I'm with you ladies about the PP poop and gas. When I feel pressure down there, I never know if it's gas, poop, pee, uterine contractions or c-section healing. It all just ...hurts.
Caved and made DH get colace for me. I had my first PP poop 4 days PP. It felt like I was shitting a brick, a literal brick. Ugh.
How are you ladies dealing with uterine contractions after BFing or pumping? It hurts pretty bad for me.
How did you deliver (vaginal, c-section, etc)? Labored for almost 24 hours before deciding to have a cs.
How are you feeling about your delivery? When the dr recommended the cs I burst out crying. I actually had a bit of a panic attack (which is why I think I fell asleep during surgery). I had labored for so long and I was 8cm and we all thought vaginal would be possible. Yesterday I spoke with the dr and she told me the cord was wrapped so tightly around Harper's neck that if we didn't have the cs things could be bad right now. So while I'm disappointed I'm thrilled that I had an option that in hindsight might have saved her life.
How is your recovery going? Surprisingly im doing pretty good. Yesterday was day one and I was able to pee, pass gas and move around myself. And shower!!! I'm having problems getting in and out of bed so in working on that today.
Any post partum issues or questions for the group? I think it's because I had a cs and didn't get to hold her until yesterday but I don't feel as bonded as I had hoped. I'm crazy about her, but I look at this child (that looks nothing like me) and I have to remind myself I'm her mom. I'm sure as I spend more time with her it will feel natural? Just wondering if anyone else feels this way?
@yogahh Not quite the same situation . . . I also had an emergency c-section but I was able to hold her about an hour after. I breastfed her at that time as well and did some skin to skin. It took a few days at the hospital before it clicked in that she was mine. I mean, yes I know she's mine but I felt almost distant about the whole thing. Having nurses come in and get her out of the cot for me and tell me to feed her and such made me feel not very mommy like. It was all awkward and it felt so forced. Late one night at the hospital when she was crying, I got up and got her out and as soon as I held her she stopped. I brought her to bed with me and let her sleep on me for hours while I stayed awake watching her. It wasn't till then that I felt bonded.
@yogahh I felt instantly bonded with DS when he was born. But this time around with DD, for whatever reason it didn't happen. I was able to hold her and actually didn't have any of the complications like I did with DS. I mean, I still adored her and everything, (neither she nor DS really looked anything like me) but it wasn't the same. Now, I can say that 2.5 weeks later it's totally different. I feel just as bonded and in love as I had hoped/anticipated. So it DOES get better, it just sometimes take a little time for whatever reason.
How did you deliver (vaginal, c-section, etc)? Vaginal
How are you feeling about your delivery? It was really fast. I went from 2 cm to 9 cm in about 3 hours. Changed my mind and decided I wanted an epi. The labor nurse basically saved my life because she decided to call the anesthesiologist from home even though she hadn't received any of the results from the labs. After that, aside from needing a little oxygen, delivery was pretty easy after that.
How is your recovery going? Lots of soreness from the breasts down. Had a tear, so dealing with some stitches and pain there. But I'm mostly doing okay. Very swollen feet and ankles. But I can walk a little if necessary.
Any post partum issues or questions for the group? I've been very weepy. Trying to figure out breastfeeding and feeling like I'm not feeding him enough has been hard. Gave him some formula last night and this morning because he was obviously hungry and fighting the latch so much. Then I cried, again. Hoping to meet with the LC sometime soon.
@yogahh I told my DH that it hadn't clicked yet that I had a son after birth. I obviously was crazy about him, but it was different. It wasn't until I got bad test results that my mind went crazy and I imagined not being there for him growing up and it was like everything slid into place for me. Maybe because I was so focused on the birth experience that it took a minute.
How did you deliver (vaginal, c-section, etc)? C/S
How are you feeling about your delivery? My actual delivery was fine. DH and I cried when we first heard our baby cry.
How is your recovery going? Due to a sequence of events mentioned in my birth story, my recovery is extremely difficult. It's worth every bit of suffering.
Any post partum issues or questions for the group? Anyone trying to dry up their milk? I'm having to and teetering on mastitis that I can't afford to have. Anyone have tips?
Been married since 2009. Unicornuate Uterus (yes I menstruate glitter) Several MCs DD born 2013 (our miracle "you can't have babies" baby!)
