“A Woman at Church Asked When My Baby Was Due. I'm 49.”
One question at church left me crying in my car. Six weeks later, I wore that same black dress without worrying about my stomach. Here's what my godmother told me to try.
Earlier that day, before the bloating
After the comment
I was leaving the afternoon church service when a woman I'd known for years stopped me. I'd felt comfortable in my dress that morning, but after lunch the bloating had returned. She glanced at my stomach and smiled.
Her: “Oh, how wonderful! When are you due?”
Me: “Sorry?”
Her: “The baby! How far along are you?”
I froze. There was no baby. I was 49. I'd felt fine that morning, but by the afternoon my stomach had swollen again. She apologised. I smiled and said it was fine. Then I walked to my car and cried.
My husband asked how church had been. “Fine,” I said. Then I went upstairs and changed into the loosest trousers I owned.
“My GP Said It Could Be Menopause.”
I went to my GP about the bloating. She said a decline in estrogen could be playing a part and suggested some changes.
I already had the hot flashes, night sweats and mood swings. But I never thought looking six months pregnant by dinner would be part of menopause too.
Comfortable in the morning
Uncomfortable by evening
Restaurant dinners became stressful. I stopped wearing dresses I loved. Even family gatherings made me nervous. I never knew when the bloating would start.
“Have You Tried Cutting Out Bread?”
My GP suggested keeping a food diary and cutting back on foods that might "trigger" me. So I tried bread, dairy, gluten. Smaller meals. Peppermint tea. I did everything she suggested.It still came back.
Some days I thought it was finally working. Then the bloating came back. I was so tired of being careful about every little thing I ate.
My daughter: “Mum, why don't you wear the black dress? It looked great this morning.”
Me: “My stomach's so bloated I can barely fit into it anymore.”
My daughter: “But it fitted a few hours ago.”
That's when I decided to call my godmother. She has a master's in human digestion, and I knew she'd take me seriously.
She handed me two books about gut health. I started reading that night.
“Maybe It's Not Just What You're Eating.”
Chapter 1: I learned about something called gut hypersensitivity. Basically, your gut can be extra sensitive to normal gas and stretching.
Gut hypersensitivity
When gut nerves become overly sensitive, even normal gas and stretching can trigger painful tightness after eating.
An overly sensitive gut can make ordinary digestion feel painful.
Illustrative explanation of digestive sensitivity
I read that page twice. Maybe it wasn't just the food. Maybe my gut was reacting more strongly to it.
“Then I Got to Chapter 3.”
The gut microbiome. Trillions of bacteria live in our digestive system. Some break down food and produce gas. Suddenly, I was starting to get it.
The gut microbiome
Gut bacteria ferment parts of our food, releasing gas. That extra pressure can be especially uncomfortable when the gut is sensitive.
I called my godmother again. We talked about the things I'd read: gas made during digestion and how sensitive my gut was to it.
"Your gut has been paying the bill"
The books helped me understand why eating could feel so uncomfortable.
Sensitive gut nerves can turn normal pressure and stretching into painful tightness.
Gut bacteria break down food and produce gas. A sensitive gut can make that pressure feel worse.
"Take the two gummies every morning"
She asked if I'd ever tried a probiotic. I hadn't really thought about them before. That's when she showed me Léora.
My godmother pointed at the label. “Look at the CFU, the probiotic species and the prebiotics. It's the whole formula that matters.”
Three parts, three jobs
Not 1 billion, not 2 billion. The more the better, but that's not all...
It's about choosing the bacteria for your gut.
FOS + inulin help nourish your "good" bacteria.
So I started taking Léora Women's Probiotic Gummies. Two gummies with breakfast. Simple.
“Two Gummies With Breakfast. That Was It.”
No powders. No more shelves of half-used bottles. I left the pouch next to my morning mug and stuck to it.
Six Weeks Later, A Very Different Sunday
At first, it was just easier afternoons. Then I noticed I wasn't planning every outing around my stomach.
The routine begins
Meals feel easier
Back in my black dress
THAT SUNDAY
SIX WEEKS LATER
Léora Women's Probiotic Gummies
5 Billion CFU + Prebiotic Support
“Six Weeks Later, I Walked Back Into That Church.”
Same church. Same black dress. But I wasn't checking my stomach every five minutes.
After the service, I stayed and chatted. For once, my stomach wasn't the only thing on my mind.
Meet Léora Women's Probiotic Gummies
A convenient daily probiotic gummy with 5 billion CFU and prebiotic support.
Real Women, Real Results
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 5 billion CFU mean?
CFU stands for colony-forming units, a measure of viable microorganisms. A higher number alone doesn't guarantee better results.
What's the difference between probiotics and prebiotics?
Probiotics are live microorganisms that can confer a health benefit when administered in adequate amounts. Prebiotics are substrates selectively used by microorganisms that confer a health benefit.
Do probiotics cure bloating?
Probiotics aren't a guaranteed cure for bloating. Evidence depends on the strain, dose and condition. Persistent symptoms should be discussed with a healthcare professional.
Where can I find the full ingredients?
Visit Léora's product page for the current ingredient list, serving directions and product details.
Advertising disclosure: This is a paid advertorial produced for Léora by the Daily Women's Health editorial team. It is an advertisement, not an independent news article, blog or consumer protection update.
Story disclosure: This illustrative story, including conversations with the GP and godmother, is fictionalised and is not a verified testimonial or medical endorsement.
Customer reviews: Any customer ratings or testimonials displayed should be verified against Léora's official product page.
Research: Information about gut hypersensitivity, the gut microbiome, probiotics and prebiotics is based on general scientific understanding.
Health disclaimer: Léora Women's Probiotic Gummies is a dietary supplement, not a treatment for diagnosed digestive conditions. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease and is not a weight-loss product.