Missy0483
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Postpartum Care Thread
- Thread starter monarch64
- Start date
choro72
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Hi everyone! 4 week mom here 
I'm just a newbie, but I hope this helps.
General
Recovery sucks. They told me how I shouldn’t move for the first month. They never told me that it’s physically impossible. Nobody emphasize enough on how a baby traveling through the tiny canal can mutilate your body, and how hard it is to recover. My complaints during my pregnancy make me feel like a crybaby compared with this, and I only pushed through 5 contractions or so! Imagine how hard it is if you had to push for hours.
Tailbone:
This is uncommon, but some people hurt their tailbone in the process of pushing a human out on her back. I delivered a wee 6lbs baby, so it can happen regardless of the package size. Nurses brush it off with “oh, it will get better”. It will, but until it does it hurts so much more than the stitches. You really need to take it easy. Do not sit. Not on the floor, not on hard chairs, and certainly not on soft surfaces. It hurts to even sleep on your back. Whatever you do, keep the pressure off your bum. I sat up on the computer for the first two days and I paid for it dearly. I can finally stand and sit without whimpering, but my butt still feel tender.
On the bright side, my tailbone pain masked any pain associated with stitches.
Life:
My birth class teacher said that we should act like stereotypical spoiled princesses after giving birth. Follow this advice. Three days after my discharge I spent two days shopping. By the end of each day my crotch felt like it was full of rocks and my aforementioned tailbone was throbbing like a timpani. I could barely drag myself to the shower. After that I let everyone bring food for me, do dishes, and bring me the remote. All I did was lie on the sofa with the baby. Now I finally feel well enough to take walks and do housework.
Naps:
Take naps! Don’t try to run errands while the baby sleeps. Not even computer work. Not worth it. By dinnertime I looked like a zombie. I gave in and started taking naps with the baby, and I feel worlds better. I can actually focus more for the next semester.
Breastfeeding:
The breastfeeding class lied. It’s only painless with preparations and post engorgement. My left nipple wouldn’t perk while my boobs were engorged. It's so painful that I’m surprised my teeth aren't ground flat.
What helped: wipe boob with cold wet gauze before feeding. Put Lanolin on nipples after shower. Again, the LC didn't emphasize how necessary this is. She only said "If you feel sore you can help keep it moist..." etc. It's not an option! Use that Lanolin!
Manually perk the flat nipple out. This will take time. Feed on chair, not sitting on the floor (or your legs will go numb). Be where you will be comfortable.
Don’t feel bad if you quit due to the pain. I stuck through because I enjoy it, and because I’m failing at everything else. Shinobu hasn't touched a bottle yet, but I’m not sure if the benefits outweigh the pain. He sure hasn’t bonded with me. It was also heartbreaking to see him scream out of frustration because he couldn’t latch on my flat nipple. Now I can finally nurse without clawing someone, but it was pure torture until I reached this point. I’m dreading the day when he starts teething.
I'm just a newbie, but I hope this helps.General
Recovery sucks. They told me how I shouldn’t move for the first month. They never told me that it’s physically impossible. Nobody emphasize enough on how a baby traveling through the tiny canal can mutilate your body, and how hard it is to recover. My complaints during my pregnancy make me feel like a crybaby compared with this, and I only pushed through 5 contractions or so! Imagine how hard it is if you had to push for hours.
Tailbone:
This is uncommon, but some people hurt their tailbone in the process of pushing a human out on her back. I delivered a wee 6lbs baby, so it can happen regardless of the package size. Nurses brush it off with “oh, it will get better”. It will, but until it does it hurts so much more than the stitches. You really need to take it easy. Do not sit. Not on the floor, not on hard chairs, and certainly not on soft surfaces. It hurts to even sleep on your back. Whatever you do, keep the pressure off your bum. I sat up on the computer for the first two days and I paid for it dearly. I can finally stand and sit without whimpering, but my butt still feel tender.
On the bright side, my tailbone pain masked any pain associated with stitches.
Life:
My birth class teacher said that we should act like stereotypical spoiled princesses after giving birth. Follow this advice. Three days after my discharge I spent two days shopping. By the end of each day my crotch felt like it was full of rocks and my aforementioned tailbone was throbbing like a timpani. I could barely drag myself to the shower. After that I let everyone bring food for me, do dishes, and bring me the remote. All I did was lie on the sofa with the baby. Now I finally feel well enough to take walks and do housework.
Naps:
Take naps! Don’t try to run errands while the baby sleeps. Not even computer work. Not worth it. By dinnertime I looked like a zombie. I gave in and started taking naps with the baby, and I feel worlds better. I can actually focus more for the next semester.
Breastfeeding:
The breastfeeding class lied. It’s only painless with preparations and post engorgement. My left nipple wouldn’t perk while my boobs were engorged. It's so painful that I’m surprised my teeth aren't ground flat.
What helped: wipe boob with cold wet gauze before feeding. Put Lanolin on nipples after shower. Again, the LC didn't emphasize how necessary this is. She only said "If you feel sore you can help keep it moist..." etc. It's not an option! Use that Lanolin!
Manually perk the flat nipple out. This will take time. Feed on chair, not sitting on the floor (or your legs will go numb). Be where you will be comfortable.
Don’t feel bad if you quit due to the pain. I stuck through because I enjoy it, and because I’m failing at everything else. Shinobu hasn't touched a bottle yet, but I’m not sure if the benefits outweigh the pain. He sure hasn’t bonded with me. It was also heartbreaking to see him scream out of frustration because he couldn’t latch on my flat nipple. Now I can finally nurse without clawing someone, but it was pure torture until I reached this point. I’m dreading the day when he starts teething.
choro72
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armywife13
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I had a c-section, DD was stubborn and decided to position herself frank breech. 
