How long does it take to recover after birth?

MrsEWellman · December 2011

Hello ladies! I feel like with each passing week I'm feeling more and more anxious about giving birth...but even more so anxious about what it's going to be like after birth. A good friend of mine had horrible tearing during her birth a few months ago, and it took awhile for her to recover. Honestly, I'm really worried about the pain I'll be in after I get home and how I'll handle it. I'm a FTM and have no frame of reference for that kind of pain, and I feel like all the birth stories and everything just gloss over that stuff. I want the gritty, gross, horrible details- can anyone tell me what's really going to be like after labor?

wallace101610 · December 2011

Tons of bleeding, but not tons of pain. It is sore, and it is uncomfortable, but really not THAT bad. I was sooo worried, and surprised that it didn't really hurt to pee at the hospital. BUT I am 5 weeks PP and still bleeding, and it is still pretty painful to poop. I had 1 stich, so I guess my tearing wasnt bad (I was never told a degree). I used the dermoplast spray and tucks pads for about 2 weeks. I put three tucks pads across the pad at the hospital so it cover the entire area down there, it helped a lot I think.

Don't worry!

Helix07 · December 2011

Honestly, you just deal with it. I am not going to lie. After my DD recovery was awful. It was probably a good 4-5 weeks before I was not sore. I was not cleared for activity until 8 weeks instead of the regular 6. Severe 4th degree tears.

DS was total opposite. I was fine within a few days. cleared at 6wk PP checkup. No tearing.

There is nothing you can do about it and trust me it is all worth it once you have your LO in your arms. Also, don't be afraid to take the drugs they offer and get the prescription!

lageorgiapaperie · December 2011

The recovery was what I was most anxious about too. I won't sugar coat it... it's not fun!!

I was paranoid about the pad situation, I've been known to wear a pad and tampon to ensure I don't leak. Obviously you can't wear tampons so I found myself changing pads quite often the first week and a half. My bleeding started to subside after that. It didn't completely go away until DS was a little over 4 weeks old.

I fortunately didn't get any hemoriods, but BMs are still kind of uncomfortable over a month later. I was absolutely terrified of going the first time, but they give you stool softeners so that did help.

Peeing also made me a bit uneasy at first. I was on mag sulfate so I had to get a catheter, and the build up to them taking it out was awful, I just wanted it left it so I didn't have to deal with it! I thought it was going to burn, but it really didn't. The peri bottle helped (make sure it's warm water!), but I was able to use TP as well.

There definitely is pain afterwards, but you'll get some pain meds to help deal with it. While the actual act of peeing didn't hurt, just sitting on the toilet was a little painful. Keeping the pad on seemed to keep it from hurting so much, so I always tried to keep bathroom trips short!

I'm pretty much all healed up down there, but I just feel "different." It's hard to describe! Kegels definitely feel strange, like I'm using different muscles or something, IDK. I did have a 2nd degree tear so I'm guessing that's why.

I hope I didn't scare you too much! I can honestly say I would do it all again because the reward is so great!!

gina2433 · December 2011

For me it was mostly the thought of what had happened. I had done discomfort not slot of pain. I had one stitch (1st degree) what hurt mostly was the hemmis. Those burned. Lots if bleeding I was just as scared as you are. More so about after birth than the actually delivery. And I did natural

frenchc1 · December 2011

I had a 3rd degree tear after giving birth and it was a very painful recovery. But the doctor who delivered my baby didn't write a strong enough pain medicine. I saw my OB about a week after delivery and he said it was half of what they should have given me. After I took the stronger doses and got better rest my recovery went much smoother. Also they're not kidding when they tell you to take it easy. My husband couldn't get time off from school and work so I was over exerting myself. My advice is to take it easy and let people help when they offer and you'll be just fine : )

honeybee #1 · December 2011

I've only done this once, but I tore my labia very badly and had a hemhroid and it hurt to sit, hurt to stnd up (and took forever too), was impossible to get comfortable, stung when I peed and I bled badly for the first two weeks and it has tapered off since then. I had to use witch hazel pads to pat myself dry and a numbing cream until two weeks pp. I made the mistake of going grocery shopping at two weeks and it felt just like it did when I left the hospital all over again.

