Hi there hun,

I had my DD in May this year and experienced a 4th degree tear - same as a third but also tears through to the rectum. I had to have surgery immediately after the birth and considering all that my recovery has been fairly good. My ob told me that i can get on the DTD wagon at my 6 week check but there was not a chance in hell i was doing that!! realistically he told me by about 6 months i would be feeling much better. At 4 months now, i am feeling heaps better but not 100% yet. Everything seems 'tight' down there and the pressure down there at the time of my period is huge! Going to the toilet has become much better as time has gone on - after probably the first 3 weeks it was all back to normal - the trick is to keep everything soft. As for baby #2 i will def be having a c-section. While i do have the choice (as everyone does), i am not prepared to risk having the same damage occur. I have been very lucky this time round that i have no long term issues ie. incontinence so for me personally i am happy to have the c/s next time. As for DTD, DH has been very gracious and it's a 'little bit at a time' for us...it will all go back to 'normal' eventually i am sure!

Good luck with everything and just remember that it is early days and give it 12 months and everything will be much better!

xo