@vinerie, I did not wear a binder last time, and I am considering it this time. I do not know much about them, but most of my discomfort was the engorgement when my milk came in and my stitches (from a vaginal delivery). If the binder is just around the stomach, the only pain I had related to that area was the cramping that occurred when I breastfed to contract my uterus back down. I wasn't really prepared for the intensity of those cramps, but I cannot imagine the binder making them worse? I am not sure though because I haven't worn one before. My friends who have breastfed and pumped have both worn them - and just to add my cramps definitely decreased after 4-7 days of straight breastfeeding.
Hi ladies, popping over from June & found this thread very helpful. Question on the intense post partum bleeding... Particularly in the first few days, did any of you ladies try depends and if so would you recommend? I had read they may help but wasn't sure if anyone had tested this out!
@vinerie I wore one starting the day I came home from the hospital. In the hospital, I just wore a fabric Beband but switched to a binder on day 2 when I got home. It really made me feel much more pulled together (as in keeping my organs in) because I felt 'empty' and loose for a while. It was a very strange feeling.
I don't recall it being uncomfortable at all, but I had a fully adjustable binder, so it may be different than the Bellafit ones that are sized.
I loved my binder and wore it for a week or two after coming home from the hospital. It helps you feel pulled together, stable, secure. When I would take it off my core felt weak and vulnerable.
Didn't try depends. The hospital uses mesh underwear and they sent me home with extras. You can use the mesh undies with big pads, then I sat and slept with a disposable liner under my butt. They also use the bed liner (about 2 feet square, similar to a puppy potty training pad) at the hospital and send you home with extras. I also used these pads to cover an area of the bed to give my little girl naked baby time.
Hanging around from June. When I gave birth no one told me how much you bleed in the weeks afterwards. I really would have liked a heads up about that one lol. I don't remember having the shakes but I didn't get an epidural either so maybe that's why? I thought the stiches from my episiotomy(sp) were pretty uncomfortable on top of everything else. And the ride home from the hospital was torture.
During our hospital orientation I was surprised to hear they push (hard!) on your stomach every 15 minutes after giving birth- how awful is this?! It sounds terrible!
During our hospital orientation I was surprised to hear they push (hard!) on your stomach every 15 minutes after giving birth- how awful is this?! It sounds terrible!
I would say it's more awful than you think it will be. It hurts like a b*tch!!
During our hospital orientation I was surprised to hear they push (hard!) on your stomach every 15 minutes after giving birth- how awful is this?! It sounds terrible!
I've not had a baby before, but I have been warned about these er..."uterine massages" ...they hurt like hell.
During our hospital orientation I was surprised to hear they push (hard!) on your stomach every 15 minutes after giving birth- how awful is this?! It sounds terrible!
I've not had a baby before, but I have been warned about these er..."uterine massages" ...they hurt like hell.
It's unpleasant, and just like everything else you'll get through it. I made sure I hold baby and stare at him while they did things post partum that hurt and that helped a lot.
During our hospital orientation I was surprised to hear they push (hard!) on your stomach every 15 minutes after giving birth- how awful is this?! It sounds terrible!
I would say it's more awful than you think it will be. It hurts like a b*tch!!
Ugh, I completely forgot about this! I don't recall it being as frequent as every 15 minutes, but yes... uterine "massage".
During our hospital orientation I was surprised to hear they push (hard!) on your stomach every 15 minutes after giving birth- how awful is this?! It sounds terrible!
I've not had a baby before, but I have been warned about these er..."uterine massages" ...they hurt like hell.
It's unpleasant, and just like everything else you'll get through it. I made sure I hold baby and stare at him while they did things post partum that hurt and that helped a lot.
I don't think I was holding DD during this, I think I was gripping onto the bed!
No one told me when my water broke it would keep flowing until I gave birth. I thought it would be one big gush like in the movies. No one told me about the shakes after a spinal block. No one told me about the immediate relief from the most uncomfortable pg symptoms once I gave birth. No one told me how powerful the bonding of skin to skin was beforehand either. I'm excited for that last one alone.