I think the worst part of it was emotional. Between my state and trying to learn to care for an infant, I felt completely helpless. It took a day to stand up on my own, and a week to stand holding the baby, so unless I had someone to take her from me, I was stuck wherever I was sitting. She nursed almost constantly, so anything out of my reach may as well have been on the other side of the world. I had to ask for everything, meals, drinks, etc. It may have been the longest week of my life. But it did go by and I did get to spend my time with my baby girl and I think you will be a lot better off for asking rather than assuming like I did that it wouldn't be that bad.

wcmama · December 2011

I went natural and felt fine within a few days. My PP bleeding was similar to a heavy period, nothing more. I really didn't have much pain despite some tearing. I didn't even take the meds they gave me. I'm usually a big baby about stuff, not tough at all. Everyone is different, but you'll be fine. Just remember, lots of women choose to do this more than once so it can't be that bad! Good luck!

hwalker2412 · December 2011

I was kind of like you when I had my LO I had no idea what to expect. Here are a few things I can remember.

1. Your going to bleed, alot. Try not to look at the bed or anything whenever you get up to take a shower after you have given birth.

2. Your going to be sore, almost like you have been boxing all day long. The next day you will be even more sore. Take asprin or whatever they will give you, do not wait until it has worn off to ask for more.

3. Once your home you won't be in as much pain as you were when you delievered. Keep taking your pain medication or OTC meds to help with the pain.

4. Use tucks and dermaplast as much as you need to, it will be your friend.

I tore, 2nd degree tear and it hurt. You will be so swept up in your new baby and taking care of him or her that you will not be thinking about the pain your in. Oh, and nap when they nap. You will be worn out, and do not be ashamed to ask for help.

Hope your delivery goes smooth!

LadyMadrid08 · December 2011

It is really different for everyone. I had a vaginal birt no tearing and by two weeks pp I already felt fime unless I spent too much time on my feet. The first day after every time I peed it felt like a bad uti and my tailbone was killing me for the first week. Really though my recovery was a walk in the park compared to many ladies. I was even cleared for sex a momth pp and did it asap. I expectd it to hurt but it didn't and I even orgasmed that first time. So...it's not all that terrible for everyone.

smilelari · December 2011

It's different for everyone. Both times I had a second degree tear. First time I took ibuprofen for a couple days. Second time I didn't need any pain medication. It's a bit messy with the leaking boobs, but not really painful

HisKonstantine · December 2011

I had a ridiculously easy recovery. Besides the fact that I was bleeding like a really heavy period, I felt amazing. I didn't tear and had very little pain. I actually felt fantastic to not be pregnant anymore.

I'm 17 days post-partum and still have very very light bleeding. It's more like spotting really. Just need a very thin pad or pantyliner. I'm also 26 pounds lighter. Smile But if someone had told me having a baby would be this easy, I never would have believed them.

Cherryblossoms07 · December 2011

It depends on the type of birth. With DD I had an unmedicated, natural birth. I was back to doing everything I was doing before within 3 days. No pain, but a little bleeding. With DS I had an emergency c-section. It has been 3 days now and I am still in a lot of pain. I am on driving and lifting restrictions for at least 2 weeks. I am still on high dose Motrin and Oxycodone. I don't see myself getting back to my normal routine for quite some time yet.

JKTTC1 · December 2011

FTM here...didnt' know what to expect!

Water broke own its own at 6:45am. Luckily I was already in the hospital due to high blood pressure. I was admitted the day before. I was moved into a delivery room. I took a shower and got to shave my legs About an hour later, the contractions started very hard so I opted for the epidural. All day I progressed about 1cm per hour. I was on oxygen all day due to the babies heart rate.

I didn't sleep during the day due to family members and visitors. I DO recommend kicking everyone out, turn out the lights, and sleep while you can. You will need all your energy for pushing.

6:45pm-I was dilated to a 9 but I felt the urge to push. Started pushing and was old the head was right there. Well something went terribly wrong. I pushed and pushed. Nothing but pooping on the table and I got really sick and was throwing up. My MIL has watch 3 vag deliveries from her daughter but left the room several times throwing up and passing out from watching this BAD delivery I had. The baby was stuck. Finally after I was completely delusional, 3rd degree episiotomy and the doctor using the vac, LO arrived. His APGAR score was a 3 so he needed lots of help, no skin to skin or breastfeeding, and straight to the nursery for oxygen for several hours. We didn't get him till about 3:00am. I love having the baby but do NOT want to go through that horrible delivery again.

I never would have imagined it would have turned out like that!

