Incontinence after First Vaginal Birth - help?

[luminesce]

I'm 8 months PP and having some incontinence issues. This was my first baby. I had what I thought was a pretty normal and natural labor at a freestanding birth center, though I do think the baby was probably delivered fast. I was encouraged to push hard - and at the time I really wanted the baby out - so I did. I labored for about 12 hours and pushed about 3-4 times over 13 minutes.
I want to have another baby and now am suddenly afraid that if I do I will progress to full blown incontinence (or maybe even if I don't!)

I *really* don't want to have a c-section. I was so into doing things naturally with my first baby that I didn't even really want ultrasounds done! I can't imagine having surgery. What I really want to know is - is it possible to have another baby vaginally and protect whatever I've injured from further damage? At this point, from what I've read, I'd guess that at least part of my problem is that I have nerve damage from pressure in labor, since I didn't have any tears, etc.

I'm thinking of scheduling an appointment with someone but I'm not sure who I need to see. Any advice or experiences?

[kltroy]

I would talk to a doc who specializes in Uro-Gynecology - you can probably get a referral from your MW or an OB. This would be an OB/GYN who has done an extra fellowship in dealing with damage to the pelvic floor and other birth-related and urinary tract injuries. It's possible that you may have some nerve damage and/or a minor fistula (?) that could be causing your problem - they would be able to help you figure out what the problem is. It may be something as simple as physical therapy (this frequently works for urinary incontinence, but I don't know about fecal). Good luck - I'm so sorry you're having this problem - sounds miserable.