Lol can you please list off the most uncomfortable pg symptoms that were immediately relieved so that I can look forward to that?? :P
Well.....Swelling, heartburn, feeling heavy, being able to adjust easier, not needing to adjust your body as often, being able to breathe well, hip pain, sciatic pain, no pressure
Been married since 2009. Unicornuate Uterus (yes I menstruate glitter) Several MCs DD born 2013 (our miracle "you can't have babies" baby!)
So blatant vanity question here..with all the soreness and pp discomfort/bleeding, how reasonable is it to wear one of these pp binders like the Bellefit? I haven't bought one yet as I'm not convinced I'll want to wear it while dealing with everything else. What is the experience of STMs on that?
I didn'y diligently wear one last time but am this time. The back support alone sounds worth it to me.
Been married since 2009. Unicornuate Uterus (yes I menstruate glitter) Several MCs DD born 2013 (our miracle "you can't have babies" baby!)
Hi ladies, popping over from June & found this thread very helpful. Question on the intense post partum bleeding... Particularly in the first few days, did any of you ladies try depends and if so would you recommend? I had read they may help but wasn't sure if anyone had tested this out!
I've not heard of this but am thinking it may not be a good idea due to the mesh panties you get from the hospital and the recommendation of wearing pads I would think Depends may not have the airflow you need if you have a c section or vaginal. I don't know how binding they may be either or sanitary for what you need with any incisions you have if that makes sense.
Been married since 2009. Unicornuate Uterus (yes I menstruate glitter) Several MCs DD born 2013 (our miracle "you can't have babies" baby!)
During our hospital orientation I was surprised to hear they push (hard!) on your stomach every 15 minutes after giving birth- how awful is this?! It sounds terrible!
I would say it's more awful than you think it will be. It hurts like a b*tch!!
I didn't have this at all. I kinda feel like maybe I was blacked out during some procedures. I don't remember anyone massaging my stomach.
Been married since 2009. Unicornuate Uterus (yes I menstruate glitter) Several MCs DD born 2013 (our miracle "you can't have babies" baby!)
Dh asked me today if I'm scared of labor. I'm not... It has to happen. But I'm terrified of recovery and this thread is not helping!!
It's hard to put in words but it sounds a whole lot more awful than it actually is going through it. I promise.
This. I didn't find recovery super traumatizing, it was more humanizing than actually scary. It is a huge pain to bleed for so long though, but I do remember the bleeding being directly related to how hard I was pushing myself. If I walked too much/too far I would start up again. Should be interesting running after a toddler.
No one told me when my water broke it would keep flowing until I gave birth. I thought it would be one big gush like in the movies. No one told me about the shakes after a spinal block. No one told me about the immediate relief from the most uncomfortable pg symptoms once I gave birth. No one told me how powerful the bonding of skin to skin was beforehand either. I'm excited for that last one alone.
Lol can you please list off the most uncomfortable pg symptoms that were immediately relieved so that I can look forward to that?? :P
Well.....Swelling, heartburn, feeling heavy, being able to adjust easier, not needing to adjust your body as often, being able to breathe well, hip pain, sciatic pain, no pressure
I've been looking forward to labor since like week 8 when the first tri symptoms hit, but this right here REALLY has me looking forward to it. I mean, I'm also looking forward to meeting my daughter and all that, of course...
Also, can I just say I love this thread? I feel a lot less terrified of stuff when I know all the things that may or may not happen and how to prepare (mentally and physically), regardless of how gross/painful/weird those things might be.
So is this uterine massage for vaginal births only? Seems like it would be a terrible idea to massage a uterus that has just been operated on via csection.
Btw, I'm taking 2 abdominal binders with me, but these wrap the mid section only and do not go between the legs as many of the pregnancy one's seem to. After my myomectomy, I stayed in one of these for almost a month because it really cut down on the pain.
I had uterine massages after my csection. I think it was more to check the size of the uterus as it shrunk and they listened though a stethoscope as well (I believe to check for internal bleeding). It hurt, but really everything in my midsection was swollen and painful after surgery.
