postpartum questions

[spu]

so now that our babies are being born.... I have a few *personal* q's (mainly because my other babies were born via c)...

I had a 2nd degree tear which required stitches. I'm entering the 'itchy' stage now that it's been 2 weeks... is there anything that will help?

How long do you have bleeding for? Do you use a sitz bath or the peri bottle still?

When did you start doing abdominal exercises or other forms of exercise? My mw told me to wait until after my 6w appointment, but I"m dying for some good cardio (even just walking around the neighborhood!)

When can we take a regular tub bath?

What else should I know? Even though this is my 4th child, it's my first vag birth, so it's all new to me!

thanks!!
susan

[BabyBump]

My stiches are feeling much better at 2 1/2 weeks. Don't know if there is anything that will help that. I stopped using my peri bottle last week, but my cut/stitches never hurt/bothered me this birth.

As for a bath, I took one last week. I figured if the hospital was willing to offer the jacuzzi tub to me after birth, a bath home wasn't going to hurt. My bleeding with my daughter quit after about three weeks. Hopefully we are both on the downslope.

I've done some ab work on my ball. Going to start some free weight work too. I wish I could go for a walk but they are calling for 10 more inches of snow on top of the 15 we already have. I haven't had any chance to get to the gym for a walk there either. I'm not sweating it too much since I was able to put on my pre-pregnancy jeans comfortably yesterday.

[AlwaysByMySide]

I'm no help with the stitches...never had any. I used the peri bottle until I wasn't burning anymore. (I had skid marks with my two previous pregnancies.)

I bled with both girls about 5-6 weeks. Much lighter after about week 3, if I remember correctly.

I was going for walks and doing light exercise within a week of delivery of both. (I am always full of energy after getting the baby out of my body!) I was back in the gym taking spinning and weight lifting classes with ab work with #1 at 4 weeks.

And one of the first things I do when I get home from the hospital is take a tub bath!

It will be interesting to see the answers from everyone.

[CalebsMama05]

Originally Posted by spu

so now that our babies are being born.... I have a few *personal* q's (mainly because my other babies were born via c)...

I had a 2nd degree tear which required stitches. I'm entering the 'itchy' stage now that it's been 2 weeks... is there anything that will help?

I had a 2nd degree tear with my younger ds. it was horrible. I was given 2 cans of dermoplast (?) spray that worked for pain relief AND itch relief. you may be able to buy this in the store??

How long do you have bleeding for? Do you use a sitz bath or the peri bottle still?

I bled for 6 weeks with both of mine..I did sitz baths and hot peri water until around 4-5wks

When did you start doing abdominal exercises or other forms of exercise? My mw told me to wait until after my 6w appointment, but I"m dying for some good cardio (even just walking around the neighborhood!)

I did a little bit of walking but I never really was much into abdominal excersizes...I did start doing crunches around 6 months PP with ds2 since my weight loss leveled off and I wasn't scared to do anything but sit on my butt!

When can we take a regular tub bath?

I started taking tub baths when the babe's cord fell off since that's how I bathed mine! I see no reason not to this time as well.

What else should I know? Even though this is my 4th child, it's my first vag birth, so it's all new to me!

thanks!!
susan

my response is in purple

[anj7]

With DD1, I used the peri bottle until I felt it safe to not. I guess it was a few weeks? Sitz bath I did for at least 2 weeks (I had 3rd degree tears, so after my morning shower, I filled up the tub a bit and did my sitz bath).

I bled for 8 weeks PP with DD1 and 6 weeks with DD2.

[kathywiehl]

Originally Posted by spu

so now that our babies are being born.... I have a few *personal* q's (mainly because my other babies were born via c)...

I had a 2nd degree tear which required stitches. I'm entering the 'itchy' stage now that it's been 2 weeks... is there anything that will help?

How long do you have bleeding for? Do you use a sitz bath or the peri bottle still?

When did you start doing abdominal exercises or other forms of exercise? My mw told me to wait until after my 6w appointment, but I"m dying for some good cardio (even just walking around the neighborhood!)

When can we take a regular tub bath?

What else should I know? Even though this is my 4th child, it's my first vag birth, so it's all new to me!

thanks!!
susan

For the stitching, I would try to get some of that numbing spray that some hospitals give out. I'm not sure what it's called and it's been 13 years since I tore with birth, so sorry I'm not much help there.

If you are truly taking good care of yourself and resting as much as you should, bleeding should subside after about a week or two. Most of us don't rest enough, and then it takes longer. So, rest more and see what happens.

No exercise til you stop bleeding. If you start bleeding again after starting exercise, then it means you are doing too much. There will be plenty of time to get back in shape. Right now rest is the most important thing you can do to get back in shape on the inside.

I take regular tub baths immediately following my births. It's one of my most favorite things to do with my newborn.

[Gunter]

spu- congrats on having a vaginal birth!!!

maybe use witch hazel for the itching. so many other posts with good advice so that's all i have for ya.

[Nature]

My bleeding has slowed down to almost nothing at day 5. Very very light. I stopped using the peri bottle when it didn't sting on urination, which was about yesterday. If I have a BM I do still use the peri just to be on the safe side since I can't wipe as well. (I tore and have stitches) I never usually get itchy with my stitches though so I'm not sure about that. They really aren't bothering me much at all. My stomach and hips are more sore than anything. (and my enormous breasts...)

[Quella]

typing w/ 1 hand...
my midwife came for our 2-week yesterday. she asked me of me tear was ithcing (it had been a little) and she said that's a good sign it's healing.
so something positive to think about.
i put coconut oil on it, helps a lot.

[gerlassie]

Have you tried Witch Hazel Pads? I always found them to be quite soothing and they feel cool on that ever so tender after birth skin.

gerlassie

[GreenRose]

Oh, so good to hear everyone's answers to this.. i was worried that i shouldn't still be bleeding at 11 days. It's tapering off, but still red, and i'm still wearing pads.

I got a third-degree tear and have been using the peri bottle constantly, just because it feels nice. I'm entering the itchy stage. I have some dermaplast spray, but have tried not to use it - stuck to my earth angel mamma bottom spray that has witch hazel etc. I'm using their bottom balm now too for hems... feels SO good.. and witch hazel pads. Oh, and salt/oatmeal/calendula sitz baths - but not as often as I should.

I have really tried not to do too much, but i have been for two walks around the block, and I can't help walking around the house a lot during the day. Feels good to get off my sore butt!

Oh, also, my sacrum/pelvis ?? is killing me on the right side! I'm having trouble walking without a limp. When is THAT going to go away..

[Greeneyes0506]

I had DS 9 days ago and I stopped the sitz baths and peri bottle. I haven't done any ab exercises yet but I've been doing my kegels a lot