All Things Post Partum

kvruns

(I don't think I saw an all inclusive thread so thought I'd start one). 

How are are things going for everyone? 
How do you feel mentally/physically/emotionally?
How is your baby? Any feeding or sleeping issues? Questions or tips ?

kristah2

Things are going alright for me! I'm tied and my back hurts and keeps going into spasms from sleeping sitting up quite a bit but I'm just so happy. There's no better feeling than walking to my baby's room with him in my arms with him asleep to put him in his crib. It makes my heart happy. 

Mentally I'm doing good most of the time. When he doesn't sleep for a long time I cry. Physically my stomach is still half numb from the section. And my back hates me. And my hands cease so bad at night I can't move them in the morning. 
My bleeding has been weird and it got worse with time. Most recently it stopped for 3 days and is now back full force. 

My baby is wonderful! He sleeps okay! Some nights/days he won't sleep anywhere but my arms. Other nights I can get about 3-5 hours in his crib! Feeding is going wonderful! 

Questions:  how do I implement pumping? I know people suggest right after morning feed.  But sometimes he still eats and then wants to eat again 20 minutes later. Will that be an issue? It will be a disaster if I can't get him milk to calm him if he wants seconds during cluster feeding. Advice? 

MrsBigTime

kristah2 said:

Questions:  how do I implement pumping? I know people suggest right after morning feed.  But sometimes he still eats and then wants to eat again 20 minutes later. Will that be an issue? It will be a disaster if I can't get him milk to calm him if he wants seconds during cluster feeding. Advice? 

In the beginning pumping is more for comfort rather than building a stash. So, in these first few weeks, just pump when a particular breast feels full and baby isn't going to nurse. I just did one breast at a time until the past few days. However, just because your boobs don't feel full doesn't mean they are "out" of milk, baby can still get a good feeding!

Now that my DD is 3 weeks old, I'm starting to incorporate a short pump session in each day. She's starting to sleep a bit more predictably, so I can try to do both breasts to build a bigger stash for when I go back to work. I had about 60 oz stored when I went back last time and I was never a stellar producer for the pump, so I'm hoping that pumping more consistently this time, I'll not only have 100+ oz stored, but I'll be able to pump more effectively when I do pump (I don't know if there is any truth to this statement - I'm just hoping there is!). 

atcwag

kvruns said:

(I don't think I saw an all inclusive thread so thought I'd start one). 

How are are things going for everyone? 
How do you feel mentally/physically/emotionally?
How is your baby? Any feeding or sleeping issues? Questions or tips ?

Things are going well. Baby was born last Wednesday, so still very new. Last night was rough - constant crying until about 2 AM, then up every hour after that. He's sleeping now, but of course our 3 y/o is up....so I am too. :0/ I would never wish my 3 y/o away, but I certainly appreciated being able to "sleep when baby sleeps" after he was born. That part does make me sad - lack of complete 1 on 1 time. 

Mentally and emotionally I'm fine. My hips are definitely really sore and feel "jammed" as all my joints, ligaments, etc. move back into position. Trying not to overdue it, but with a household to keep afloat (laundry, dishes, etc.) and a 3 y/o, it's difficult. Bleeding is manageable. Worst part is the hemorrhoids. 

Baby was an almost "too good" sleeper until last night. Nursing is going well - he latches better than my son ever did. Even so, both nipples are sore and cracked, which is frustrating. His poop is seedy yellow, but black, so he's obviously ingesting some blood from nursing. :0/ Already dealing with some plugged ducts, so that's frustrating as well. 

SandNStarsNJ

How are are things going for everyone? 
We haven't been home for 24 hours yet so I think there's still a lot to be said here, but so far we are all doing pretty well and working on adjusting to our new normal. DD was excited and then promptly grossed out this morning upon finding evidence of her brother having spit up and pooped all over his pajamas, which was a little entertaining to watch ( not clean up).

How do you feel mentally/physically/emotionally?
Emotionally, I feel great and am so thankful for that. Granted, at times, overwhelmed with where to even begin with things, but I need to slow down and sort out priorities as well as my needs and that will take time. And of course the less than consistent sleeping has me in a touch of a conundrum mentally... mommy brain gets real. Physically I am doing much better than I was after my last pregnancy (there were 20 stitches involved), but I am still a little sore and very much apprehensive about bowel movements. There's this delicateness to my downstairs that has me thinking I am going to tear all over again - I had two small lacerations this time, which is much better than last. And there's this swelling...