Before having my daughter and hearing stories about how long it took to push. 1 hour, 2 hours, 3 hours...seemed like forever! But once I was actually pushing that time went SO fast (at least for me).
I think this was mentioned somewhere, but it's worth repeating. You will probably still look straight-up pregnant when you leave the hospital. It takes some time for the uterus to shrink back to its normal size.
I had a c/s with DD and I don't remember a ton of bleeding afterwards. But I was prepared with the super big pads to wear and my SIL gave me some to line the bed with. I didn't end up needing those though. The bleeding must not have lasted that long because I honestly don't remember it being a problem. I also don't recall any "massages" post partum. I'm sure they inspected the scar and felt around, but it wasn't horrible. Like everything with labor and giving birth, I think women forget lots of it right away so that we're willing to do it again. I too am loving this thread. Hoping for a VBAC this time, so this is really helpful.
Further digging on uterine massages has revealed this information:
1. They mostly check the size but will massage if your uterus is not contracting back down; they do these massages to keep the uterus shrinking and prevent hemorrhage
2. It seems to be more commonly necessary for second-time (and beyond) moms as well as multiples since those instances are when the uterus usually is a bit slower to contract down/may need help contracting
3. They will show you how to do it yourself and encourage you to do it yourself -- they come in about every 2 hours to check/massage as necessary.
4. They do it whether C-section or vaginal delivery.
5. For some people, it's worse than labor; for others, it's not bad -- I imagine this has something to do with frequency/how much is necessary...every woman's experience is going to vary depending on their uterus's willingness to contract.
Ok, so here's my contribution as a CS mom: 1. Yes, they do tend to give you a uterine massage and no, it is not pleasant, but it is necessary. 2. SPLINT THAT INCISION! I was constantly holding a pillow against my lower belly because I had bad coughs from my blood pressure meds (those dry, annoying, persistent coughs) and everytime I coughed, I thought my body was going to split in two. 3. Ask the nurses about how to move after a CS. I know it sounds weird, but you want to get moving, however you can't just jump up and start doing a jig! The nurses will help show you how to get your body out of bed without the use of your abs because, surprise, you will have NO core strength whatsoever! Look for anything to grab on to and use your arms to move yourself as much as possible. Again, the nursing staff is your best resource, but you may have to be vocal about asking for help and teaching. 4. You will bleed. Oh, there will be blood. And the nurses will be the ones changing your pad before you can get up on your own. It is weird, but just go with it. 5. It won't be just blood. I was shocked at the stuff coming out of my uterus since that was not my son's exit route. But, clots and fluids will be coming out. 6. You will gush. Thinking about your baby, moving, BFing, pumping...it will all cause huge gushes of blood. For me, I have always had very heavy periods (going through a super pad in 2 hours) and I would say post-CS I was about at that same rate for at least a week, maybe two. I second the puppy pads and black pants. 7. Depending on your incision, you might have staples or stitches or skin glue or a combination. If you have staples, they will be removed before discharge and it was the weirdest thing ever. I honestly can't describe it, but I am sure if you have had surgical staples for another procedure (I never have) it won't be that weird. Not painful, just weird. 8. The first poop...I just can't. You would think after 2.5 years I would be over it, but I am actually considered clinically anal retentive and have massive issues with my butt (history of constipation, anal fissures, hemorrhoids, forced anal penetration, the works!) so this was the most traumatic thing about the recovery. Take the stool softeners, chug water, use the peri bottle/sitz bath to soothe the area. Again, since nothing stretched/tore/came out down there I assumed it would be NBD. But I forgot that I was post-op from major abdominal surgery. Yeah, it was horrible. Every push felt like my intestines were going to come out my scar or my butt. I actually had to be digitally disimpacted because I couldn't do it on my own. It was bizarre being on the other side of that procedure since I have disimpacted many a bowel in my career. 9. The heartburn, swelling, shortness of breath, cramps, constant full-feeling, a bunch of those pesky 3rd tri symptoms do go away. 10. It is ALL WORTH IT!
