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

[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

[Lily Dust]

Hey hon, Id stick to a vaginal birth. I have never had a c-section but I don't envy those women one little bit. I had a 3rd degree tear and sometimes when I sit it does still feel a little tender if the perineum pulls a little. I think around the 5-6 week was when I was feeling much less sensitive. Like you though I was wondering if I was ever going to feel ok again! I know 4 weeks feels like a life time when you are so sore but it will get better. At my 6 week post natal appointment the Dr asked if we were back having sex yet.... I just looked at him stupidly!
Big , hope you're feeling much better soon.

[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

[GoingtobebiginAsia]

Ladies, thank you so much for all your replies.
I posted in utter despair because I was so sick of being in pain. There was no stinging just pain when I moved around.
I saw my GP yesterday and she had a look with the speculum. It hurt so much I went into shock and had to call DP up to the medical centre to help me walk home (one block). The GP didn't know what to do and referred me back to the hospital.
So after hour and hours of waiting at the hospital, I saw a gynecologist. She removed the stiches that hadn't disolved (and may have been too tight) and burnt off some granulated scar tissue. I feel SOOOOOOO much better today I could skip back to the hospital and kiss everyone there!
I KNEW a c-section is not the optimal way to go but I just couldn't see how I could do this again, especially while looking after a toddler as well. I am so lucky my DP has helped me so much and put up with my grumpiness and complaints. Now I know it's not normal I won't let it go on so long next time.

[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.