Let's talk about mom's health after birth

Libby026 · February 2014

slwprincess said:

DH reminded me of another post partum issue I had with both babies... Night terrors! Omg, seriously they were awful. Not looking forward to them again. Sometimes they were baby related (can't find the baby in the bed- she's really in the bassinet), sometimes they were random... Rats, spiders, snakes, sometimes they were violent (ninja fighting- wth?!). It's all hormones but yeah... These suck.

This. DH and I have both ripped pillowcases off of pillows in the middle of the night "looking" for LO when she is safe in her bassinet because we were mostly asleep. Waking up to her crying is the worst!

[Deleted User] · February 2014

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RedSoxGirl10 · February 2014

@adinashoshana
I had a 3rd degree tear, it took me until day 10 to walk to the bathroom somewhat normally. I'm now 3+ weeks and I've reduced but not stopped my Advil.

VeronicaAnn143 · February 2014

ziggy903 said:
@veronicaann143 it's possible that was just more bleeding, it's possible that you got your period even though you're lactating- yes, that can happen. I don't think there's a way to know for sure if I were you I would make sure there's some form of birth control if you don't want another baby ASAP.

Hahahahaha NO.

Went on the mini pill today. Doctor said same thing, hard to know. Said 10-15% of women get their periods while they are lactating. To that I say boo!

BB0214 · February 2014

I think for mental health which ties into so many health issues, don't be afraid to tell people no. DH and I have set several limits and said no to many visitors thus far. We learned the hard way at the hospital that not all visitors are helpful ones. We burned ourselves out by accepting too many at once. Since we've been home, we've really only had visitors who we know will be helpful (bring food, watch the baby while we nap, help clean, walk the dog). We've said no to people who really only want to hold the baby and get in the way. I know that may sound selfish. But for me I just feel like it's important to accept real help to be a good parent.
Moral of the story.....listen to your body and your mind. A new baby is enough stress on both. Do not feel obligated to do things you really aren't up for.

JackieP1023 · February 2014

adinashoshana said:
For those who had vaginal tears: Are you finding that the soreness has greatly diminished after a week? I'm on day five, taking motrin round the clock, and I still have a really hard time sitting down.

I'm on day 7, and for the most part can sit okay. I still choose softer places to sit (I avoid the dining room chairs-couch and recliner have been my friends!) that said, it has improved quite a bit in the last couple of days. Friday, I could sit, but was still in quite a bit of pain. Saturday was easier-and yesterday wasn't too bad.

PeachLove25 · February 2014

I'm on day 9 with 1st degree- one stitch. I stopped taking Motrin yesterday. Hope you get some relief soon!!

boogerbearoriginal · February 2014

adinashoshana said:

For those who had vaginal tears: Are you finding that the soreness has greatly diminished after a week? I'm on day five, taking motrin round the clock, and I still have a really hard time sitting down.

It'll really depend on your body and the tears (both severity and location), some women heal faster than others and of course a minor tear will heal quicker than a severe one. And if it's in a weird spot it may take longer to feel "normal" again. But on day 5 it's not abnormal to still be quite sore.

Birth is quite a feat for your body to undergo, and the physical recovery takes time. Be patient, take things easy and I found big squishy couches harder to sit/get up because it didn't support me well compared to a padded but supportive chair.

If it's suddenly worse pain, or you notice other signs of infection, then I'd call your Dr.

emar129 · February 2014

armalan12 said:
Dear Everyone, I got pregnant on the mini-pill! You have to take it at the same time everyday. If you are more than hour late you need to use alternative birth control for 48 hours. I only was ever late once!! We will be using condoms in conjunction with the mini pill. So glad it happened, but if it happens two months from now, maybe not.

Ditto to this!!!

Scottnsaranhenri · February 2014

For those who got the nasty hemmy from pushing, how did you deal with it? I feel like I've got a golf ball in between my cheeks! It is more uncomfortable then the stitches! I'm terrified of needing to poop!
ETA- should I try pushing it back in?

Scottnsaranhenri · February 2014

armalan12 said:

Scottnsaranhenri said:
For those who got the nasty hemmy from pushing, how did you deal with it? I feel like I've got a golf ball in between my cheeks! It is more uncomfortable then the stitches! I'm terrified of needing to poop!
ETA- should I try pushing it back in?
So honest time, my first poop was in stages. Because the softeners didn't super help that section. I would go, then just wipe really well and wait until the urge came back. After a day and a half the poop was soft from all the softners. Also, they finally started shrinking after the pressure of the poop was gone. Tucks pads & any cream they gave you (or over the counter helps). Motrin helps too!

Thanks. It's one if those things I just need to know I will survive!

CarynJeanG · February 2014

I didn't realize I was allergic to morphine till after my c-section. My entire body was itchy and my face felt like I could scratch it off. They took me off morphine and put me on oxycodone. It took around 3 days to stop itching. If you experience this talk to your nurses right away! I was so miserable I couldn't even hold a conversation.

JackieP1023 · February 2014

Jrstar3861 said:
Is it normal to have no appetite? I'm one week PP and really do not get hungry and I have to remind myself to eat. I am BFing/pumping so I know I have to keep up my caloric intake, but I'm just not hungry.

Also, when oh when does the horrible foot/ankle swelling go away??

I am the same way-no real appetite, and have to remind myself to eat. I'm EBF, so trying to eat 'normally' but it isn't easy! And as far as the swelling-I'm 10 days PP, and it has finally started to go away. It peaked right at 6-7days PP for me. Last night, I noticed I have ankles again!

Heiditylerg · February 2014

I hemmoraged 13 hours sfter birth and almost didnt make it. Be aware of any abnormal pain and heavy bleeding. I had a blood transfussion,3 pints, and recoverred slowly.

Heiditylerg · February 2014

I would contact your dr if you have swelling around epi site is the site hot to the touch?

gfam23 · February 2014

Has anyone experienced lightning crotch post partum? I'm wondering if this is a thing, because I'm 14 days pp and been having random stabby pains down there for the past week or so.

gfam23 · February 2014

Bump

gfam23 · February 2014

Foot swelling: I had it absolutely horrible this time around. 16 days pp today and it is almost gone. It was bad till 3-4 days ago!

spicysurro · February 2014

Are you ladies airing out your bits postpartum who did a vaginal delivery? I don't have stitches or anything but I didnt know if it was a good idea to let it get some air while it heals or if its alright with all the pad wearing and things. Just seeing what everyone else is doing, I guess this could be an "ask your doctor" kind of question but just curious.