Ok, so here's my contribution as a CS mom: 1. Yes, they do tend to give you a uterine massage and no, it is not pleasant, but it is necessary. 2. SPLINT THAT INCISION! I was constantly holding a pillow against my lower belly because I had bad coughs from my blood pressure meds (those dry, annoying, persistent coughs) and everytime I coughed, I thought my body was going to split in two. 3. Ask the nurses about how to move after a CS. I know it sounds weird, but you want to get moving, however you can't just jump up and start doing a jig! The nurses will help show you how to get your body out of bed without the use of your abs because, surprise, you will have NO core strength whatsoever! Look for anything to grab on to and use your arms to move yourself as much as possible. Again, the nursing staff is your best resource, but you may have to be vocal about asking for help and teaching. 4. You will bleed. Oh, there will be blood. And the nurses will be the ones changing your pad before you can get up on your own. It is weird, but just go with it. 5. It won't be just blood. I was shocked at the stuff coming out of my uterus since that was not my son's exit route. But, clots and fluids will be coming out. 6. You will gush. Thinking about your baby, moving, BFing, pumping...it will all cause huge gushes of blood. For me, I have always had very heavy periods (going through a super pad in 2 hours) and I would say post-CS I was about at that same rate for at least a week, maybe two. I second the puppy pads and black pants. 7. Depending on your incision, you might have staples or stitches or skin glue or a combination. If you have staples, they will be removed before discharge and it was the weirdest thing ever. I honestly can't describe it, but I am sure if you have had surgical staples for another procedure (I never have) it won't be that weird. Not painful, just weird. 8. The first poop...I just can't. You would think after 2.5 years I would be over it, but I am actually considered clinically anal retentive and have massive issues with my butt (history of constipation, anal fissures, hemorrhoids, forced anal penetration, the works!) so this was the most traumatic thing about the recovery. Take the stool softeners, chug water, use the peri bottle/sitz bath to soothe the area. Again, since nothing stretched/tore/came out down there I assumed it would be NBD. But I forgot that I was post-op from major abdominal surgery. Yeah, it was horrible. Every push felt like my intestines were going to come out my scar or my butt. I actually had to be digitally disimpacted because I couldn't do it on my own. It was bizarre being on the other side of that procedure since I have disimpacted many a bowel in my career. 9. The heartburn, swelling, shortness of breath, cramps, constant full-feeling, a bunch of those pesky 3rd tri symptoms do go away. 10. It is ALL WORTH IT!
No one told me when my water broke it would keep flowing until I gave birth. I thought it would be one big gush like in the movies. No one told me about the shakes after a spinal block. No one told me about the immediate relief from the most uncomfortable pg symptoms once I gave birth. No one told me how powerful the bonding of skin to skin was beforehand either. I'm excited for that last one alone.
Further digging on uterine massages has revealed this information:
1. They mostly check the size but will massage if your uterus is not contracting back down; they do these massages to keep the uterus shrinking and prevent hemorrhage
2. It seems to be more commonly necessary for second-time (and beyond) moms as well as multiples since those instances are when the uterus usually is a bit slower to contract down/may need help contracting
3. They will show you how to do it yourself and encourage you to do it yourself -- they come in about every 2 hours to check/massage as necessary.
4. They do it whether C-section or vaginal delivery.
5. For some people, it's worse than labor; for others, it's not bad -- I imagine this has something to do with frequency/how much is necessary...every woman's experience is going to vary depending on their uterus's willingness to contract.