Recovery- About 2 hours later I had to go to the bathroom, when I stood up with DH and nurse, blood poured all over the floor. Thank goodness my DH is a nurse and took care of me with the pads and bleeding. He fixed every pad for me with the Epifoam and Tucks pads....heaven sent! I was in bad shape from the delivery and stitches when we came home and he fixed every pad. No wiping, only use the water bottle and washcloth.

3 weeks out, no more pads or bleeding, stitches were still sore

5 weeks out, stitches are still sore and starting to dissolve but I can wipe gently with tissue paper. Now I have hemorrhoids that are terrible!!! When I have a BM, it hurt all day. I need to start taking the stool softeners again!

Kristily · December 2011

Honestly, I didn't think it was that bad. I am a FTM too and was very scared about what it was going to be like. I ended up being cut, which was 2nd degree. I took ibruprofen for the first few days but it didn't hurt that bad. I used witch hazel pads a few times but no dermaplast spray even though they offered it.

It took about 4 days to poop and this was the scariest part... but with the stool softeners that they give you it wasn't bad.

You will be sore but for me it wasn't bad. I am almost 3 weeks PP and things feel a little different down there and I would say that my butt was more sore than "down there" but I'm not sure why cause I didn't end up with any hemis.

I will warn you though... for the first few days I couldn't control gas... it would come out even if I "tried" to hold it. Oh well.

mbgreenwalt · December 2011

With my first my recovery was pretty painful for about a week. I pushed for 3.5 hours and had a 2nd degree tear. Everything down there was very, very swollen and sore. My tailbone hurt really bad and made me walk hunched over. I could barely sit myself up for the first week without wanting to cry. I also got some nasty hemorrhoids that got worse before they got better. I bled like crazy for 4 weeks before it stopped at 6 weeks.

With my second I pushed for 20 minutes and had 2 tiny tears. I was up and moving around right away with minimal discomfort. At 4+ weeks my bleeding has stopped. The hemorrhoids on the other hand are back and suck!

McSquishy · December 2011

My first delivery (emergency c) took seriously 12 wks for me to feel "normal" again. The first six weeks were hellacious.

My second (VBAC - major tearing and episiotomy) took a good 6 wks. I sat on a pillow for a month.

My third (VBAC - no tearing) I felt about 95% back to normal by the time I left the hospital. Other than being tired there hasn't been a recovery to speak of this go around.

So it varies... this has definitely been my favorite recovery thus far.

Teffie · December 2011

I had a vaginal birth. Labor went really fast, but I pushed for three and a half hours Tongue Tied

(but the memory of that pain quickly disappeared once I saw LO). I didn't tear at all. I recovered SUPER fast. I felt pretty "normal" by the time I left the hospital. Felt totally fine a week later, even started lightly working out two weeks PP.

aliciaroset · December 2011

It's so individual, but here's my experience:

I had a nice labor, pushed for 4.5 hours though. I was absolutely elated once DD showed up and stayed that way the whole time we were in the hospital. Worst part about that part was trying to get her out of the bassinet from bed. Raise the bed! (due!) I used the HECK out of their tub and ice diapers, doing a bath and icing multiple times a day. My advice for the hospital is to use every single thing they offer you. Those knit underpants are easy to stuff a big old pad or ice diaper into.

Once we got home I was still sore and while I felt awesome most of the time I got tired very easily. I didn't bleed too much but my color just wasn't very good and I couldn't sustain activity for long. I had a second degree tear and down there was just sore for a while, but by 5 days pp I was downtown, walking around wearing her. I couldn't do it for long, but it felt so good to walk around and be outside. Take those stool softeners and keep taking a bath every.night.

Just take it really really easy on yourself and do not be afraid to ask for help or say no to doing things.

sweetpealee · December 2011

I was so nervous about this too! I had a natural, unmedicated birth, pushed for 25 minutes and had a "not even first degree" tear and two stitches. I'm still bleeding and finding the amount varies w how much activity I have done that day. I bled like a heavy period for three days, not it's just like a regular period to almost no bleeding at all. The first BM hurt, but not nearly as much as I expected. The stool softeners helped quite a bit. My muscles and lower back hurt the first few days from pushing, and my boobs hurt from initiating breastfeeding. the dermaplst, ice pack pads and witch hazel tucks pads helped a ton!!!! esp the ice pack!!!!

sap05e · December 2011

Well everyone is different but I must say that it was not at all what I thought! I had an internal tear, which didn't even bother me until later and was never that bad, just a little stinging. I pushed for 1.5 hrs (FTM) and didn't have hemmoroids or any need for the tucks or dermaplast stuff. I bled heavily for 1 day then it was like a period for the next week then not much at all. I still have light pink bleeding when I wipe at 5.5 weeks pp but it's not bothersome. I never got any in my bed or on my gown or anything in the hospital like I thought I would. The worst part to me was 1-2 days later. Your body aches like you just ran a marathon. My butt was sore from pushing. Luckily it goes away quick! Good luck.. I have to say that labor was a breeze compared to the first 2 weeks with a newborn.

