[LeAnnie]

I am 6 days pp and having major soreness, swelling, etc. It's not fun, but I'm trying not to complain. How long does this last usually? Yikes, I hope the body goes back to normal soon. I had a 2nd degree laceration with sutures this time due to my 10lb 8oz boy. With dd I had virtually no soreness and was working out, walking, doing everything within a few days. I guess that is not the norm, though. Anyone else still recovering???

 

[MrsMoe]

I had stiches due to a vaginal tear and the just the worst hemorids you could ever imagine... the roids caused more pain than the stiches. I am 2 weeks 2 (or is it 3?) days and I'm finally able to sit without feeling like I want to cry. Hang tough mom! <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/hug.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="hug"> Use lots of warm baths, it really does help, and if oyu have hemroids, I highly suggest the Rx cortisone cream, it worked miracles on me.

 

[MamaFern]

im definitly more sore this time around. no tears but i think i got pretty stretched out! ive been doing herbal sitz baths with a herb mix from my midwife and it really helps! also putting some calendula cream up there after bath feels really great. it does take a while to heal though! i suggest taking acidophilus till you feel totally healed, just to help you body fight infection and get back to normal. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/hug.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="hug">

 

[LeAnnie]

Acidophilus..that's a great suggestion, thanks. I think it is the stretching/swelling that is more painful than the stitches! It's a little better today..now if I can just find the time to do those sitz baths....

 

[crsta33]

The sitz baths really will help, but I understand about finding time for them. My midwife wanted me to take 3 a day and get at least one nap (preferably two). I've not managed more than two sitz baths a day and have only gotten 2 naps once.<br><br>
By the time you feed the baby, eat, and shower there just isn't alot of time left in the day. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/winky.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="Wink"><br><br>
I was miserable with the stitches with my first. My midwife even offered to remove them (they were dissolvable). I declined, but I had soreness for quite some time. This time is actually better even though the baby was 2 pounds heavier. I think not having stitches makes a big difference.<br><br>
Christa