A birthday trip to Paris was meant to be a chance for Ashley James and her partner, Tommy Andrews, to enjoy a Céline Dion concert. Instead, an item left behind on the Eurostar brought a private challenge into the middle of their weekend.
James realised she had forgotten her wash bag, which contained the incontinence pads she uses. Andrews went out to find replacements and returned with incontinence pants. James later shared what happened on Instagram, explaining that the experience felt humbling despite the excitement of the trip.
For James, it was more than an awkward travel mishap. It was a reminder that she still lives with complications from giving birth to her son in 2021.
A Birth Injury That Still Affects Daily Life
James has previously spoken about experiencing incontinence after childbirth. In her Paris post, she gave followers a glimpse of what managing it can look like away from home: a missing bag, an urgent shopping trip, and the uncomfortable feeling that an ordinary necessity might be something to hide.
She praised Andrews for helping without making her feel embarrassed. But she also made a wider point. Women should be able to expect care and understanding when dealing with birth injuries, she said, rather than feeling that their bodies have somehow failed them.
Her post prompted messages from other women who recognised the experience. James said hearing from them helped reinforce that there is no shame in talking about incontinence, even if it remains a subject many people find difficult to raise.
Her Message After the Weekend
James said she is still doing pelvic floor exercises and has put off surgery. She also made clear that the condition will not stop her from making plans or enjoying moments such as the concert in Paris.
The trip ended on a lighter note when she recovered her wash bag. What stayed with her, though, was the response to her story. By sharing one inconvenient moment honestly, she opened up a conversation about the lasting effects of childbirth and the support women need long after they leave the delivery room.