OurJellybean · December 2011

I had an episiotomy as I had a forceps delivery and also tore inside my vagina from the forceps. The pain was the worst on day three but now on day five I'm feeling a lot better but still sore for sure. I just have to remember to take my pain meds at a regular schedule and it's ok. Honestly my boobs snd nipples hurt more snd it doesnt hurt to pee. As for bleeding, I was shocked how much initially I bled in then first few days but it'd decreased alot and I go through about 4 pads a day now. I never got hemorrhoids thankfully but it took a few days to poop, just take stool softeners ... So important! Dont worry so much about the after, unnecessary stress. The pain will pass and at least it has a purpose.

authorofdreamz · December 2011

Everyone is different. For me the first week was horrible and I wasn't prepared for it at all. I was so focused on giving birth I never thought about after. I had two second degree tears, hemmi's (they didn't hurt though.), broke my tailbone, and lost a lot of blood during delivery requiring a transfusion and I am just starting to feel normal and am able to move around without much pain. The first few days in the hospital were the worst. I was so weak and in so much pain I could barely get out of bed to go to the bathroom let alone to take care of DD. Also, hospital beds are very uncomfortable with a broken tailbone. When I got home it was a little bit better but I was still not stable enough to carry DD while standing, I couldn't get out of bed or shower by myself, and sitting was pretty painful - Luckily we had a lot of help or I don't know how we would have survived. Peeing was very painful for me but it helped to use the perri bottle while I was peeing so it would dilute the urine and not sting as much. I didn't have that heavy of bleeding and never leaked but I think that may have had to do with the low blood count. Now at 3 weeks PP I only need a pantyliner, I can take short walks, and can mostly sit/sleep comfortably though my tailbone will still be sore if I sit for too long.

Dreamsicle23 · December 2011

I had a vaginal birth with an episiotomy and just a couple stitches. I felt pretty good after about a week, and was 100% back to normal by my 6 week pp appointment. I know I am one of the lucky ones...but you could be too. Don't worry too much.

katerpies · December 2011

I didnt bleed for to long but I was sore for a while...heck being almost 8 wks pp I still have days where I am sore. The worst for me was when I had to have a BM. I was afraid to push thinking I would tear my stiches.

It kinda messes things up down there Im still waiting to kinda feel normal.

BettyBookworm · December 2011

No medication, Vaginal birth with 2nd degree tear.

1.) Use the numbing spray they give you and the ice packs for your undies. Don't be afraid of the medications they offer to manage the pain. I was really swollen on my labia and around my vagina. If you have hemorrhoids then they will give you some tucks pads. I was lucky in that I did not have any hemmies.

2.) You will bleed a LOT. It will look like a crime scene so be prepared. It happens.

3.) It took me roughly 4 weeks to feel back in shape down below. I was cleared at the 6 week PP visit. I am still just a tad bit tender during sex where my stitches were.

Its different for everyone though. Your situation will be unique and you really do just get through it the best you can. I hope you have a smooth delivery with little pain and good recovery.

ClaireEmma86 · January 2012

I had my daughter on May 2nd 2011, she's 8 months old as of yesterday. You said you want details...haha, here I go!

I had a 2nd degree tear during birth...and no meds, all natural delivery! To be completely honest, I didn't feel a whole lot of pain during pushing because adrenaline completely took over my body. It was such a relief to push! The contractions however, especially the last few before pushing, were a bit unbearable.

I lay there for about half an hour getting stitched up. THAT was not so much fun. The anasthetic needle was making me twitch every time they injected me. :P The nurse had me get up to shower right after I got stitched up, and as soon as I stood up I felt a flood between my legs. Soaked a huge pad! Waddled my way to the shower, and she had me sit on an exercise ball. I was so swollen & numb! I felt quite faint so the nurse sprayed me with cool water, then as I felt better I got cleaned up, and dressed. I highly suggest wearing the mesh panties the hospital provides! They are very light & breathable. And they'll hold massive pads!!