How is your baby? Any feeding or sleeping issues?
He's doing pretty well so far. He's a snuggler which proves challenging with sleeping because if we put him down when he's still semi-alert he cries until we pick him up, but he's getting better at it. And I'm very thankful that he has a good latch.

Questions or tips?
Question: I woke up this morning (3 days PP) with swelling in my legs, ankles, feet and hands that I have never had before. Anybody else in this situation or have a suggestion to handle it or even what's suddenly causing it? It's so crazy that everyday in the hospital they'd check for swelling and I was good to go, but the first morning I am not in the hospital, there it is.

kristah2

@SandNStarsNJ were you hooked up to an iv at all? Sounds like you're retaining a lot of fluid. 
The same thing happened to me. Started a day or two after I got home. I've never seen my ankles so big! And my feet hurt to walk or stand they were so swollen! One of my friends is a doctor and I had her come over and check me out and she said it was totally normal and I was retaining fluids. Then I double checked by talking to my cousin who is also a doctor and gave birth 4 months ago and she said she had the same thing and again normal and will go down about a week-2 later. Sure enough it did go away  

SandNStarsNJ

Thanks @kristah2. I had an IV for labor and about 10 hours after so hopefully that's the culprit!

Another question, anybody using the sitz bath regularly and with success? I disregarded it last pregnancy and am trying to do better with care this time, but it feels like a wasteful awkward 20 minutes. Thoughts?

MrsMaryK2016

@SandNStarsNJ I had the same thing and I've read that swelling is normal a few days after labor because of all the saline they give you via IV. I obviously had an IV with the c/s and my legs and feet ballooned up the day after we got home (3 days PP). Good news is that they're basically back to normal 8 days PP. 

How are are things going for everyone? 
Things are good. My husband is back to work today and my parents left this morning so I'm on my own with LO for the first time which is both a blessing and a reality check. It took me almost a full hour to shower and blow dry my hair (a process that normally takes about 20 minutes) because LO kept waking up. It will be interesting learning to adjust my schedule to accommodate the little man.

How do you feel mentally/physically/emotionally?
Breastfeeding is our biggest challenge still. My nipples HURT. I can't even face the shower head because the water hitting them makes me want to cry. Mentally and emotionally I feel pretty good. So far the only "baby blues" I've had have hit when I'm most tired or when I forget to take my pain pills. But otherwise I almost feel like myself again mentally. Physically, I'm really loving seeing my body slowly but surely go back to "normal". I braved the scale today and was pleasantly surprised to see I'm down 25 pounds already. I have no idea if this is impressive/normal/unimpressive but I'm looking on the bright side since I'm only 8 days PP. Oh and my boobs are HUGE. My sis is taking me bra shopping (ouch...) on Wednesday because sleep bras are all that fit right now. 

How is your baby? Any feeding or sleeping issues? Questions or tips ?
Baby is great! He had his second pediatrician appointment on Friday and he's already back up to birthweight. He fit in newborn size for about a week and now he's in 0-3mo so this little tank seems to be healthy and happy! 

Question: Other than lanolin, what can I use to make my nipples heal faster or hurt less? They just aren't getting a break and the idea of him latching on makes me cringe. 

SandNStarsNJ

@mrsmaryk2016 Medela hydrogel packs work pretty well for me.

hollowway

How do you feel mentally/physically/emotionally?
Feeling pretty good, although it seems like I constantly have a newborn, a 3yo or both stuck to me at all times. I feel a Bit like I'm neglecting my 3yo because DS needs so much right now and she's not getting the attention she's use to. Recovery is going well except for the hemmroids... Seriously painful. 

How is your baby?
DS is a week old today and eating, sleeping, pooping like a champ. He's quiet and doesn't really cry unless I'm changing his diaper. He also is content to sleep in his rock-n-play instead of making me hold him 24/7 like DD did. Dealing with less engorgement as my supply starts to regulate, but the leaking is so annoying, even with breast pads. 

atcwag

SandNStarsNJ said:

@mrsmaryk2016 Medela hydrogel packs work pretty well for me.

Same idea, but I swear by Lansinoh Soothies. 
You can also use coconut oil. Best is to stay topless with a little BM expressed onto your nipples. Consider breast shells (not shields) to allow nipples are circulation/exposure and avoid sticking to shirt. 

MrsBigTime

@MrsMaryK2016Question: Other than lanolin, what can I use to make my nipples heal faster or hurt less? They just aren't getting a break and the idea of him latching on makes me cringe. 

