May 2016 Moms

Post Partum Thread

With so many babies arriving this week, I thought it would be nice to start some more specific threads to talk about how things are going.

When did you deliver?

How did you deliver (vaginal, c-section, etc)?

How are you feeling about your delivery?

How is your recovery going? 

Any post partum issues or questions for the group?

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Re: Post Partum Thread

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  • mcb2016mcb2016 member
    When did you deliver? Thursday April 28th

    How did you deliver (vaginal, c-section, etc)?

    I had a c-section after starting an induction on wednesday afternoon. After several attempts my body was not responding at all and did not even begin to dilate even a fingertip.

    How are you feeling about your delivery?

     I have mixed feelings about it. I really wanted an all natural childbirth. I ended up with a c-section, and didn't even get hold my baby right away. It wasn't possible but at least he was with his Dad. Right after the c-section it was decided I needed to go on magnesium sulfate which left me stuck in bed. The hardest part was being separated from my baby when he needed to spend a night in nicu. Just thinking about it brings tears to my eyes again. 

    How is your recovery going?

     I've had very high blood pressure readings and am now taking a blood pressure medicine. That has added stress to the recovery process. Physically I feel great so far. I am hoping it stays that way now that I'm home. 

    Any post partum issues or questions for the group?

    Nursing has been a bit of a challenge. We need to supplement with formula. I am producing 
    some milk but it hash't come in yet. I am hoping the supplementing won't ruin our nursing relationship. 


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  • When did you deliver?
    Wednesday, April 13th

    How did you deliver? 
    Scheduled csection due to previous myomectomy. 

    How are you feeling about your delivery? 
    Meh...I never thought this would be a great, life affirming, experience because I honestly didn't have much control over the process. My hospital didn't offer the much lauded gentle csections, so I was getting what I was getting.

    The biggest surprise was that the spinal was significantly worse than expected and my anesthesiologist was...awful is too nice a word. He texted the entire procedure, hit on my nurse repeatedly, and talked frequently about the hangover he'd acquired from a recent trip to Vegas.

    I was also surprised at how often I felt alone. I barely got to see the baby before he and DH were taken to the nursery. LO had some issues regulating his temper so I was alone in recovery as well as in my room for a short time. 

    How is your recovery going?
    My recovery has been ok. I had one scary moment about a week post partum where I was walking through a parking lot with LO and my legs started feeling heavy and I began to struggle to breathe. No other repeats of that since, but a reminder that a csection is major surgery and that recovery period is no joke.

    Other than that I still have pain in the area where the spinal was inserted. When I lay flat on my back, the pain gets pretty bad. Anyone else experience this? If so, will it go away?

    Any post partum issues or questions for the group?
    So I've had some weird syptoms and Dr. Google has been unhelpful. LO is breastfeeding anywhere from 3 to 5 cumulative hours per day. After any of the particularly long cluster feeds, I tend to get chills (like visibly shaking) and painful joints. This always seems to coincide with or immediately follow long feeds. Any ideas?

  • @KDennis202 I've had a few marks from poor latch. I've learned I need to accept nothing less than a perfect latch. If he doesn't open wide enough, we keep trying until he gets it right. I've also noticed that sometimes he starts out with a good latch, but something changes during the feeding and I don't realize it. I try to keep checking his latch if I can (may require an extra hand!) and dislodge him with my finger if it needs to be fixed. He gets mad, but we can't just have my nipples getting torn up. We both need them.