Ok, so here's my contribution as a CS mom: 1. Yes, they do tend to give you a uterine massage and no, it is not pleasant, but it is necessary. 2. SPLINT THAT INCISION! I was constantly holding a pillow against my lower belly because I had bad coughs from my blood pressure meds (those dry, annoying, persistent coughs) and everytime I coughed, I thought my body was going to split in two. 3. Ask the nurses about how to move after a CS. I know it sounds weird, but you want to get moving, however you can't just jump up and start doing a jig! The nurses will help show you how to get your body out of bed without the use of your abs because, surprise, you will have NO core strength whatsoever! Look for anything to grab on to and use your arms to move yourself as much as possible. Again, the nursing staff is your best resource, but you may have to be vocal about asking for help and teaching. 4. You will bleed. Oh, there will be blood. And the nurses will be the ones changing your pad before you can get up on your own. It is weird, but just go with it. 5. It won't be just blood. I was shocked at the stuff coming out of my uterus since that was not my son's exit route. But, clots and fluids will be coming out. 6. You will gush. Thinking about your baby, moving, BFing, pumping...it will all cause huge gushes of blood. For me, I have always had very heavy periods (going through a super pad in 2 hours) and I would say post-CS I was about at that same rate for at least a week, maybe two. I second the puppy pads and black pants. 7. Depending on your incision, you might have staples or stitches or skin glue or a combination. If you have staples, they will be removed before discharge and it was the weirdest thing ever. I honestly can't describe it, but I am sure if you have had surgical staples for another procedure (I never have) it won't be that weird. Not painful, just weird. 8. The first poop...I just can't. You would think after 2.5 years I would be over it, but I am actually considered clinically anal retentive and have massive issues with my butt (history of constipation, anal fissures, hemorrhoids, forced anal penetration, the works!) so this was the most traumatic thing about the recovery. Take the stool softeners, chug water, use the peri bottle/sitz bath to soothe the area. Again, since nothing stretched/tore/came out down there I assumed it would be NBD. But I forgot that I was post-op from major abdominal surgery. Yeah, it was horrible. Every push felt like my intestines were going to come out my scar or my butt. I actually had to be digitally disimpacted because I couldn't do it on my own. It was bizarre being on the other side of that procedure since I have disimpacted many a bowel in my career. 9. The heartburn, swelling, shortness of breath, cramps, constant full-feeling, a bunch of those pesky 3rd tri symptoms do go away. 10. It is ALL WORTH IT!
@Aquinna82 it sounds crazy, but try not to stress. Once you have your LO in your arms, everything else is just a blur, because your eyes will be glued to your beautiful baby. Just as one woman's pregnancy, or L&D varies from the next, so does the recovery portion. It's actually kind of incredible how our bodies know how to labor, birth a child AND heal in such a short amount of time. You got this!
whoever said ignorance WAS bliss, I'm with you. I'm renaming this thread "stuff I never wanted to know before giving birth, but now I do and I can't unsee the seen"
Well, my terror of birth just evaporated and now I am just really dreading recovery. I kind of wish I hadn't opened this post, but it's like a train wreck...you don't WANT to see it, but you can't look away! So I guess I'll be checking back in, against my better judgement.
My sister had the shakes really bad and she blamed it on the epi. Glad to know it's just a normal thing. I knew there would be some bleeding, but A) didn't think it would last longer than a day or two, and didn't think you'd have it if you went C-section. Bummer.
So on one thread people kept recommending depends, but on here it seems like "granny pads" are the going recommendation. I never had super heavy periods and just usually use the middle ground always stuff...can someone point me in the right direction (maybe a link) to what you guys mean? Maybe I can pre-order some and pack in my hospital bag!
Well, my terror of birth just evaporated and now I am just really dreading recovery. I kind of wish I hadn't opened this post, but it's like a train wreck...you don't WANT to see it, but you can't look away! So I guess I'll be checking back in, against my better judgement.
My sister had the shakes really bad and she blamed it on the epi. Glad to know it's just a normal thing. I knew there would be some bleeding, but A) didn't think it would last longer than a day or two, and didn't think you'd have it if you went C-section. Bummer.
So on one thread people kept recommending depends, but on here it seems like "granny pads" are the going recommendation. I never had super heavy periods and just usually use the middle ground always stuff...can someone point me in the right direction (maybe a link) to what you guys mean? Maybe I can pre-order some and pack in my hospital bag!
I love Always Infinity! Super absorbent but thinner and don't feel quite as much like a diaper. Usually the hospital gives you some to take home, although they are the thicker ones but still work fine.