The hydrogel packs can bring comfort, for sure! I also rubbed breastmilk around my nipples after every feed and let it dry before putting my breast back in my shirt (it full-blown boob city over here!) and I think it helped a lot. I didn't have any cracking issues with my first, but with this one, her latch was very shallow in the beginning and I got some cracks and scabs. 

MrsBigTime

How are are things going for everyone? 
At 3.5 weeks out, things are going really well. However, until two nights ago I was pretty much getting 1-2 hour stretches of sleep every night, so the exhaustion was getting the best of me. Thankfully, I was able to get some rest the last few nights, but I didn't actually look at the clock, so I don't know how many hours I've gotten in a row...I'm guessing 3 is a high number DH goes back to work on Thursday, so I know there will be a bit of a readjustment curve when that happens!

How do you feel mentally/physically/emotionally?
I still get sore every few days. My MW didn't say how many stitches I received, but it was a lot and my suture line goes from nearly hole to hole, so if I overdo it (sometimes sitting the wrong way on the couch is overdoing it too because of the pressure), I notice more bleeding and some soreness. My most miserable issue, however, are my freaking hemorrhoids, and I dread passing a BM! I thought I was doing ok so I stopped taking my Colace, but after a borderline traumatic experience with my next stool, I'm back to taking it daily.
 
How is your baby? Any feeding or sleeping issues? 
Evelyn is great! Well, actually, I'm just totally crazy about her! She's pretty particular and likes to be sleeping or eating. When she is awake, she is usually wishing she was back asleep and likes to be held to sleep, which is ok at this time. I'll take a bit more crankiness during the day if she easily sleeps at night! She likes to eat a lot, but she still gets irritated with my heavy let down, but I know we'll both eventually even out. For now, I have a towel near by to let my super soakers spill into. 

Questions or tips ?
Question: how do I get this baby to take a pacifier? I've tried dipping it in milk and even went out and bought one of the fancy all natural rubber ones. I'm just weirded out that she doesn't take a binkie and I do think that she would like one...maybe some babies just really don't like them???

atcwag

MrsBigTime said:

Questions or tips ?
Question: how do I get this baby to take a pacifier? I've tried dipping it in milk and even went out and bought one of the fancy all natural rubber ones. I'm just weirded out that she doesn't take a binkie and I do think that she would like one...maybe some babies just really don't like them???

Some babies truly won't take them. Have you tried different shapes? Is there a particular reason you want her to use one?

MrsMaryK2016

Questions or tips ?
Question: how do I get this baby to take a pacifier? I've tried dipping it in milk and even went out and bought one of the fancy all natural rubber ones. I'm just weirded out that she doesn't take a binkie and I do think that she would like one...maybe some babies just really don't like them???

I have a friend who dips hers in ice water first before giving it to her son. I think something about it being a different temperature gets his attention. 

kvruns

So I started this thread but haven't had time to participate! 

Baby is ok, he doesn't sleep unless held. We've tried a rock n play and it seems to give a little reprieve but that's usually during the day. It isn't the magic item other friends had bc he fussed in it still. Nighttime is on our chest or nothing. In my case nothing bc he doesn't like laying with me only H. This kid doesn't have his mommy bonding like he did in the hospital. I'm glad H calms him but it's tough that I'm not much comfort 

Im mentally/emotionally not so good. The crying started in the hospital from exhaustion and carried over to being home. Sometimes it's tired crying, sometimes sadness (rational or not), a few times happiness but usually just feeling overwhelmed. H is doing awesome dealing with me and everything but when the baby cries a ton especially at night he gets mad and his demeanor gets bad which scares me sometimes. I don't think he'd do anything it just is hard to see him so mad as it relates to the baby. 

Physically still feel some incision pain and I swear I have a huge pooch around the incision that I hope goes away 

kristah2

@MrsBigTime I had to try baby with a different pacifiers and it took time. I finally got him to take the soothie one but that was after trying here and thrrr for a couple weeks. Even now he doesn't like it long. Which is probably good because he's not dependant on it. But I wanted it to curb some of his hand/thumb sucking. 
Try a few times a day with a few different ones. And keep in mind they may get frustrated because of t falling out so try holding it there for a while  

arcticseal-2

kvruns said:

(I don't think I saw an all inclusive thread so thought I'd start one). 

How are are things going for everyone? 
How do you feel mentally/physically/emotionally?
How is your baby? Any feeding or sleeping issues? Questions or tips ?

