Recovery--I Hurt! How to help healing?

[ilovebabies]

I'm 2.5 days postpartum and I HURT. REALLY. BAD.
I'm pretty sure I had symphysis pubis dysfunction (although not "diagnosed"--I just had all the symptoms) and I am just in so much pain still. Not that I expected to be all healed by any means after 2.5 days!

But, my pubic bone is soooo sore, and where my legs meet my pubic bone hurts really bad. My hips also. I have to walk very slowly and be especially careful when I need to do something where I move my legs like sit crossed legged or something like that. I feel like I'm broken!

This WILL heal, right? I'm not going to feel like I'm crippled forever, am I? For those of you who've suffered with this, how long did it take you to recover from it postpartum? The other stuff I expected but throwing this in on top of it has made for a horrid postpartum.

[Barefoot~Baker]

Ooohh you poor thing! You will heal! With my 1st I was in so much pain for at least a week after the birth. I took a lot of ibuprofen to help with it. Whenever it started to wear off I felt like I was giving birth all over again! You will get better, hang in there.

Btw my 2nd birth was much easier, I wasn't in any pain after that one, so there is hope for the future!

[tireesix]

With my 1st I didn't suffer too much after birth, DD2, I could barely walk for 2 weeks after she was born and suffered SPD symptoms for over a year after and with DD3, it was real bad for about a week after and no real problems since.

So, its variable even with the same person. If it continues, go see a physio, they might be able to manipulate you back into position and also provide a support belt.

[TzippityDoulah]

how did you stand/sit/push during birth? if you squatted or push your legs out in a way that is very strenuous, it will take some time to heal (just like any pulled muscles).

Motrin or arnica (or both!) should help. I would also REALLY recommend seeing a chirpractor. if something is misaligned you wont be able to heal well and it will cause long term pain.

[ilovebabies]

Originally Posted by HennyPenny

how did you stand/sit/push during birth? if you squatted or push your legs out in a way that is very strenuous, it will take some time to heal (just like any pulled muscles).

Motrin or arnica (or both!) should help. I would also REALLY recommend seeing a chirpractor. if something is misaligned you wont be able to heal well and it will cause long term pain.

I was on my hands and knees. It was actually my most strenous birth because his shoulders got stuck and I had to push like a mad woman while they manipulated and turned him and finally got him out. It was not a fun experience. I'm sure things are especially out of line because of all of that.

I was thinking of seeing a chiro anyway once I get past all the other postpartum stuff. I kind of figured I might need it this time around.

I'm just thinking that I need to feel at least a little better in a couple of weeks when my dh goes back to work. I have 4 other children besides my newborn to take care of, including an 18 month old that still needs carried sometimes and a 3.5 year old that WANTS to be carried sometimes. So, wow, I need to be able to move my legs w/out severe pain.

[imbarefoot]

Get some comfrey from your local herb store and steep a really really strong batch and pour it into your bath water. Also, make sure to be taking Arnica. A chiropractic adjustment would probably help too. ((hugs))

[jennyfah]

Have you told your birth/postpartum care provider? Will you be seeing your provider this week? Definitely mention it. Soreness is normal, but 'feeling like you are broken' is not. (Especially since you've birthed before; you know what is normal for your body.) Trust your instincts, and if you feel like something is not right, do not be afraid to tell your provider ASAP.

Also, you may want to check with your chiro to see how soon they want to see you. Mine wanted to see me fairly soon after the birth for a gentle adjustment, before I started to tighten up too much. I don't know how long the relaxin actively affects your body postpartum, but it can help with the healing if you are in alignment. Would he/she do a house call for you? It could help so much.

Best wishes mama and congratulations on your new little one! I hope you feel better soon.
Jen

[TzippityDoulah]

you can really hurt yourself in wacko position - I fractured my tailbone last time OUCH!!! regretfully only tim and motrin seemed to help that one. even though we are "made to have babies" doesn't mean it doesn't do a number on our bodies sometimes, yk? and from what you describe seems like pain you're feelings is justified.

I wouldn't wait on the chiropractor, honestly. it could make ALL the difference in how you heal. and arnica comes inboth oral and ointment formulas. it really does work nicely.

[ilovebabies]

Thanks for the advice everyone. Sounds like I shouldn't hold off on seeing a chiro. so I'll be looking into that fairly quickly. I'm just trying to rest as much as possible in the meantime to give my body a chance to heal.