Healing after birth

[belltree]

I am now 12 weeks postpartum. I had a natural, very fast first birth and labor with zero interventions. I had a 2nd degree tear that was difficult to suture.

Often after a long day it still feels as if my pelvic floor is going to fall out, this was extremer right after birth, but comes and goes. I have been doing Kegels prenatally and postpartum, it just does not seem to help much. Also my scar from the tear is still red and hurts.

Is this all normal, or should I go and get another checkup? How long did it take you to heal?

[scottishmommy]

Healing from chilbirth is a long, long process. Vaginal birth, while a natural, normal process, is pretty hard on your body. Pregnancy also takes it's toll! To make matters worse you have no time to rest because you're looking after a baby. I think I am now pretty much back to "normal" and I'm 12 months postpartum. There are permanent changes that occur after you have a vaginal birth. Your pelvic floor will always be slightly "saggier", just like your breasts and your tummy. If you feel like there is something wrong there are physical therapists who specialize in rebuilding your pelvic floor. In the mean time, when you feel saggy try doing some inverted yoga poses, or just lie down. Your body is telling you to rest.

[belltree]

Thank you for your reply! My life was pretty stressful last 2-3 weeks. It is good to know, that it just takes time, and I am being impatient. It is strange to me, that my body cannot handle all the things I want him to be able to do.

[scottishmommy]

I have to say that the hardest part of early motherhood for me feeling like I had a whole new body. Everything was different! I always thought I would embrace those changes, but it was a real downer. Things will get back to normal in time, although as your baby grows you may get really bad back pain from lugging him around all day! It never ends! Congratulations on your little one.

[zoebird]

for my pelvic floor to feel completely normal and strong (without any tears) took over a year.

now, i am a yogini, so i have an intimate understanding of the PF. nevertheless, it was months before it felt like it wasn't a gaping hole, and 16 months before it really felt completely normal.

[smokeylo]

Hmmm -- I guess it's different for different women. I felt basically back to normal, pelvically anyway, at 12 weeks. If you are worried, I see no harm in getting it checked out, although it doesn't sound like what you're experiencing is unusual. Good luck!!