Anyone else feel a little shakey while nursing, like your blood sugar has suddenly dropped? I'm sure I'm not eating enough to manage the rapid weight loss pp and the 500 extra calories I'm burning. Any STM's have tips for some good foods I can quickly eat?
Anyone else feel a little shakey while nursing, like your blood sugar has suddenly dropped? I'm sure I'm not eating enough to manage the rapid weight loss pp and the 500 extra calories I'm burning. Any STM's have tips for some good foods I can quickly eat?
If you're feeling a sugar drop, sugar and protein works best I think-- protein bars are good (many also have significant sugar), or sometimes I'll grab juice and nuts or turkey breast lunch meat or a cheese stick.
How did you deliver (vaginal, c-section, etc)? C/S
How are you feeling about your delivery? My actual delivery was fine. DH and I cried when we first heard our baby cry.
How is your recovery going? Due to a sequence of events mentioned in my birth story, my recovery is extremely difficult. It's worth every bit of suffering.
Any post partum issues or questions for the group? Anyone trying to dry up their milk? I'm having to and teetering on mastitis that I can't afford to have. Anyone have tips?
I've been drying my milk up slowly too. I used cabbage leaves for a few days and reduced my pumping gradually to once a day, then no pumping. Now I'm breastfeeding maybe once or twice a day. But I could easily stop at this point. It's more for her comfort and my enjoyment. I had planned to stop entirely though. Definitely go the cabbage leaves!!
How did you deliver (vaginal, c-section, etc)? Vaginal
How are you feeling about your delivery? Overall pretty good. Start to finish, 10 hours. I pushed for one hour. Unfortunately, I had a hot spot in my epidural so I still felt all my contractions. My BP kept jumping and her heart rate would drop so that was scary. I did tear as well. Very euphoric and surreal experience.
How is your recovery going? Not bad. First few days were pretty rough but each day seems to be better and better. The bleeding has really tapered off. We were in the hospital several extra days for jaundice so that semi screwed up breastfeeding. She is finally starting to get there but it's been lots of hard work and supplementing.
Any post partum issues or questions for the group?
How long does it take these hemorrhoids to heal? Should I keep taking stool softeners to help make sure they don't get worse?
Mine went away at 10 days PP. I would definitely keep taking the stool softener a until they are gone. Also I started wiping with tucks pads instead of TP which really helped
How long does it take these hemorrhoids to heal? Should I keep taking stool softeners to help make sure they don't get worse?
Mine are still there but I had a serious case from a 2 hour labor and delivery. They've shrunk almost away at this point. I am still taking stool softeners, I use the flushable wipes as well rather than TP. And still use cooling gel/tucks pads as needed.
I'm still rinsing with the peri bottle, wiping with tuck pads and dabbing with TP. I think my problem was switching to stool softeners every other day instead of daily. Seemed like they were working too well....
@lalala2004 if you aren't already, start taking several hot soaks (just covering your nether regions) or a sitz bath for fifteen minutes several times a day. I'd keep using the softeners until the hemorrhoid goes away.
@JoMunson I lost it on my poor husband a few days ago. The baby was napping between eating, and I told him I was going to go eat my pudding cup and get in the shower. "Oh, do you mind if I get in first - I'll be fast!" He did this to me all the time pre-child, and I lived with it, but it has always annoyed me. If you know you want to take a shower, and I'm doing something like eating lunch, then get the heck in the shower! Don't wait for me to say I'm ready to take mine. I told him fine. He goes to get in the shower, and then of course everything goes sideways. I have to put my pudding cup down to deal with my mom who wanted coffee, the dog barking over the contractors, whatever issue came up. He came back upstairs 10 minutes later and saw the half eaten pudding cup. "See! You didn't even finish it." Yeah no shit, because our life is crazy now, and if I don't use my window to go do something, I'll have a thousand things come up.
I finally make it into the shower, and not 5 minutes later, he comes walking down the stairs with a screaming baby. Mother F*. "Do I need to feed her?" "Oh, no, I'm just trying to calm her." "Then get the hell away from me and let me enjoy this damn shower!" Then I just begin sobbing in the shower. He didn't understand that part of this whole being a mom things means if you hear your baby crying, you immediately want to go to them and comfort/nurse/do whatever by instinct. There is no enjoying the shower after that.
