. The more relaxed a mother is, the better let down she'll have and the more milk will be dispensed.
- Your first attempts at pumping should be considered practice sessions with learning to use the breast pump as the goal, not how much milk is actually dispensed.
- When you use a hand pump, quick, short pumps at the start is stimulating and will imitate more closely the way a baby breast feeds. Once the let down occurs and milk starts to flow freely, long, steadier strokes are more effective and less tiring.
- When you learn to pump, you should practice for 5 minutes on a side at least once or twice a day. Always pick the least stressful part of your day for pumping.
Relaxing and realizing that the pump is your friend is the single most important thing that a mother can do. There are several things that a mother can do to help herself relax, such as putting a picture of the baby on the pump, playing cards or a game with friends, watching television, read books, or talk on the phone. Simply watching the collection bottle is not helpful and will probably put more stress on you than you actually need.
Smoking Significantly Increases Baby’s SIDS Risk and Makes for a Restless Night
Experts found babies whose mothers smoked during pregnancy were born with smaller airways - making them more vulnerable to breathing problems after birth. These breathing problems can put your baby at increased risk for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Smoking has been linked to various health problems in babies, including prematurity and low birth weight. Mothers who smoke are at increased risk of having a stillbirth, miscarriage or premature infant. Smoking while pregnant will lower the amount of oxygen available to you and your growing baby and increase your baby's heart rate. These health factors also contribute to raising the SIDS risk for your infant, and in your child’s decreased ability to breathe correctly or take in enough oxygen for a restful, restorative sleep at night.
Babies born to mothers who smoke are significantly lighter and shorter than those born to non smokers. Children who are exposed to tobacco smoke before birth or in the home are far more likely to suffer from respiratory illnesses and infections, which can also contribute to a decrease in quality of nighttime sleep for your baby.
The more cigarettes you or your baby’s caregiver smoke per day, the greater your baby's chances of developing these and other health problems. Studies show that a baby's risk of SIDS rises with each additional smoker in the household, with the number of cigarettes smoked a day, and with the length of exposure to cigarette smoke.
So give your baby and yourself the best chance at a restful night’s sleep and keep your home and your baby’s sleeping environment smoke-free. Your baby will thank you and you’ll sleep better knowing your baby’s risk for SIDS is greatly diminished and that your baby is breathing clean air with each breath he takes at night.