    If anyone has tips for preventing him from changing his latch during feeding, I'd love to hear it.
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  • Jenly17Jenly17 member

    Any post partum issues or questions for the group?
    brrastfeeding! Every time he latches on it hurts so bad. I'm hoping this is just temporary until I get some thicker skin, but any tips or anyone else in the same boat? 
    @KDennis202 Not sure if your LC gave their number to you, but I would give them a call and maybe see if they can 1) come to your home for a visit 2) check for tongue tie.  DD was tongue tied and her latch was terrible because she couldn't open her little mouth all the way.  As a new mom, I didn't even know what tongue tie was, let alone realize that it was cause for a poor, painful latch.  FX breastfeeding gets better for you!
  • When did you deliver?
    April 19

    How did you deliver (vaginal, c-section, etc)?
    Vaginal.  7hrs of labor, 30 mins pushing, second degree tearing

    How are you feeling about your delivery?
    im really happy I had such a quick labor, however the tearing is a b*tch to recover from.  

    How is your recovery going? 
    Not quick enough!! My stitches are still killing me.  Also, in pretty bummed that I've already hit a weight loss plateau...I was losing a pound a day, but for the last 3 days I've lost nothing :-(

    Any post partum issues or questions for the group?
    When does baby acne clear up? My son has it pretty bad right now.. Poor guy!
  • @lalala2004 I am so curious about nitrous oxide. I'm giving birth at a birthing center that offers it but haven't ever known anyone who used it during labor. I'm hoping to avoid an epidural but would be open to laughing gas. Did you find that it made you dizzy or nauseous? How helpful was it during the really tough times, like transition? 
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  • @LadySamLady I met with an amazing LC this time around that was recommended by my local parents association. Even though I'm still struggling I highly recommend her. She provided care plans for me, sent reports to our pediatrician and OB, and provides paperwork for insurance. Let me know if you'd like her info. She's based out of the West Village. 
  • @lalala2004 I am so curious about nitrous oxide. I'm giving birth at a birthing center that offers it but haven't ever known anyone who used it during labor. I'm hoping to avoid an epidural but would be open to laughing gas. Did you find that it made you dizzy or nauseous? How helpful was it during the really tough times, like transition? 
    I had no ill effects from it, but it does affect some people differently. The nurse said she had never seen anyone respond to it as well as me. It was great during transition, I didn't even realize I was in transition until it occurred to me that I was constantly sucking the gas because my contractions were right on top of each other. If I ever started feeling woozy, I just stopped sucking it in until I felt more clear. It's really nice to have complete control over your pain management like that.

    At one point they did make me take it off and gave me straight oxygen instead because I guess my oxygen levels were a little low since I was using it so much towards the end. The straight oxygen felt pretty good at that point, too, though.

    Seriously, I think everyone should use it, if it works for you, of course! 
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  • Mamas worn out from cluster feeding... hang in there! Breastfeeding is usually more work in the beginning, but tends to be less work once the dust settles.

    @Kdennis202 Are you in pain just during latch on, or during the whole feeding, or after the feeding? Does your nipple look irritated, cracked, bleeding, scabbed, blistered, white, creased, or a weird shape after unlatching?

    @lbachran Chills can be normal surrounding breastfeeding in the beginning. Anything where your body is flooded with a hormone like oxytocin can cause chills. I had them horribly during DD's birth! I'm so sorry, it's not comfortable at all. Try to relax your body and take deep calming breaths until your body settles down.

    @lalala2004 Weren't you on my recent breastfeeding thread? Try out the laid back position to keep baby in a good spot with a nice deep latch. It's common for new babies to slowly slip off the breast when baby is being held underneath the breast versus on top like in laid back breastfeeding. Give that a try and see if it makes any difference.

    @mcb2016 Has your milk come in yet? How are things going with nursing/supplementing today?
  • Thanks, @araecasey ! I kind of already figured that out that position myself. He's getting better every time. 

    Oh, I also wanted to recommend Earth Mama Angel Baby nipple butter to anyone looking for a brand of nipple cream. It really helps soothe them and keeps the soreness from being too bad. Soooooo glad I brought it with me!
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  • @araecasey I should have pages you earlier! I did reach out to an LC and hope to get a home visit soon. My nipples are both a little scabbed and hurt when she latches on but not throughout the feeding unless she moves or tugs. I'm primarily doing the football carry position because it has a low impact on my c-section incision, but wonder what else you'd suggest. Do you think I should be worried that I'm not draining all the ducts doing the same position every time, particularly when she is cluster feeding? 
  • @kbrands7 I know you're busy with your new little boy <3 If you mosey over here, maybe you can share with us your favorite position(s) following a csection?