I got out of the shower, came back upstairs, and just ripped into him with the contractors here and everything (I felt so bad after). I told him no more of trying to get in the shower before me when I say I'm ready to take one. I get a limited amount of time to go enjoy a shower these days, and he can find 5 minutes some other time to take his. 5-10 minutes may seem small to him, but that time to myself is a HUGE deal to me these days.
Anyone else feel a little shakey while nursing, like your blood sugar has suddenly dropped? I'm sure I'm not eating enough to manage the rapid weight loss pp and the 500 extra calories I'm burning. Any STM's have tips for some good foods I can quickly eat?
I've gotten this nursing both my children too, but I'm not totally sure it's blood sugar related for me. I mean, definitely a good idea to have snacks at your nursing station either way (I have a little caddy with protein bars, nuts, water bottle, nipple cream, burp rags that I sit down with whenever I'm gonna nurse). But I think for me it has more to do with the hormones that are released when nursing, because it never really went away with my son. I always felt dizzy and slightly nauseated when my milk let down.
@JoMunson I lost it on my poor husband a few days ago. The baby was napping between eating, and I told him I was going to go eat my pudding cup and get in the shower. "Oh, do you mind if I get in first - I'll be fast!" He did this to me all the time pre-child, and I lived with it, but it has always annoyed me. If you know you want to take a shower, and I'm doing something like eating lunch, then get the heck in the shower! Don't wait for me to say I'm ready to take mine. I told him fine. He goes to get in the shower, and then of course everything goes sideways. I have to put my pudding cup down to deal with my mom who wanted coffee, the dog barking over the contractors, whatever issue came up. He came back upstairs 10 minutes later and saw the half eaten pudding cup. "See! You didn't even finish it." Yeah no shit, because our life is crazy now, and if I don't use my window to go do something, I'll have a thousand things come up.
I finally make it into the shower, and not 5 minutes later, he comes walking down the stairs with a screaming baby. Mother F*. "Do I need to feed her?" "Oh, no, I'm just trying to calm her." "Then get the hell away from me and let me enjoy this damn shower!" Then I just begin sobbing in the shower. He didn't understand that part of this whole being a mom things means if you hear your baby crying, you immediately want to go to them and comfort/nurse/do whatever by instinct. There is no enjoying the shower after that.
I got out of the shower, came back upstairs, and just ripped into him with the contractors here and everything (I felt so bad after). I told him no more of trying to get in the shower before me when I say I'm ready to take one. I get a limited amount of time to go enjoy a shower these days, and he can find 5 minutes some other time to take his. 5-10 minutes may seem small to him, but that time to myself is a HUGE deal to me these days.
I think DH's don't realize that as moms were pretty much chained to our babies. When Ezra's asleep I'm running around grabbing my shower, cleaning, throwing in laundry- what I like to call the game of "when will I become food again?" It's like Cinderellas coach turning back into a pumpkin.
@wsgjmw1it might be the pads you're using. I thought I might have a yeast infection a week PP but it was the pads I was using causing irritation. I switched to whole foods' brand and was fine - the same thing happened after my first delivery too. Ice packs help and the doctor said to do a sitz bath, but I was fine with ice packs and switching pads to a greener option.
I am now 2 weeks PP and my vagina itches like a mofo after a vagina birth . I am using tucks pads but holy heck it's so uncomfortable .
3.5 weeks PP here, I had second degree tearing and mine has been SO itchy for the past couple weeks. I'm sorta happy it's itching though because that me
Anyone else dealing with separation anxiety? DD is a dream baby. She sleeps great and I put her in the pnp to nap but I also hold her a lot. She's not needy, just very cuddly. I don't think I have PPD, since I don't feel depressed. I have a seriously difficult time passing baby to anyone else other than my husband. I get serious anxiety just thinking about it. It's easier for me to give the baby to my family then my in laws. I hate feeling this way as they are great but I don't know how to get past it. Anyone else?
Anyone else feel a little shakey while nursing, like your blood sugar has suddenly dropped? I'm sure I'm not eating enough to manage the rapid weight loss pp and the 500 extra calories I'm burning. Any STM's have tips for some good foods I can quickly eat?
Yes. I have larabars stashed in the house and room. I really have to stay up on my water intake too. These make a huge difference for me.
I'm sure it's normal but wondering if anyone other cs moms have a weird burning/pulling feeling. It's internal, most likely the incision healing? Since my dr is an hour away and I can't get to her office myself she told me I can skip my incision check appt (unless of course I notice any major issues). Guess it would be nice to know if this is something I need to see her for or not?