We're three weeks out and having 3 has been lots of fun.   Of course, sleep is a bit sketchy but that's newborn life.   

I have a dry cough and cold that I am trying to fight along with getting sketchy sleep...  BUT my husband is off through Christmas so he's been really helpful through the nights.

Baby might, but hopefully doesn't, have my cold thing.  Nursing is going pretty well.  We're trying to get her to sleep in her playpen at night and most nights, when she sleeps, she does.  BUT, last night she slept in the swing (for the 1st time) and is now sleeping in her bouncy chair...   We're being a bit flexible.   Mom and Dad are more sane when they can get a bit more sleep.

My tip is don't carry your 40ish lb oldest kid across the room at almost 3 weeks post partum...   There's a reason they say not to exercise for 6 weeks.  I bled a bit of bright red blood (that had virtually stopped) and my hips were hurting that day.

SandNStarsNJ

@kvruns I'm sorry to hear you are battling so many challenging emotions. I hope you will consider talking to someone if they continue/escalate. Sending weird creepy internet hugs.

PrettyPalomino

FTM, baby is 1 week old today!

We seem to have an angel baby on our hands (baby whisperer reference), I BF on demand but she put herself on a 3 hour schedule from day 1, and even better every 3.5-4 hours at night, sleeping in between feeds. So we've gotten 7-8 hours of sleep every night! Not consecutive, but it doesn't matter, we feel very rested.

She's very fair, gives us a lot of gentle whining before a cry, and hasn't had a total freakout yet. Burps quickly and doesn't spit up, goes through a ton of diapers a day.

I'm healing great from the planned CS, I thought there would be a scab before a scar but it seems to have gone straight to scar, and it hasn't torn or anything. The insides around there are a bit sensitive to core movements but otherwise I forget about it. 

My nipples are in good shape too, they felt a bit chapped on day 2-3 but the medela tender care keeps them hydrated and they don't hurt. The engorgement didn't hurt either, just was frustrating for latch purposes but pumping for a minute or two solved that. Literally in 1 minute of pumping I get 1 ounce of milk so I'm thinking I might have an oversupply but not sure if that's good or bad.

Emotionally I feel normal, a couple mild bouts of anxiety (when DH left the house) but otherwise optimistic and happy.

I'm struggling with the role of mother in general. Apart from feeding/changing/burping, I'm not sure what to do with her! Do I hold her while she sleeps between feeds? Am I a bad mom if I put her down? How can I interact with her when she's awake and aware apart from cooing at her on the couch? I just feel like she's a little machine who doesn't really need much from me... very strange sensation! I thought I was going to be in over my head, instead I'm twiddling my thumbs or doing laundry/dishes/cleaning... it's weird...

atcwag

PrettyPalomino said:

FTM, baby is 1 week old today!

We seem to have an angel baby on our hands (baby whisperer reference), I BF on demand but she put herself on a 3 hour schedule from day 1, and even better every 3.5-4 hours at night, sleeping in between feeds. So we've gotten 7-8 hours of sleep every night! Not consecutive, but it doesn't matter, we feel very rested.

She's very fair, gives us a lot of gentle whining before a cry, and hasn't had a total freakout yet. Burps quickly and doesn't spit up, goes through a ton of diapers a day.

I'm healing great from the planned CS, I thought there would be a scab before a scar but it seems to have gone straight to scar, and it hasn't torn or anything. The insides around there are a bit sensitive to core movements but otherwise I forget about it. 

My nipples are in good shape too, they felt a bit chapped on day 2-3 but the medela tender care keeps them hydrated and they don't hurt. The engorgement didn't hurt either, just was frustrating for latch purposes but pumping for a minute or two solved that. Literally in 1 minute of pumping I get 1 ounce of milk so I'm thinking I might have an oversupply but not sure if that's good or bad.

Emotionally I feel normal, a couple mild bouts of anxiety (when DH left the house) but otherwise optimistic and happy.

I'm struggling with the role of mother in general. Apart from feeding/changing/burping, I'm not sure what to do with her! Do I hold her while she sleeps between feeds? Am I a bad mom if I put her down? How can I interact with her when she's awake and aware apart from cooing at her on the couch? I just feel like she's a little machine who doesn't really need much from me... very strange sensation! I thought I was going to be in over my head, instead I'm twiddling my thumbs or doing laundry/dishes/cleaning... it's weird...