    @LadySamLady Definitely keep that home visit appointment! I feel like those are the best breastfeeding help because they're not rushed, and you have the LC's complete, undivided attention. Hope she gets in to see you asap! So your nips are scabbed, that's definitely gonna make latching uncomfortable. Do you have All Purpose Nipple Ointment? If not, please call your OB or MW to get a script for it. APNO will heal up those scabs a lot quicker than any other cream or ointment.

    You might try out side-lying position. That one is so nice because you can snooze while baby nurses (have someone keep an eye on the two of you if you're concerned about baby's safety), and it keeps little one completely off of your incision and your hands are free to apply counterpressure to your incision as needed for your comfort if you need to cough/sneeze/move around. Side-lying can be a little tricky to get the hang of, especially if you have large breasts, but is really nice for a tougher postpartum recovery, and just takes some trial and error.

    You might also consider trying a modified laid-back positioning. Laid back breastfeeding usually looks like baby lying tummy to tummy with mom with baby's head between your breasts. You could try that, but with a pillow over your incision to keep little one from kicking your incision. I like this brief article about laid back positioning following a cesearean. You might also find this video helpful.
  • Thanks for all the BF help. We're working on getting a better latch so it doesn't hurt as much and I'm going to start pumping so the middle of the night feedings are easier on both mom and baby. Who knew what a process this was going to be! 
  • kbrands7kbrands7 member
    edited May 2016
    Hi! So, csection input on bf-- I'm a big fan of putting baby tummy to tummy with me and slightly diagonal. It's easy to hold a nice, deep latch, and it also maximizes skin to skin. If you hold baby's feet in a frog like position in your hand by their butt, you should be able to avoid any pressure or kicks on the incision. 

    Edited for typos 
  • When did you deliver?
    Sunday evening 5/1

    How did you deliver (vaginal, c-section, etc)?
    Csection with a spinal-- I was minutes away from general anesthesia though, which frightened me.

    How are you feeling about your delivery?
    Pretty awesome to be honest. I didn't get my vbac because he was complete breech, but I went into labor on my own and progressed to completion without any meds in 30 minutes. It was a total whirlwind and I'm glad to know that my uterus is still strong and that I can make it though overlapping active labor contractions on my own. My husband was just in awe. Beyond that, my surgery this time was much better than with my first. I didn't get as nauseated, I was only tingly numb rather than completely numb, and never lost sensation in my hands. 

    How is your recovery going? 
    Better than my first! I had full feeling return within 2hrs this time (much faster) and was walking 8hrs after birth. I still got sick, but not as badly and it wasn't until after I got to bf and do skin to skin. My incision hurts, but I know what to expect this time which really helps a lot. We were able to catch a breastfeeding issue early this time  (tongue-tied) and corrected it with a quick snip from the pediatrician. 

    Any post partum issues or questions for the group?
    Before correcting the tongue tie, I got a wicked friction blister. I've been using coconut oil-- has anyone dealt with this before and have any other tips to heal it quickly?
    My one other issue is more or less resolved: cluster feeding overnight while still on a liquid diet yesterday  (7hr on and off marathon). My bowels kicked it into gear today though, so we got to go home and I can eat like a real person again-- if it happens again tonight, the snacks are ready!
  • mello13mello13 member
    When did you deliver? Saturday April 23rd

    How did you deliver (vaginal, c-section, etc)? Vaginal

    How are you feeling about your delivery? Pretty freakin' great! It was the last possible day my doctor could deliver until after returning from the Bahamas (and we both felt I wouldn't make it that far). I actually saw her walking across the lobby as I was headed to triage to be checked! From admittance into L&D to baby on my chest was 2 hours. I had the same anesthesiologist for my epidural that I did for my son, and the guy is AMAZING. Super calm, super gentle, he's just fantastic. Sadly, because L&D happens so fast for me, baby girl was born with a broken clavicle from her rapid descent and was seriously bruised in the face. Luckily, she's doing well now.

