Questions for postpartum mamas - Page 2

[sbsurfer]

Originally Posted by mzminty

Sbsurfer, did they stitch that tear or leave it to heal on it's own? I let myself look at my tear again last night and was happy to see that it looks a little smaller than it did last week, so I'm guessing that it will close eventually...

Isn't it funny that you think you're going to be home free once the baby's out?

Stitched--and it is starting to feel better, finally!

Yes--I had all these plans. . .

[inthezoo]

Originally Posted by mzminty

Hi mamas, I have some questions for you.
And last but not least, am I the only one who's still constipated? I'm even drinking fiber, for heaven's sake, and it still scares the bejeebers out of me to have to go to the bathroom (having a perineal Grand Canyon doesn't make it any easier).
Thanks!

With my first I tore and had is stitched, it was very painful afterwards for months. I had to go back and get creams to soften the scar tissue and it took about 6 months until I could even have sex at all. With my second I tore and opted to let it just heal on it's own and it healed so much faster without the prolonged pain. The grand canyon is exactly how I would describe both tears. I didn't tear at all with my third here, I wonder if I healed with enough room not need to or if there wasn't the scar tissue to re-tear, I don't know.

About the constipation, I know I have a huge mental connection to bodily functions and when I had a terrible time with constipation after my first because I could feel too much and was so scared it would hurt to go, it usually did. With my second I heard a tip that has helped me even now that I'm 5 days PP with my third with terrible hemorrhoids. It sounds gross but works so well. Get a sitz bath that you set on the toilet and fill it with warm to hot water and try to go in that. It is easier on you to go under water, there is less strain and less wiping. It doesn't hurt, it's amazing.

I have a postpartum problem. I can't walk. I mean something is being pinched or something and I can't lift my legs. The hardest thing for me to do is walk down the stairs, I found that I can go down backwards but stepping forwards I just don't have the ability to move my muscles the way then need to go. I know I'm only 5 days after baby and it was fast and the most difficult birth I have had since he was a brow presentation it feels like my joints had to stretch farther than ever before but this seems muscular. Am I just not giving myself enough time? I thought about seeing the chiropractor but DH says it's too soon and what ever adjustment is made will just pop back out like my ribs do. Any advice?

[mzminty]

Originally Posted by inthezoo

I have a postpartum problem. I can't walk. I mean something is being pinched or something and I can't lift my legs. The hardest thing for me to do is walk down the stairs, I found that I can go down backwards but stepping forwards I just don't have the ability to move my muscles the way then need to go. I know I'm only 5 days after baby and it was fast and the most difficult birth I have had since he was a brow presentation it feels like my joints had to stretch farther than ever before but this seems muscular. Am I just not giving myself enough time? I thought about seeing the chiropractor but DH says it's too soon and what ever adjustment is made will just pop back out like my ribs do. Any advice?

Ugh. No advice here, but that sounds awful! I'm sorry. I hope it's just severe strain and soreness that resolves itself spontaneously.

[Super~Single~Mama]

So another weird thing - or maybe not so weird - my back hurts! I was hoping that would go away when my large belly went away...Why is my back so sore when I carry my school bag (traditional backpack, not even I am dumb enough to use a messenger bag at this point). What can I do to support my core so that I don't injure myself? I know that I should still be taking it easy, but this week has been insane and theres nothing I can do to make it less so. I'm trying to eat enough and drink enough water, but its hard. FYI, my bleeding has not increased, so I'm not doing horribly just really really tired (Lincoln not sleeping much doesn't help matters)

Also, any ideas on what I can make for breakfast that are either super fast (I'm talking 5 minutes or less prep and cooking) or that I can make the night before and put in the fridge for morning? When I have class in the morning I'm having trouble getting enough to eat before I go, and having TONS of trouble getting out of bed to make more.

[mzminty]

Originally Posted by thyra

Also, any ideas on what I can make for breakfast that are either super fast (I'm talking 5 minutes or less prep and cooking) or that I can make the night before and put in the fridge for morning? When I have class in the morning I'm having trouble getting enough to eat before I go, and having TONS of trouble getting out of bed to make more.

I found a simple recipe for bran muffins and jazzed it all up with stuff (ground flaxseeds, grated carrots and apples, & raisins) because I found myself wanting carbs in the morning and am trying to increase my fiber intake. They kept well for a few days (as long as they lasted) and I'd just split them in half, microwave for a few seconds and put butter on them. Yum!

Also, I make a fruit salad and eat that with yogurt and granola or flaxseeds. DD and I love crepes, and those can be made ahead of time and spread with PB & J. Sometimes we do that for lunch with the leftovers from breakfast. Pre-made whole grain waffles can be put in the toaster and spread with nut butters as well. HTH! :

[Taryn237]

Originally Posted by thyra

Also, any ideas on what I can make for breakfast that are either super fast (I'm talking 5 minutes or less prep and cooking) or that I can make the night before and put in the fridge for morning? When I have class in the morning I'm having trouble getting enough to eat before I go, and having TONS of trouble getting out of bed to make more.

"Baked Oatmeal presented by The Barn Inn Bed & Breakfast Serves 4

A delicious hot treat on a cold morning. Convenient to prepare ahead of time. Every time I serve it, I'm asked for the recipe.

2 cups oatmeal (rolled oats)
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1 cup milk
2 eggs, beaten
1/2 cup chunky or regular applesauce
1/2 cup brown sugar (note: this was sweet next time I'll use 1/4 cup)

Topping
1 cup vanilla yogurt (left this off and it was still yummy)

Preheat oven to 325o F

In a large bowl combine the oatmeal, baking powder and salt. Mix in milk, eggs, applesauce, brown sugar. Stir and pour into a greased casserole dish. Bake at 325 for 45 minutes. Serve hot, topping each with vanilla yogurt."

I made this, cut it and froze it and pop out a piece or two and microwave it - still great.

[quietserena]

A different baked oatmeal that I make wit coconut oil and coconut milk. (coconut has the same fatty acid - lauric - as BM so it's useful!)

But I have eggs every morning nowadays. I also snack quite a bit on dried fruits and nuts.