I had uterine massages after my csection. I think it was more to check the size of the uterus as it shrunk and they listened though a stethoscope as well (I believe to check for internal bleeding). It hurt, but really everything in my midsection was swollen and painful after surgery.
I didn't have any uterine massages after my c-section...
Angel baby June 2013, DD born 22 April 2014, BFP 10 Sept 2015 - Due 22 May 2016
Sometimes epidurals don't work (with my 1st labor it only numbed 1 leg so I felt everything). It is a good idea to go into labor mentally prepared for that possibility. No one told me how painful and uncomfortable is when your milk comes in. My already large boobs inflated to twice their size, and were burning hot, hard as a rock fireballs. Pumping can provide a little relief, but you have to be super careful not to overstimulate your milk production (or you will be sending your body the signal to make enough milk for an army). Cool cabbage leaves in your bra feel amazing! 2+ time moms, I've found the uterine contractions while nursing the first week or so after birth get worse with each baby. The contractions would throw me right back into the heat of the worst labor, without any warmup. It was rough! I dreaded nursing! Last but not least, no matter how vividly you imagine and daydream about your baby, who they will be, etc, your REAL baby will blow all your daydreams out of the water. I am blessed with 3 (almost 4!) kids, and I could never in my wildest imagination create people as beautiful and unique as my babies. I know it sucks to go through all the pain and blood loss of labor and recovery, but it is an easy thing compared to how much you will love your baby
Further digging on uterine massages has revealed this information:
1. They mostly check the size but will massage if your uterus is not contracting back down; they do these massages to keep the uterus shrinking and prevent hemorrhage
2. It seems to be more commonly necessary for second-time (and beyond) moms as well as multiples since those instances are when the uterus usually is a bit slower to contract down/may need help contracting
3. They will show you how to do it yourself and encourage you to do it yourself -- they come in about every 2 hours to check/massage as necessary.
4. They do it whether C-section or vaginal delivery.
5. For some people, it's worse than labor; for others, it's not bad -- I imagine this has something to do with frequency/how much is necessary...every woman's experience is going to vary depending on their uterus's willingness to contract.
Yep - that is all the good stuff about fundal massage! Manual massage of the uterus helps it shrink down and prevent hemorrhage. It could save your life! Breastfeeding/pumping can help this too - and may feel crampy. The cramps hurt more with each additional delivery; ibuprofen is your friend.
For example, fundal massage may be done every 15min for 2 hrs after delivery, and then every hr for 4 hrs, and then every 4 hrs for a day. You may not feel the massage for the first hour as your anesthesia wears off (vag or c-s delivery). By the time you leave the hospital, the nurse/OB just wants to make sure that your uterus has contracted back down to the approx. size of a grapefruit. It takes at least 6 weeks for your uterus to shrink down and position itself behind your pubic bone. Period-like bleeding is expected for 4-6 weeks, and bleeding is considered too heavy if you soak a pad more than once per hour or have clots larger than a golf ball.
Yes, the first day is a gory mess, but you will be fine!
Mama to Three Girls: Twins born March 2014 at 26 weeks due to preterm labor and our 37weeker born May 9th, 2016!
Just a(nother) question about bleeding post-delivery: I think everyone who mentioned really really heavy, week -to-month long bleeds also mentioned having heavier flows on the regular. I have PCOS, but the kind that gives you no or very very light periods as opposed to very heavy periods - I literally go through a box of pads a year ... and they're the lighter regular flow ones. Any STMs+ who were like me and experienced very heavy bleeding post delivery? My cousin has what I have and she bled for a few days, and am basically wondering if that may be a thing?
Re: STM Surprises Before, During, and After Birth
I don't recall it being uncomfortable at all, but I had a fully adjustable binder, so it may be different than the Bellafit ones that are sized.
