When will I stop being sore?

[veganone]

I have birth to dd on the 3rd and have a 2nd degree tear and a very sore perenium. How long does it generally keep hurting? It's not excruciating, but I'm still definitely sore and using my peri-bottle. Kind of a hassle to shove in the diaper bag for taking dd to appointments!

[danotoyou2]

I had two stitches on my perineum, two weeks ago. I'm pretty much not sore now! I stopped using the peri bottle, and occasionally if my pee isn't 'watered down' enough (as in, it's not diluted because I didn't drink enough water) it stings a tiny bit. Otherwise, I feel totally back to normal.

So, to answer your question... you'll feel better any day now!

[dillNY]

I had 8-10 visible stitches with the birth of my first 6 weeks ago. For almost 2 weeks I had to sit on a donut, and up until 4 weeks I used witch hazel pads and dibucaine ointment off and on, and I'm still using a peri bottle, though now it is mostly because it just makes me feel cleaner. I had noticeable pain dropoffs at 2 weeks then again at three weeks.

Now I have been given the ok for sex, but if I press on the area I can still feel some pain, and also it feels like the stitches are intact but just below the surface. This makes me apprehensive about resuming activities with my husband, though I've wanted too since week one, and concerned that the pain is going to be around for a while, or even permanently.

I'm sure you'll get some improvement soon! and if you don't mind, I'd like to piggy-back on your question and make it about longer-term soreness as well.

[MsBlack]

Perineums heal fastest and with least pain, usually, if mom stays off her butt for a couple of weeks (depending on the tear). THis means, don't do much sitting--lying around, or at least in recliner, keeps weight/pressure off the wound that only creates more swelling and pain. Also, no stairs (or very infrequently), no lifting beyond weight of baby, take it easy easy easy. The less running around outside the home that you do--with or without a tear--is really best for moms and babies both after birth. Make sure you're drinking plenty to dilute the urine for less sting. Use ice packs to help reduce swelling and the pain of that.

Sitz baths with comfrey, calendula, sea salt and lavender can help too. Even plain warm water soaks can help. Alternate this with 'drying time'--in bed, no sanitary pad (lie on a towel or chux pad), some women even prop a lamp near perineum (not too near!) with legs open enough for the heat to warm the perineum, for 10-15min at a time, a time or 2 a day.

Many women who've had both tears WITH stitches, and one WITHOUT stitches, say that NO stitches healed faster/easier. This varies, but you may be one for whom the stitches--or at least, the way they were done--is making for a longer healing time.

[holly6737]

I had a small 2nd degree with 3 (?) stitches and 6 weeks postpartum I was completely back to normal. Well, pain wise. My perineum has a permanent rip, but other than that.

[dillNY]

I should have also mentioned that in the first 2 weeks I took a daily soak/bath in the tub with just water for about 30 minutes, and did so as often as I could after that. It helped immensely. I had a sitz bath kit, but couldn't use it for a good 4 weeks because sitting on it stretched my perineum and made it MORE uncomfortable! But the regular bath was great because I could vary my position and never felt stretched.

[veganone]

I'd love to stay off of the area, but with this little one we're on 10-12 triple feeds a day, so I'm sitting most of the day. That must be why it's taking longer to heal. I'm trying to figure out how to feed her laying down, but we're still having challenges with her across my chest.

I do have stitches. Didn't think to ask how many, but it took FOREVER, so must be several. They are also the disolving ones, which I am not a fan of - I'd much rather have had to go in for removal than have this kind.

Most of the pain is actually on the opposite side of the tear where I think I'm more just bruised and swollen. While I was hoping for "any day now" at least I know I'm not unusual.

[dantesmama]

With my first, I had an episiotomy and stitches, and had a sore perineum for about 2 months afterward. Sex was uncomfortable until about 6-7 months pp.

With my second, I tore (2nd degree) but had no pain. I didn't even realize I tore until I checked myself at 5 days pp. I didn't get stitches, and now at 4.5 weeks pp, I've healed great, with zero discomfort.

[SublimeBirthGirl]

I was sore for close to 6 weeks wth my 1st, after a small tear (3 or so stitches). It was a lot less w/ my 2nd.

[XanaduMama]

I had a tiny tear, about 2 stitches, and was still sore for weeks afterwards; sex still hurt for months. It's early still--just go easy on yourself. Hope you figure out nursing lying down soon! It's a lifesaver.

[bobandjess99]

i used the peri bottle for a good month, still had a LOTof pain for a good 3 months, and was unable to have sex for 10 months, all in all, it was about as "back to normal" as I believe it will ever be at about 18 months post partum.

[BoringTales]

I gave birth on the 2nd and had a small 1st degree tear. I've felt fine down there for close to a week now. The stitches are starting to itch a bit though...

[pamamidwife]

I have a belief that the pain of small tears (or even ones like yours) work to our baby's advantage to keep us at home, resting. Why do you have to keep taking your baby to appts? Sorry, I must be missing something.

The in and out of the car, lots of walking, carrying car seats, etc., all put a strain on your newly postpartum body. It could take longer to heal because of increased activity.

[Robinna]

Originally Posted by veganone

I'd love to stay off of the area, but with this little one we're on 10-12 triple feeds a day, so I'm sitting most of the day. That must be why it's taking longer to heal. I'm trying to figure out how to feed her laying down, but we're still having challenges with her across my chest.

Hon try lying on your side, her facing you and nursing from your lower breast. This works much, much better than lying on your back w/ babe across. When it's time to change sides, roll her across you so that you're lying on your other side. You're need ot do the whole "aiming the nipple up her nose" to get her latched right, and it'll take a few times, but I found it much, much easier than trying to recline on my back.

sending you lots of healing vibes

xo Robin

[pamamidwife]

I agree with Robin...or if you are large breasted, you can lean towards baby more and nurse her from the top breast.

[veganone]

Originally Posted by pamamidwife

I have a belief that the pain of small tears (or even ones like yours) work to our baby's advantage to keep us at home, resting. Why do you have to keep taking your baby to appts? Sorry, I must be missing something.

She was early (35 weeks) and has a VSD, so we've had ped. appts., cardiology appts., and lactation appts... I'm going to try to find a private LC to come in and help us with feedings.

[Belleweather]

It's okay if it takes longer to heal... I also had a second degree tear and didn't feel fully back to being comfortable on my bottom for about 8 weeks. It took a lot of sitz baths, witch hazel, and eventually some benzocaine ointment to really feel back to myself. (I also didn't rest as much as I should)

Definately work with the LC on being able to nurse side-lying, because it really really helped. Also, if you're having troubles with constipation that can irritate your perineum because you're all one piece and you're using muscles to poop... stool softners, lots of fiber and really relaxing can help that.

Otherwise, I think it just takes as long as it takes, you know? I'm now super-jealous of all you ladies with quick-healing perineums!

[momto l&a]

My first baby I was terribly sore as in in it took 15 minutes to get off the couch. That lasted about 3-4 weeks. I had a nasty tear that was stitched.

Second I tore, no stitches and very little pain, lasted maybe a few days.

Third I again tore, no stitches, never felt like I had a baby.

Fourth no tearing (thanks I feel to loads of C) and again didn't feel like I had a baby.

I think pain is due to first babies and stitching.

Rest and enjoy that newborn. They grow so fast :

[erika412]

I had my third baby (2nd vaginal birth) on 9/4, had a second degree tear that took a long time to stitch as well and am also still sore. With my second, I was sore for about 6 weeks.

[ericswifey27]

It took me about 2 weeks to fully recover from my 2nd degree tear, but I'd say one week in to that I felt so much better! Herbal sitz baths are great, by the way!