Not recovering well ... should I consider c-section next time

[Just Me]

It is really difficult to deal with pain, sleep deprivation and a newborn. These first few weeks are really hard but it sounds like you are in more pain than is normal. I'm not sure a c-section is the solution though.

I have had 2 natural births and a c-section. I had a second degree tear with my first birth. I have found the recovery from a c-section really frustrating and extremely painful. There is so much stuff I couldn't do for so long including sitting up and holding my baby for the first day. I was very dependent on busy midwives to pick her up and pass her to me ... sometimes I waited a very long time. Recovery from my second degree tear took about 6 weeks to be healed and to be able to sit properly. Having said that, mine was pretty straight forward, but it sounds like yours is more complicated.

Every labour and birth can be completely different and you may find this isn't an issue next time and you will recover okay. No-one can tell until it happens.

It is not a nice time to be in so much pain. I hope that the doctor can help you out tomorrow.

[Arimeh]

I'm still in pain from my natural birth on the weekend, and I only got first degree tears - so I can imagine how painful it is for you with stitches too!! The stinging when going to the toilet is about to drive me insane I think

However, having had 2 previous c-sections - I would much rather this recovery, even though its hard to walk because my back is completely shot from labouring - its a totally different recovery than a c-section, and I like the fact I can pick up my kids when they want to, I drove the other day - its just totally different.

By the time you get pregnant with your next one, you might have forgotten about how rotten you feel now - whereas I still remember how horrible my infection was from my second c-section - and I'd never wish that upon anyone.

xxx

[paradise lost]

Mel fill a slosh bottle with warm water before you pee and then slowly squirt it onto your perineum as you pee. Kills the burn by diluting and feels lovely

[Arimeh]

Mel fill a slosh bottle with warm water before you pee and then slowly squirt it onto your perineum as you pee. Kills the burn by diluting and feels lovely

The tiny tear to my perineum doesn't bother me at all - its the labial tear (apparently right up the middle??) which is super ouchy!! Even water is ouchy on it... lol

[fourthontheway]

I'm sorry you're having difficulty recovering! Have you spoken to a naturopath? I took tissue salts for slow healing wounds and they were fabulous. Ask in your local health food store, they will likely have some, and they're only about $10.

People think c/sec is the easy way to do it, you can plan it ahead of time, and it's over in an hour. But the recovery process isn't great from it in many cases. About 50% of scars get infected! C/sec leaves you without the proper hormone levels, and often times babies are born to early and are not ready to breathe.

I know quite a few women who have torn at their fist birth, and been very fearful of tearing at the second, but have had little more than a graze!

[Olive]

mel my labial tear hurt for longer than my second degree tear

[StrawberryMumma]

Hang in there and give yourself time. 4 weeks isn't long.

Birth is tough either way, and complications can arise following whatever way you do it. There will always be some discomfort and recovery time no matter how brilliantly it goes.

Sending you all the strength you need to get through these tough weeks x

[Fleur]

mel my labial tear hurt for longer than my second degree tear

:yeahthat: I had a second degree tear with DD2, & felt fine 4 days later, but had labial grazes with DD1 & it was aaaaages before i would go to the loo without an icepack handy to throw on straight after could be worth a try?

GoingtobebiginAsia... sounds like your recovery is taking a bit longer than you expected...but don't forget just because there was no surgery involved, doesn't mean you don't need time to rest & recover.... it is a damn hard thing that your body does!

Everyone is different, but for myself, I've had VB & CS & I would much rather the recovery time after a VB.

Good suggestions on here from the others, maybe try icepacks? I found they did wonders for me after my DD1....wishing you a speedy recovery

[BellyBelly]

Tips for the stinging on the loo - get something like a saucebottle filled with water and squirt yourself while urinating. Make the most of the shower when you are in there and pee in the shower. If you don't have it already, grab some Ural (its a urinary alkaliser - hope spelling is right), which will help to take out the sting too.

Lots of salt baths will help healing as well as some arnica (its a well known homeopathic treatment for healing, surgeons even recommend it!) so you can get that from a naturopath or health food store. It helped me recover from a surgery, the bruising and swelling went away quick! Might be worth seeing a good naturopath to help you with all the things going on, to help you feel better.

The thing is varicose veins, pelvic floor issues - can all be caused from the weight and pressures of pregnancy so it's a fallacy that c/s will prevent these issues.

Hang in there, it will get better every day, keep reminding yourself that. The things above can help it happen faster.