Tackling bedwetting these holidays

In our latest myth series, we’ve sought to bust some of the common myths surrounding bedwetting, revealing that bedwetting beyond the age of five is more common than you might think, that kids can’t control when they wet the bed, and that in some cases bedwetting is hereditary.

In our next series, all about the holiday break, we are exploring why now is a good time to start the process of stopping bedwetting and tips for managing your kid’s sleepovers, and helping them to transition into their own bed. These articles will be available soon.

In the meantime, where do you turn for support?

A good place to start is to chat with your doctor or seek further assistance from other healthcare professionals who specialise in childhood incontinence. They can help determine the best options for you and your child, and provide you with resources to assist you both. To help kick off these conversations, we have created a checklist to help guide your discussions with your doctor.

In addition to this, The Continence Foundation of Australia has a range of resources available including:

Factsheets: A wide range of information resources available to view online or order in hard copy. All free of change including postage and delivery.

Helpline: A free telephone service (1800 33 00 66) staffed by continence nurse advisors who can provide you with information and advice any time from 8am – 8pm (AEST) Monday to Friday.

Toolkits: A range of kits / resources including the Toilet Tactics Kit and KidsMatter program designed to help families, healthcare professionals and schools raise awareness of healthy bladder habits and support children’s mental health and wellbeing.

Visit www.continence.org.au for further information.

We look forward to sharing more information with you soon via www.treatbedwetting.com.au

References:

1. Bedwetting Institute. 2016. Available online: http://bedwettinginstitute.com.au/fact-sheet/ (Last accessed 19 Sept 2016)
2. Caldwell P et al. MJA 2005; 182:190-195.
3. Bedwetting.co.uk. 2009. Available online: http://www.bedwetting.co.uk/ (Last accessed 21 Sept 2016)
4. Fritz, G. et al. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2004;43:1540–1550. doi: 10.1097/01.chi.0000142196.41215.cc
5. Continence Foundation of Australia. Our resources. Available online: http://www.continence.org.au/resources.php (Last accessed 28 Nov 2016)
6. Continence Foundation of Australia. Continence Helpline. Available online: http://www.continence.org.au/pages/national-continence-helpline.html (Last accessed 28 Nov 2016)
7. Continence Foundation of Australia. Primary school kit. Available online: http://www.continence.org.au/pages/healthy-bladder-and-bowel-habits-in-schools.html (Last accessed 28 Nov 2016)