    How is your recovery going? The first week was brutal pain wise. It didn't help that DH was essentially useless because he was coming down with a cold/flu the day we went into labor, so obviously I wasn't going to let him cough/sneeze all over the infant. Because he was so sick I had to do everything on my own, while trying to recover, which was no picnic. Also, while DS was super excited for baby sister to arrive, he's having the expected toddler issues of adjustment. So that's been trying. And DD doesn't really want to sleep anywhere but on mama most of the time. But I know this will all fly by in a blink, so I am just rolling with it all for now and praying like mad that DD doesn't catch the sickness from DH.

    Any post partum issues or questions for the group? None that I can think of right now.

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  • I'm up with Holly who is on a cluster feeding marathon again tonight. We're four hours in... Anyone else up?
  • When did you deliver? May 1

    How did you deliver (vaginal, c-section, etc)? Vaginal with assistance from pitocin.  4 hours of active labor, 10 mins of pushing, 2nd degree tearing (ouch)

    How are you feeling about your delivery?  Good enough.  I didn't have any expectations going in.  I was disappointed that they wanted to use pitocin but it ended up not being that bad.  The actual delivery went pretty smoothly and quickly, so I can't complain.

    How is your recovery going? Better than last time.  I'm sore and bleeding a lot.  The pp contractions are so much more painful this time, too, but those are starting to get better.

    Any post partum issues or questions for the group?  No, just sympathizing with the BFing pains.
  • I'm up with Holly who is on a cluster feeding marathon again tonight. We're four hours in... Anyone else up?
    I was earlier! Cluster from 9 to 2. Second night in a row...this dude has a completely different eating pattern than his brother! 
  • kbrands7 said:
    I'm up with Holly who is on a cluster feeding marathon again tonight. We're four hours in... Anyone else up?
    I was earlier! Cluster from 9 to 2. Second night in a row...this dude has a completely different eating pattern than his brother! 
    She went from 12-5, slept for an hour and she's back at it now. Staying awake is harder than I expected!!! 
  • kbrands7 said:
    I'm up with Holly who is on a cluster feeding marathon again tonight. We're four hours in... Anyone else up?
    I was earlier! Cluster from 9 to 2. Second night in a row...this dude has a completely different eating pattern than his brother! 
    Same here. I maybe got an hour of sleep together at one point? And that would only happen if DH let him sleep on his chest. Looooong night. Hoping when my milk comes in there won't be too many more nights like these. I do feel like he's getting more efficient, so maybe that will help.
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  • @lalala2004 @LadySamLady Often, once they regain to/past birth weight, the clustering tapers off until they hit another growth spurt...which is a quick turn around at first. We can do it! :)

    More infohttps://kellymom.com/hot-topics/growth-spurts/
  • kbrands7  and other STMs - How did the visits go for older sibs visiting you and younger sib in the hospital?

    Our twins are 2yrs old, and they will stay at Gram's house while I recover from the c-section.  DH wants the girls to visit later the same day, after naps, but my Mom suggested that less is more because they won't miss me as much if they don't see me/have to leave me in the hospital.  My mom said maybe have them visits once, maybe twice, depending on how they do.  My MIL will do what we prefer - and at least the girls love to stay at Gram's.

    What did you do and what advice do you have for us?
    Thanks!
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    and our 37weeker born May 9th, 2016!