@yogahh I've had that both times. The first time, the burning went away within a few weeks; the pulling took much longer to go away (and a lot of massage once the incision was healed) because my body produces a lot of scar tissue.
@yogahh I've had that both times. The first time, the burning went away within a few weeks; the pulling took much longer to go away (and a lot of massage once the incision was healed) because my body produces a lot of scar tissue.
Thanks... Good to know it sounds normal. I refused Percocet but thinks in going to call tomorrow and see if they can get me a prescription. Since I can't make that 2 week appt just worried this is something wrong I might miss.
@yogahh, I had burning/tearing sensations for about the first 3 weeks. I kept thinking I was ripping open from the inside. Just past the 1 month mark and now the sensations are much less acute and typically only accompany repeated twisting or bending.
@yogahh I literally came on to ask this exact question! I also am passing little clots. I was starting to back off the Motrin but I think I'll go back to regular doses of it. Sometimes the pulling/burning feels higher but it doesn't hurt to pee so hopefully no UTI is brewing...
Guys, I've really come to love pooping. It's one of the only times in the day where I'm not someone else's meal. It's like 15 minutes just for me.
Lol. I have a toddler who opens doors so that time (plus two dogs and a cat who can't stand a closed door) isn't always what anyone would consider peaceful.
Jealous of the pooping posts (never thought I'd say that). Itll be 5 days since the start of my induction (and since my last BM) and there's no sign of me ever pooping. Been taking colace twice a day since I have had baby and still nothing. I have 2nd degree tears (OB cut me ALL the way....) and although I've been dreading it, I haven't been avoiding it as I figured it would be worse as days go on. Any helpful advice is welcome - seems like someone has only mentioned miralax. Is that my only other option?
@Kennedy0830 I accidentally found something that worked, it had been about 5 days for me as well. A massive kale salad, 3 colace a day, tons of water, and an iced coffee. Worked better than anything else I've taken or tried. Assuming it was mostly the kale and colace though.
@Kennedy0830 - METAMUCIL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I was doing to colace twice per day, and on day 4 or 5, I threw down. My husband made me drink metamucil, and it worked. I waited until I knew I had time to really just relax and not feel like I had to get in and out. I have a second degree tear as well, so it was scary, but the relief was well worth it. I just kept reminding myself if I can deal with contractions and birth, then I can go to the bathroom. I'm still taking the colace and drinking metamucil at night, and I've been able to go every morning since. Fun fact - last Monday I weighed myself before I was able to go to the bathroom. I weighed myself a week later this morning, and I've lost 8 pounds in one week. I know it's probably not all from going to the bathroom, but I feel like it's a large contributor.
@Bltbear82 I am also drinking coffee hoping its natural laxatives help - it normally does the trick for me! I'm thinking I need to add more fruits and veggies to my diet though. Thanks!
Jealous of the pooping posts (never thought I'd say that). Itll be 5 days since the start of my induction (and since my last BM) and there's no sign of me ever pooping. Been taking colace twice a day since I have had baby and still nothing. I have 2nd degree tears (OB cut me ALL the way....) and although I've been dreading it, I haven't been avoiding it as I figured it would be worse as days go on. Any helpful advice is welcome - seems like someone has only mentioned miralax. Is that my only other option?
There are other options but miralax is a great place to start because it's gentle and gets things moving. I find a few days of it will kee you going regularly all week and beyond. Generally we don't recommend Metamucil/fibre if you haven't been in so long as it can actually make the constipation worse because it creates more bulk in the bowels. Fibre is a great way to maintain regularity though. If you thing you need something to make you go immediately go to your pharmacy to see what your options are (I don't know what's available in the states)...you may want a stimulant
I finally just had a bowel movement on my own which is 4 days post partum I was taking 2-3 colace a day and it came out with ease earlier although I drank coffee for the first time earlier so I think that helped although Friday while still in the hospital I was having a ton of belly pain and loads of has that wouldn't escape so they have me everything under the sun to make me poop which didn't work so finally got a suppository and it was a watery mess so I'm now glad that is all over lol @Kennedy0830 .. on the other hand any second times moms with a much speedier recovery this time ?? I delivered early Thursday morning after only 2 1/2 hours of labor and no epidural and I feel I'm recovering so much better than the first I remember still hardly being able to walk after my first around the time and still a bloody mess and now I'm really just spitting here and there hardly nothing which concerns me but seems to be fine ? anyone else ?
