@pangolindrome I had 2nd degree tearing and the first few times we tried I said we had to stop because I felt like my vaginal opening was going to split. I was terrified it was always going to be that way forever. It was probably a good 4 to 5 months post partum before it was comfortable. So, be prepared it could take some time but the tears will heal and things will feel normal again.
Editing because I forgot about kegals. I never did them consistently and then I read that you actually should NOT do them unless you have a PT or trainer who is teaching you how to do them correctly. If done wrong, they can cause your pelvic floor to be too tight which can cause problems during labor. When I do mamastrong, she says to lightly tack your belly button to your spine and then blink your peehole while doing any exercise. To brace your inner stomach muscles. I've done this but it feels different than "lifting the pelvic floor" that I was told about when doing kegals. Maybe do more research?
@babywiik Thank you for the detailed response. I’ll consult my health professionals for sure on what and how to do, but just knowing that it can take some time does a lot for me mentally.
@pangolindrome I agree with what @babywiik is saying about making sure you have professional support before doing them. I always thought they were great so did them all the time and it definitely impacted my ability to birth my daughter (I couldn't, and ended up with a c-section). You need to focus on actively releasing as well as contracting. Defs seek out a health professional to help you before getting too into them
@wiseh and @babywiik this is good to know! I am a huge “clencher” down there and apparently even contracted my uterus when they tried to do an internal ultrasound, and held it for like 5 minutes so they had to wait to try to get any image… Awkward. Sounds like I probably need help with the releasing muscle practice more!! I’ll book an appointment with the pelvic floor therapist today!
Re: Weekly Check-in, Week of 5/8
Editing because I forgot about kegals. I never did them consistently and then I read that you actually should NOT do them unless you have a PT or trainer who is teaching you how to do them correctly. If done wrong, they can cause your pelvic floor to be too tight which can cause problems during labor. When I do mamastrong, she says to lightly tack your belly button to your spine and then blink your peehole while doing any exercise. To brace your inner stomach muscles. I've done this but it feels different than "lifting the pelvic floor" that I was told about when doing kegals. Maybe do more research?