Remind me about postpartum recovery

[chicago]

How long until my 'situation' sort of returns to normal? Like, when does the swelling go down enough to not feel like I'm carrying a bowling ball in my crotch? I had a first degree tear so I don't think many stitches.

I now fully appreciate the mesh underwear. They gave me tucks but I haven't needed them. I will for sure need the peri bottle (how long?) and the Colace (scaaaared!). Obviously many pads but when does it stop looking like a crime scene? I'm purposely avoiding going to the bathroom!

[shekels1222]

I think I've blocked that part out. Seriously no one warned me about recovery. They had plenty to say about labor & delivery though. Not a word about recovery.

The tucks pads will help with the swelling too. And the giant ice pads. I think the stitches/swelling stopped feeling like a porcupine in my lady parts after a week-10days and the bleeding slowly tapered off 10-14days.

Hope you start feeling back to normal soon.

[ringstrue]

You gotta give it a good 2 weeks to see a big difference. Your body is going through a massive transition right now. It will ease up a little bit more every day.

I really recommend wearing a belly bandit or other belly/ pelvic support. Also stay on your pain meds and OTC meds after you are done those. It won't interfere with baby's milk if you are nursing.

The bathroom issues is something that feels much more weird and stingy than it really is. It's just too strained and sore right now. Don't discount tucks if you haven't shat yet. TP might feel like sandpaper at first back there.

[shelbyann]

For me, "crime scene" territory was about a week and I really started feeling normal again at the two week mark - no more peri bottle or tucks, wiping and washing normally, etc. I dreaded the first poop and really worked myself up over it, but it wasn't that bad. (I took OTC stool softener for a couple of days beforehand.)

Sending you lots of quick recovery vibes!

[earlgreyhot]

I remember loving the witch hazel pads/ice pack. Super soothing. Took a few days before I felt normal in normal circumstances. Day 5 I took a long walk and felt like my uterus was going to fall out.

[amaristella]

The first week was the most difficult for me and I had a level 2 tear. After that it was much easier. If you are taking the stool softeners you probably don't need to worry at all about bowel movements. I found that the Colace did its job and it was really not that terribly unpleasant.