I miss those days desperately!  I'm having such a hard time being mommy to my 3 y/o without feeling like I'm neglecting new baby. I miss being able to spend complete 1:1 interrupted time. 

arcticseal-2

PrettyPalomino said:

I'm struggling with the role of mother in general. Apart from feeding/changing/burping, I'm not sure what to do with her! Do I hold her while she sleeps between feeds? Am I a bad mom if I put her down? How can I interact with her when she's awake and aware apart from cooing at her on the couch? I just feel like she's a little machine who doesn't really need much from me... very strange sensation! I thought I was going to be in over my head, instead I'm twiddling my thumbs or doing laundry/dishes/cleaning... it's weird...

The above was me with my first and I was surprised at how much time I had as well.   It does change and they are awake more often.  Enjoy the whole thing - the baby staying where you put her, the nursing and feeding, the sleeping (or not!), the  burping, the showing off, the cute itty bitty outfits, the ton of photos of almost the same expression, the staying at home, etc.!  

As a 3rd time Mom, I would say try and enjoy this newborn stage and spend some of the time just looking at them...   A friend sits and leans on the couch with her legs up (so you're sort of in a V-type posititon) and rests baby on her legs and I've done it occasionally as well.   It's a good interaction with baby position.   It's cliche, but the newborn phase is short!  

That being all wrote my baby is playing wide awake while I am on the computer so....

hollowway

@atcwag I'm having the same issue. I feel like I'm constantly neglecting one of them... Either my 3yo DD or newborn DS. I feel horrible either way and hope I can find some kind of balance once we're more adjusted to the new baby.

SandNStarsNJ

MaMaBear1323 said:

@atcwag I'm having the same issue. I feel like I'm constantly neglecting one of them... Either my 3yo DD or newborn DS. I feel horrible either way and hope I can find some kind of balance once we're more adjusted to the new baby.

Same here. DH is doing a great job with DD and she's pretty good about all these sudden changes, but there are these moments where she seems sad or at least uncomfortable with the changes - that change being that she has done just about everything with me for the last 2.5 years and now I can't. 

Would guys us mind if we started some individual threads related to postpartum stuff? Like breastfeeding or recovery or baby development?

MrsMaryK2016

@SandNStarsNJ Yes! I've been wanting a separate breastfeeding page and development would be super helpful. 

SandNStarsNJ

I'm on it, @mrsmaryk2016! 

But it before that: DS umbilical cord just fell/pulled off at 5 days old and I'm kind of freaking out. The doctor says if it's not bleeding and there isn't an odor we're okay, but now I feel like there's an odor but I'm not really sure. Anyone have this happen and have reassurance?

fitlady21

@SandNStarsNJ

*lurking from october*

My baby's cord fell off at 6 days so I think it's pretty normal. There was never a smell but there would be dried blood on it for a couple days afterwards. My pediatrician said it was normal. 

MrsMaryK2016

LO's fell off yesterday at 9 days PP. Obviously your LO is an overachiever but if you're concerned then call the pediatrician. I would personally guess that if something was wrong it would be a strong, distinct odor but I could be wrong. 

SandNStarsNJ

Thanks @fitlady21! And thanks for the laugh @MrsMaryK2016!

tigerfish227

@SandNStarsNJ V's cord feel off the last night we were in the hospital(2.5 days pp). They told me just to make sure it wasn't actively bleeding and didn't smell. It had some bleeding just from being rubbed by the diaper and/or clothes but not anything concerning. I was really shocked that it came off that fast but everything seems fine now.

kvruns

Anyone else with a C section have pain come back? I've been feeling decent and then have had pain when sitting down a couple times today and bending over. I don't feel like I did anything to overexert myself today

kristah2

@kvruns sometimes yes! It gets sore occasionally. Even if I'm up on the go too long it feels a bit sore. Last couple nights in one corner it feels like a muscle cramp. Super weird. 
I think it's normal to be sore sometimes. It's never been too bad though so I've just taken a Tylenol and it's done the trick. 

mrsmoose5

How do you feel mentally/physically/emotionally?
I'm 4 weeks postpartum and physically I feel pretty good. I had an RCS and at this point I sometimes still feel a little sore, but usually only if I really exert myself. I've been picking up DS a few times a day now and carrying him a little, but am still being careful not to overdo it.