  • Question for the group-
    Anyone else do some damage to their tail one during delivery? We heard two different loud pops during labor/pushing, the first time she said it baby passing my pubic bone, second one maybe my tailbone? Anyway, it is SOOO painful. Sitting, standing, walking. Way worse than my stitches lol
  • @JennyS86 DS visited once or twice each day. We timed it so that he came in with Grandma or Dad just after I had fed DS2. This gave him the chance to cuddle me first if he wanted to (he did) and then visit with his brother. The first day was very quick and the next day we did sibling gifts. 
  • @jenl1681 I've had tailbone soreness problems for a while, even before pregnancy that have just been exacerbated. I went to a chiropractor throughout pregnancy and I think I'm going to make an appointment for this week, too.
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  • @JennyS86 DS1 came to visit the morning after DS2 was born. The timing was good because I was more mobile and myself by that point but I delivered at 5:43 pm so there was no way he would have come any sooner anyway. He stayed for about 30-40 minutes and loved meeting his little brother. He did get a little antsy but mostly because hospital rooms are either boring or way too interesting. Since you're having a c-section maybe wait until you're comfortable standing? I know that all I personally wanted to do was pick up DS1 and cuddle, so waiting until I was a little less fragile worked out for us. 
  • thanks for your feedback!  tiny postpartum rooms are not big enough for toddlers, are they!
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    and our 37weeker born May 9th, 2016!






  • @lalala2004 I fell on some ice/stairs last winter and the Dr said that because of that I was more likely to hurt it again
  • mello13mello13 member
    @JennyS86 We had DS visit only once, but that was all based on timing. I had DD later in the day, so the first night was not an option (no need to keep DS up late and disrupt his schedule). DH brought him to the hospital the next day, and we made a big deal out of the Big Brother aspect. I was released the following day. 

    I will add, I was super emotional about him coming, but when he got there he was all about baby sister and not at all worried about leaving me because he loves spending time with his grandma. He's only 2.5 but I think your twins will have a similar situation. 

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  • JennyS86 said:
    thanks for your feedback!  tiny postpartum rooms are not big enough for toddlers, are they!
    Don't know if this is an option for you (and you probably know this bc of your background BUT...) at my hospital they said you can call a few days before you go in (or estimate) and they will leave a note in your file for you to be in a corner recovery room which is typically larger if there is one available. We have a lot of family and friends that will be coming and last time I felt very claustrophobic and HOT.  I'm hoping we can get a corner room this time!
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  • Jparke2Jparke2 member
    @lalala2004 I have a question for you: My chiropractor has been REALLY pushy about me making an appointment to come in after LO arrives (I'm being induced tomorrow.) I only started going to him a couple weeks ago because the baby was breech at that point, and I believe going has been helpful in not only flipping the baby but for other things, and I believe that going to the chiropractor after having the baby would be helpful too. But he has been SO pushy and annoying about it, and hasn't left the best impression. Has your chiropractor been like that? Have they made any recommendations on how often you should go/how important it is after having the baby? 

    I'll probably go at least once because apparently the first postpartum visit is free, but I'm not sure I want to be going all the time, and for some reason I just don't 100% trust this guy. 
  • JennyS86 said:
    thanks for your feedback!  tiny postpartum rooms are not big enough for toddlers, are they!
    Don't know if this is an option for you (and you probably know this bc of your background BUT...) at my hospital they said you can call a few days before you go in (or estimate) and they will leave a note in your file for you to be in a corner recovery room which is typically larger if there is one available. We have a lot of family and friends that will be coming and last time I felt very claustrophobic and HOT.  I'm hoping we can get a corner room this time!
    That's amazing you can do that! We weren't given a private room at first but once they wheeled me in and I started asking about visiting hours for DH and DS1 they suddenly had a private room for us within 5 minutes. I think it's smart to mention you'll have two toddlers visiting, it didn't dawn on me that maybe that's why I got moved so quickly!
  • @Jparke2 she said I could come in ASAP and it's a good idea to get the baby adjusted, too. She wasn't pushy about it at all, though, that would rub me the wrong way...
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