Re: Post Partum Thread
Caved and made DH get colace for me. I had my first PP poop 4 days PP. It felt like I was shitting a brick, a literal brick. Ugh.
How are you ladies dealing with uterine contractions after BFing or pumping? It hurts pretty bad for me.
I'm 2 days pp
How did you deliver (vaginal, c-section, etc)?
Labored for almost 24 hours before deciding to have a cs.
How are you feeling about your delivery?
When the dr recommended the cs I burst out crying. I actually had a bit of a panic attack (which is why I think I fell asleep during surgery). I had labored for so long and I was 8cm and we all thought vaginal would be possible. Yesterday I spoke with the dr and she told me the cord was wrapped so tightly around Harper's neck that if we didn't have the cs things could be bad right now. So while I'm disappointed I'm thrilled that I had an option that in hindsight might have saved her life.
How is your recovery going?
Surprisingly im doing pretty good. Yesterday was day one and I was able to pee, pass gas and move around myself. And shower!!! I'm having problems getting in and out of bed so in working on that today.
Any post partum issues or questions for the group?
I think it's because I had a cs and didn't get to hold her until yesterday but I don't feel as bonded as I had hoped. I'm crazy about her, but I look at this child (that looks nothing like me) and I have to remind myself I'm her mom. I'm sure as I spend more time with her it will feel natural? Just wondering if anyone else feels this way?
May 9, 2016 at 8:32 AM
How did you deliver (vaginal, c-section, etc)?
Vaginal
How are you feeling about your delivery?
It was really fast. I went from 2 cm to 9 cm in about 3 hours. Changed my mind and decided I wanted an epi. The labor nurse basically saved my life because she decided to call the anesthesiologist from home even though she hadn't received any of the results from the labs. After that, aside from needing a little oxygen, delivery was pretty easy after that.
How is your recovery going?
Lots of soreness from the breasts down. Had a tear, so dealing with some stitches and pain there. But I'm mostly doing okay. Very swollen feet and ankles. But I can walk a little if necessary.
Any post partum issues or questions for the group?
I've been very weepy. Trying to figure out breastfeeding and feeling like I'm not feeding him enough has been hard. Gave him some formula last night and this morning because he was obviously hungry and fighting the latch so much. Then I cried, again. Hoping to meet with the LC sometime soon.
Been married since 2009.
Unicornuate Uterus (yes I menstruate glitter)
Several MCs
DD born 2013 (our miracle "you can't have babies" baby!)
@JoMunson LaraBars are my go-to quick snack for when I feel that way. So it's sugary, but natural, and packed with other healthy stuff, too.
How did you deliver (vaginal, c-section, etc)? Vaginal
How are you feeling about your delivery? Overall pretty good. Start to finish, 10 hours. I pushed for one hour. Unfortunately, I had a hot spot in my epidural so I still felt all my contractions. My BP kept jumping and her heart rate would drop so that was scary. I did tear as well. Very euphoric and surreal experience.
How is your recovery going? Not bad. First few days were pretty rough but each day seems to be better and better. The bleeding has really tapered off. We were in the hospital several extra days for jaundice so that semi screwed up breastfeeding. She is finally starting to get there but it's been lots of hard work and supplementing.
Any post partum issues or questions for the group?
5.5.16 | 8.14.17 | 1.30.19
I finally make it into the shower, and not 5 minutes later, he comes walking down the stairs with a screaming baby. Mother F*. "Do I need to feed her?" "Oh, no, I'm just trying to calm her." "Then get the hell away from me and let me enjoy this damn shower!" Then I just begin sobbing in the shower. He didn't understand that part of this whole being a mom things means if you hear your baby crying, you immediately want to go to them and comfort/nurse/do whatever by instinct. There is no enjoying the shower after that.
I got out of the shower, came back upstairs, and just ripped into him with the contractors here and everything (I felt so bad after). I told him no more of trying to get in the shower before me when I say I'm ready to take one. I get a limited amount of time to go enjoy a shower these days, and he can find 5 minutes some other time to take his. 5-10 minutes may seem small to him, but that time to myself is a HUGE deal to me these days.
5.5.16 | 8.14.17 | 1.30.19