The one I wore was similar to this: https://www.amazon.com/CSMARTE-Breathable-Postpartum-Postnatal-Pregnancy/dp/B00Z8EBCAU/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1460318258&sr=8-7&keywords=belly+binder
DS: 9/18/12 - 40w5d // DD: 05/17/16 - 40w
Married: Oct 20, 2013
BFP 1: Aug 31, 2015
EDD 1: May 12, 2016
DD1 Emma born May 12, 2016
An Honest Account of New Motherhood (with Postpartum Anxiety, Depression, and OCD)
BFP 2: October 07, 2019
EDD 2: June 20, 2020
Been married since 2009.
Unicornuate Uterus (yes I menstruate glitter)
Several MCs
DD born 2013 (our miracle "you can't have babies" baby!)
Been married since 2009.
Unicornuate Uterus (yes I menstruate glitter)
Several MCs
DD born 2013 (our miracle "you can't have babies" baby!)
Been married since 2009.
Unicornuate Uterus (yes I menstruate glitter)
Several MCs
DD born 2013 (our miracle "you can't have babies" baby!)
Been married since 2009.
Unicornuate Uterus (yes I menstruate glitter)
Several MCs
DD born 2013 (our miracle "you can't have babies" baby!)
Been married since 2009.
Unicornuate Uterus (yes I menstruate glitter)
Several MCs
DD born 2013 (our miracle "you can't have babies" baby!)
I've been looking forward to labor since like week 8 when the first tri symptoms hit, but this right here REALLY has me looking forward to it. I mean, I'm also looking forward to meeting my daughter and all that, of course...
Also, can I just say I love this thread? I feel a lot less terrified of stuff when I know all the things that may or may not happen and how to prepare (mentally and physically), regardless of how gross/painful/weird those things might be.
Btw, I'm taking 2 abdominal binders with me, but these wrap the mid section only and do not go between the legs as many of the pregnancy one's seem to. After my myomectomy, I stayed in one of these for almost a month because it really cut down on the pain.
I also don't recall any "massages" post partum. I'm sure they inspected the scar and felt around, but it wasn't horrible.
Like everything with labor and giving birth, I think women forget lots of it right away so that we're willing to do it again.
I too am loving this thread. Hoping for a VBAC this time, so this is really helpful.
1. They mostly check the size but will massage if your uterus is not contracting back down; they do these massages to keep the uterus shrinking and prevent hemorrhage
2. It seems to be more commonly necessary for second-time (and beyond) moms as well as multiples since those instances are when the uterus usually is a bit slower to contract down/may need help contracting
3. They will show you how to do it yourself and encourage you to do it yourself -- they come in about every 2 hours to check/massage as necessary.
4. They do it whether C-section or vaginal delivery.
5. For some people, it's worse than labor; for others, it's not bad -- I imagine this has something to do with frequency/how much is necessary...every woman's experience is going to vary depending on their uterus's willingness to contract.
6. Lastly, don't turn it away -- it's medically necessary. Really.
Married: Oct 20, 2013
BFP 1: Aug 31, 2015
EDD 1: May 12, 2016
DD1 Emma born May 12, 2016
An Honest Account of New Motherhood (with Postpartum Anxiety, Depression, and OCD)
BFP 2: October 07, 2019
EDD 2: June 20, 2020
1. Yes, they do tend to give you a uterine massage and no, it is not pleasant, but it is necessary.
2. SPLINT THAT INCISION! I was constantly holding a pillow against my lower belly because I had bad coughs from my blood pressure meds (those dry, annoying, persistent coughs) and everytime I coughed, I thought my body was going to split in two.
3. Ask the nurses about how to move after a CS. I know it sounds weird, but you want to get moving, however you can't just jump up and start doing a jig! The nurses will help show you how to get your body out of bed without the use of your abs because, surprise, you will have NO core strength whatsoever! Look for anything to grab on to and use your arms to move yourself as much as possible. Again, the nursing staff is your best resource, but you may have to be vocal about asking for help and teaching.
4. You will bleed. Oh, there will be blood. And the nurses will be the ones changing your pad before you can get up on your own. It is weird, but just go with it.
5. It won't be just blood. I was shocked at the stuff coming out of my uterus since that was not my son's exit route. But, clots and fluids will be coming out.