Emotionally, I've been pretty good, but today is a bad day. I literally got less than 2 hours of sleep last night and am now looking at a full day ahead with my 2 under 2. I feel like as long as I can get some sleep, I feel pretty good emotionally, but when I don't my mood and mental state take a major turn for the worse. Right now I just feel sad, inadequate, stressed, guilty about everything related to motherhood, and like I just want to curl up in a ball and cry. I feel so guilty that DS and I have been spending the majority of our days inside. We used to be so active all the time — going to different parks, running errands, going on playdates, etc. — and now I'm lucky if I can even get him in our backyard for 30 minutes. It seriously bums me out, and he hates it too. I've been trying to wear DD in the solly wrap as much as I can, but it's still so cold outside right now I don't really want her out there even wrapped up. Any time I get quality time with one, I feel like I'm totally neglecting the other. There have been days where I just have to leave her to cry hysterically so I can make his lunch or put him down for a nap and it just breaks my heart.

How is your baby? Any feeding or sleeping issues? Questions or tips ?
She is good, much more high-maintenance than DS was — as in, she doesn't want to be put down, ever, even for a minute. That's ok, but sometimes I have to put her down to tend to DS :-/. I have over-active letdown and an overabundant milk supply, which has caused some feeding issues but it seems to be getting better now. Her sleep is hit or miss, nothing about it is really consistent yet.

ashleymercado88

I've had to pump 95% of the time since Sofia isn't latching on (because of possible tongue tie?? or she's just stubborn). Wasn't anticipating anything like this, so I've had to resign myself to the fact I might be doing this until she's one year old or milk runs out (more likely) and be okay with it. On the other hand, my freezer stash is looking great: 90+ ounces and she's 12 days old!!

anne11716

My little babe is 6 1/2 weeks old and it feels like  forever ago that he was on the Billy light at home for his jaundice and we were worried about him gaining weight. He's now almost 10 lbs, still tiny, but doing great. He recently started pooping every other or every third day which is weird because before it was after every  feeding. He's mainly  getting breast milk either from a bottle or from me, but occasionally I will supplement.

The hardest part has been the lack of sleep. I mean, I have been tired before but nothing like this! We usually get one for our stretch and then after that it's every two hours.  When it takes an hour to feed him, that makes for one exhausted mama! I feel terrible because my patience is so short with lack of sleep my poor husband is trying so hard to help and I am not the most pleasant to be around right now. I'm looking forward to getting into more of a routine now that he's more awake during the day. I'm trying to get my confidence up even  to run to target or the grocery store with him, I found that it helps to get out and about during the day but it makes me so nervous!! My husband is also ready to get out sec life back and so am I but I'm so tired and very nervous!! 

 I stopped bleeding right around 4 weeks and have felt great since. I have my doctors appointment on Monday I'm looking forward to getting back to the gym, whenever that might be. I can't even imagine that right now! 

SandNStarsNJ

So I went for a walk with my one week old today and am bleeding ferociously. Lesson learned: do. not. push. it. 

kvruns

SandNStarsNJ said:

So I went for a walk with my one week old today and am bleeding ferociously. Lesson learned: do. not. push. it. 

That stinks! I've taken 2 short walks and always have discomfort later that evening so annoying 

kvruns

What are you planning for birth control? I've always taken the pill but my Dr (well the one who delivered and did my last prenatal appt) is really pushing an IUD. I've always just done the pill and never had a problem and I could take the mini pill while breastfeeding but the docs keep saying IuD is the best. I'm afraid of the spotting and other side affects some people have. I used to take continuous bc via pills and had terrible spotting so I'm nervous 

PrettyPalomino

RE: birth control, I really wanted to stay off of it until we are done having kids, especially since I learned so much about my body in TTC. Only one problem: no period to track while BFing! So I guess maybe I'll have to bite the bullet and go back on the pill... unless there's a way to track your ovulation while BFing? I was temping and using OPKs before but I'm sure my hormones will be all over the map?

jsmai

Anyone else have any 2nd degree tears from delivery? I'm a week pp and my stitches are driving me up a wall,  especially since I spend so much of the day sitting and feeding.  I'm sitting on a boppys to try to relieve some of the discomfort.  

What are you doing to heal?

SandNStarsNJ

jsmai said:

Anyone else have any 2nd degree tears from delivery? I'm a week pp and my stitches are driving me up a wall,  especially since I spend so much of the day sitting and feeding.  I'm sitting on a boppys to try to relieve some of the discomfort.  

What are you doing to heal?

Yes. This time an occasional sitz bath, some TUCKS pads, and a little dermaplast is really helping, but my last pregnancy I had so many tears that it took 2 months to heal and required going to the OB to have scar tissue cauterize twice. TUCKS were the only thing that brought relief for me there. And sitting on really soft cushions. 

Hope you start healing faster.