After going home it was quite difficult to sleep. I couldn't sleep on my side for a couple weeks because of the swelling between my legs. And I was sore for a good 4-5 weeks. More like a throbbing pain than a sharp pain. Try not to sit on hard surfaces! I went to Mothers day brunch at a restaurant (6 days after giving birth!) with hard wooden seats & I was almost in tears!! I didn't bleed a whole lot, not in large quantities anyways. But I did need a lot of ice packs.

And pooping!!! Oh my goodness! Thank the Lord for stool softeners!!! I had to take them for 8 weeks, and it still hurt a few times after a few months. Peeing was a bit painful(stinging because of stitches) the first couple weeks. But I used a spray bottle filled with lukewarm water and would spray it on myself as I urinated. And the hospital also gave me tylenol & advil, which I took for about 10 days.

The only post-partum complication I had was a tear that didn't quite heal properly. At 6 months postpartum I still had a tiny bit of excess flesh from stitches that hurt. I saw my doctor who sent me to a gyno...who said that I was just healing slowly & to check back in a month & if there was no change he'd burn the excess flesh off. I'm happy to report that in those 4 weeks I healed up...just have some scar tissue where my stitches were. I was still able to have sex starting at 6 weeks after birth. Wahoo

So, yes there's pain, and yes, you'll be messy. And tired! I recommend stool softeners, pain meds, and if you need them I highly recommend getting panty liners & soaking & freezing them...put them on your larger pads. It's SUCH a relief! If you have any other questions feel free to message me!

Good luck lady! Wishing you all the best! Claire

sweetpealee · January 2012

I think I was pretty lucky- my son was 6 lbs, 6 oz when he was born, I had one tiny hemmi according to the nurse and two stitches from what the dr. called a "not even first degree" tear. I was very worried about an episiotomy and the bleeding afterward. I did have trouble sitting down for about a week but the ice pack panties, dermaplast and tucks pads helped. The sitz bath made me feel worse after... I chose not to look right after I delivered so i didn't see "all the blood"... I bled more than a heavy period while I was in the hospital, then the bleeding decreased once I got home pretty quickly. The first few BM felt weird, but I was taking stool softener so that helped. I felt pretty much back to normal in about three weeks, and my bleeding stopped at three and a half weeks. Good luck!

judahsmommy1 · January 2012

Mine is the story you want to hear.

. Postpartum after my son was great in "that" area. There was quite a bit of bleeding, but definitely manageable. I wasn't sore, I had no pain, and took no pain killers. It was not uncomfortable to use the restroom. I had no hemorrhoids. I had one internal stitch that I couldn't feel at all that my doctor almost didn't even put in. Every woman is different but you're not promised complete misery after delivery.

That being said, even if you're not uncomfortable, your body has been through a LOT! Your whole body needs time to recover and sleep after baby is born is much needed, but very minimal. So just know that for the first 6 weeks to 2 months, take it easy on yourself and give yourself a pass to be lazy. You don't realize how much recovery in general takes out of you and how hard the lack of sleep makes everything. So when you're 5 weeks postpartum and on your 6th episode of teen mom for the day (rolling your eyes at the t.v. and shocked that you can endure such terrible t.v.) and you feel like the laziest, excuse of a human being ever, remember that you're still in recovery and give yourself a pass.

Suern9870 · January 2012

With my first, I don't remember the recovery being all that bad. I did tear and had stitches, but Tylenol was adequate pain control for me. With my second, I definitely felt more sore and achy all throughout my hips and pelvis and needed the stronger medication.

The one thing that I wasn't prepared for with my first delivery was this wonderful new peeing when I sneeze thing (no joke). Definitely plan on wearing a panty liner for a while after the delivery. And remember, Keigels are a girls best friend..lol... I'm sure you'll do fine

kmedina88 · January 2012

It all depends on you, your body, and how your labor goes. I was induced with my daughter but had her completely pain med free. I was out and about with my husband and kids two days later. I was perfectly fine. Everyone stopped and asked the usual "Oh how old?". When I replied "Two days." they looked at me shocked and said "Wow you look good!". I mean I don't know how I was really supposed to look, but I had things that needed to be done. I couldn't just sit in the house!!

You'll get through it, you'll be okay. You have no choice but to make things work.

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