When Comedy Fails

I tried to be funny over the weekend. I thought I’d come up with some comedic gold and couldn’t wait to share it with the world. After some thought, I carefully crafted my post, hit publish… and almost immediately fell flat on my face as several well-meaning people replied with advice and cures for my ailment.

What was the post, you ask?

“Ok, I have to get this off my chest. I’ve seen so many memes and quotes lately about how a woman’s back is never the same after childbirth. But why isn’t anyone talking about the bladder control? Welcome to the undead pelvic floor club. 🧟‍♀️💦”

The tone of my post obviously got lost in translation because it came with replies suggesting physiotherapy, Pilates and, wait for it, Beckenboden Rückbildungskurse. I can’t even pronounce that. I Googled it, and all the pages were in German. I ran to check my passport. Unfortunately, it’s expired, probably making me ineligible for Beckenboden Rückbildungskurse.

Since I started my own quote page, Mr Algorithm has decided I want to see parenting quotes, and lots of them. First of all, they’re all starting to sound a little unimaginative and tedious. One of these pages must be selling an e-book on how to start a quote page, and I’m guessing it comes with the “Generic Parenting Quote Starter Pack.” Simply copy and paste and you’re good to go.

Anyway, I’d seen the same quote several times about how your back is never the same again after childbirth. Every time I saw this quote, my mind went straight to, “Why isn’t anyone talking about the bladder function?” So, I took it upon myself to share my thoughts with the world.

A post like mine can be a call for solidarity. Sometimes it’s nice to receive a funny comment back from someone else who feels the same way, so you know you’re not alone in this chaotic ride of motherhood. Parenting can be tough, beautiful, and weird all at the same time, but does it always have to be so serious?

One thing I love about the mum community is everyone is so supportive and helpful, even mums you don’t know. So, I am very grateful for the advice. No one even offered to sell me something this time!

Postpartum recovery can be tough on a woman’s body and mind. You miss your old life, but you love your new life. Sometimes, this can feel very confusing. Your back hurts in places it didn’t before. Things are saggy. You have new stretch marks in weird places. And sometimes, just sometimes, you have to cross your legs when you sneeze. All of this can make a woman feel a little lost and often wondering if they’ll ever feel normal again.

Making fun of a situation can be a coping mechanism. I don’t want to take life seriously all the time, after all. Sometimes the cure for your minor problem is physio and Pilates, but today I just need jokes and sarcasm.

So no, I (probably) don’t need a doctor recommendation. I definitely don’t want to do exercises. I just want to have a laugh about it… while crossing my legs, of course.

Next time, I might need to add a disclaimer to my posts:

Warning: I’m about to make a joke about motherhood. I’m trying to be funny. No advice or doctor’s referrals needed. And please don’t try to sell me ANYTHING!

So, how am I dealing with all this? I’m fighting back with comedy, and I now have a new quote idea for my quote page.