6. You will gush. Thinking about your baby, moving, BFing, pumping...it will all cause huge gushes of blood. For me, I have always had very heavy periods (going through a super pad in 2 hours) and I would say post-CS I was about at that same rate for at least a week, maybe two. I second the puppy pads and black pants.
7. Depending on your incision, you might have staples or stitches or skin glue or a combination. If you have staples, they will be removed before discharge and it was the weirdest thing ever. I honestly can't describe it, but I am sure if you have had surgical staples for another procedure (I never have) it won't be that weird. Not painful, just weird.
8. The first poop...I just can't. You would think after 2.5 years I would be over it, but I am actually considered clinically anal retentive and have massive issues with my butt (history of constipation, anal fissures, hemorrhoids, forced anal penetration, the works!) so this was the most traumatic thing about the recovery. Take the stool softeners, chug water, use the peri bottle/sitz bath to soothe the area. Again, since nothing stretched/tore/came out down there I assumed it would be NBD. But I forgot that I was post-op from major abdominal surgery. Yeah, it was horrible. Every push felt like my intestines were going to come out my scar or my butt. I actually had to be digitally disimpacted because I couldn't do it on my own. It was bizarre being on the other side of that procedure since I have disimpacted many a bowel in my career.
9. The heartburn, swelling, shortness of breath, cramps, constant full-feeling, a bunch of those pesky 3rd tri symptoms do go away.
10. It is ALL WORTH IT!
My sister had the shakes really bad and she blamed it on the epi. Glad to know it's just a normal thing. I knew there would be some bleeding, but A) didn't think it would last longer than a day or two, and
So on one thread people kept recommending depends, but on here it seems like "granny pads" are the going recommendation. I never had super heavy periods and just usually use the middle ground always stuff...can someone point me in the right direction (maybe a link) to what you guys mean? Maybe I can pre-order some and pack in my hospital bag!
No one told me how painful and uncomfortable is when your milk comes in. My already large boobs inflated to twice their size, and were burning hot, hard as a rock fireballs. Pumping can provide a little relief, but you have to be super careful not to overstimulate your milk production (or you will be sending your body the signal to make enough milk for an army). Cool cabbage leaves in your bra feel amazing!
2+ time moms, I've found the uterine contractions while nursing the first week or so after birth get worse with each baby. The contractions would throw me right back into the heat of the worst labor, without any warmup. It was rough! I dreaded nursing!
Last but not least, no matter how vividly you imagine and daydream about your baby, who they will be, etc, your REAL baby will blow all your daydreams out of the water. I am blessed with 3 (almost 4!) kids, and I could never in my wildest imagination create people as beautiful and unique as my babies. I know it sucks to go through all the pain and blood loss of labor and recovery, but it is an easy thing compared to how much you will love your baby
For example, fundal massage may be done every 15min for 2 hrs after delivery, and then every hr for 4 hrs, and then every 4 hrs for a day. You may not feel the massage for the first hour as your anesthesia wears off (vag or c-s delivery). By the time you leave the hospital, the nurse/OB just wants to make sure that your uterus has contracted back down to the approx. size of a grapefruit. It takes at least 6 weeks for your uterus to shrink down and position itself behind your pubic bone. Period-like bleeding is expected for 4-6 weeks, and bleeding is considered too heavy if you soak a pad more than once per hour or have clots larger than a golf ball.
Yes, the first day is a gory mess, but you will be fine!
Mama to Three Girls:
Twins born March 2014 at 26 weeks due to preterm labor
and our 37weeker born May 9th, 2016!
Just a(nother) question about bleeding post-delivery: I think everyone who mentioned really really heavy, week -to-month long bleeds also mentioned having heavier flows on the regular. I have PCOS, but the kind that gives you no or very very light periods as opposed to very heavy periods - I literally go through a box of pads a year ... and they're the lighter regular flow ones. Any STMs+ who were like me and experienced very heavy bleeding post delivery? My cousin has what I have and she bled for a few days, and am basically wondering if that may be a thing?
Thanks!