3rd degree tear pain

alanarosee

I just gave birth to my boy 3 days ago. I had 3rd degree tearing and had to get a lot of stitches. Last night it was just the usual pain but this morning I woke up and its a really bad stinging on just one of my lips in one spot. Its hard for me to sit up or even stand. How am I supposed to take care of my baby if I can't do that? Could something be wrong with my stitches? Its still really swollen too. How can I deal with the pain?

mindaa

Only your doctor can tell you if something is wrong, so call them if the pain is getting worse and not managed by pain relievers. Did they give you a prescription for pain reliever? Are you using ice packs?

As far as baby care, DH helped me a lot, changing diapers and bringing baby to me, to minimize how much I had to get in and out of bed. Also helped to co-sleep the first few nights. If you bf, sit on a pillow or Boppy, or try side-lying nursing.

Coco118

I also had a 3rd degree tear and about a week after birth I woke up with the most horrible pain, I was actually laying in bed sobbing it was so bad. Went to the doctor as soon as they opened in the morning and sure enough it was infected. The doctor told me it was common with 3rd and 4th degree tears bc the tear opening is so close to the rectum. If it's really bad, get to the doctor! It was a very long healing process for me as the infection caused swelling which caused my stitches to burst, and I couldn't be re-stitched due to infection risk! So I had to wait for it all to heal on its own. I was also put on bed rest for 2 weeks! Pure hell.

Also I agree with the previous poster that I mostly laid in bed and husband did the diaper changes then brought her to me. He also did the bouncing and soothing when she was fussing. I hate that and still am upset that I missed out on those moments in the early days, but I literally could not walk or sit.

Grace213

I had a 2nd degree with DD and I know that first week was just hell. The peri bottle rinses, pain relieving spray, and ice pack pads were the only things that I felt helped. And barely at that. But yes, definitely talk to your doctor in case there's more going on. Hope you heal fast, mama, and congrats on the little one!

amanda605

Has anyone had to get reconstructive surgery after a 3rd degree? My dr has referred me to a specialist and it may be in my future. If you or anyone you know has had to have anything like that done I would appreciate any information. I hope you are all healing well.