Here's what I found helpful:
-As multiple people have said, WALK! I was up walking 3 hours post-cs, and I made sure to walk every hour except when I was sleeping at night. it really helped expedit the healing process.
-The mesh underwear are great for the first few days, but then I preferred high waisted compression underwear. They helped during the day, I didn't feel myself needed to put pressure on the incision as much throughout the day.
-In addition to pads for bleeding, using a cotton pad over your incision helps to keep down the moisture and itching.
-After showers and several times throughout the day I would dry my incision by patting it down and using a hair dryer on the cool setting.
-Stay on your meds schedule! The second day we were home, so five days after delivery, I missed one of my Vicodin....oh my gosh, it was horrible. I got a spinal headache, nausea from the headache, and extreme pain at my incision. You better believe I didn't miss a scheduled dose after that.
-Work your way off the prescription pain meds as soon as possible. I ended up staying on mine much longer than I should have, I was afraid of the pain and didn't know any better. I had such horrible constipation as a result.
-Curb your constipation! As I said, I got horrible constipation from my meds. Even with the colace and lots of water, I still couldn't go. I ended up waiting and avoiding other action until I hadn't gone for 14 day! Then I got a glycerin suppository and that baby was a miracle, I wish I would have done it sooner.
-Take it easy, get lots of sleep and let others help you as much as possible-no lifting or stressing your body out. DH was off for 10 days after DD was born, so he did the lifting, cleaning, and cooking-that helped a lot. Then my parents came down 2 days after DH went back to work. Having the extra help was crucial in my healing.
-Roll out of bed, pretty much like you did at the end of your pregnancy. When you are in a sleep deprived haze getting up to a crying baby, you don't think about it-but trying to sit up from laying just isn't an option. It will be very painful and risk tearing your incision open.
-Keep a small pillow with you at all times for the first 2 weeks to use to apply pressure when you cough, sneeze, or laugh.
-I was cheepo and didn't want to spend the money on breast pads. My OB told me you could use cotton panty liners. Just cut them in half and use one on each side. Plus, as a little bonus you can use the adhesive on the back of the liner to help the pad stick in place on your bra.
Hmmm....that's all I can think of for now. Hopefully with our next baby we will be doing a VBAC, so I will be able to use some of the non-cs tips.
Here's what I found helpful:
-As multiple people have said, WALK! I was up walking 3 hours post-cs, and I made sure to walk every hour except when I was sleeping at night. it really helped expedit the healing process.
-The mesh underwear are great for the first few days, but then I preferred high waisted compression underwear. They helped during the day, I didn't feel myself needed to put pressure on the incision as much throughout the day.
-In addition to pads for bleeding, using a cotton pad over your incision helps to keep down the moisture and itching.
-After showers and several times throughout the day I would dry my incision by patting it down and using a hair dryer on the cool setting.
-Stay on your meds schedule! The second day we were home, so five days after delivery, I missed one of my Vicodin....oh my gosh, it was horrible. I got a spinal headache, nausea from the headache, and extreme pain at my incision. You better believe I didn't miss a scheduled dose after that.
-Work your way off the prescription pain meds as soon as possible. I ended up staying on mine much longer than I should have, I was afraid of the pain and didn't know any better. I had such horrible constipation as a result.
-Curb your constipation! As I said, I got horrible constipation from my meds. Even with the colace and lots of water, I still couldn't go. I ended up waiting and avoiding other action until I hadn't gone for 14 day! Then I got a glycerin suppository and that baby was a miracle, I wish I would have done it sooner.
-Take it easy, get lots of sleep and let others help you as much as possible-no lifting or stressing your body out. DH was off for 10 days after DD was born, so he did the lifting, cleaning, and cooking-that helped a lot. Then my parents came down 2 days after DH went back to work. Having the extra help was crucial in my healing.
-Roll out of bed, pretty much like you did at the end of your pregnancy. When you are in a sleep deprived haze getting up to a crying baby, you don't think about it-but trying to sit up from laying just isn't an option. It will be very painful and risk tearing your incision open.
-Keep a small pillow with you at all times for the first 2 weeks to use to apply pressure when you cough, sneeze, or laugh.
-I was cheepo and didn't want to spend the money on breast pads. My OB told me you could use cotton panty liners. Just cut them in half and use one on each side. Plus, as a little bonus you can use the adhesive on the back of the liner to help the pad stick in place on your bra.
Hmmm....that's all I can think of for now. Hopefully with our next baby we will be doing a VBAC, so I will be able to use some of the non-cs tips.
mayerling
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PetitiePoire
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Mayerling- I had an episiotomy, so I have stitches. I'm sore, but not like how I mentally prepared myself. I've used the Dermaplast since delivery and that helped, I think. I also use the tucks pads occasionally. I really don't know if any of this takes away the soreness, but I make myself think it does and then just sit in ways that don't put a lot of pressure when I'm feeling sore. I hope you can find relief soon!
zipzapgirl
Shiny_Rock
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Yes! I wish this thread had been here sooner! After delivery I thought I'd just be under the weather for a few days and then bounce back. I really had NO IDEA and I think that made it so much worse, doubting my body and pushing myself.
Things I wish I had known before:
1. As the OP mentioned, stock up on the essentials and knick everything possible from the hospital. I had to send DH and family members out for supplies and it was really frustrating communicating my needs to the pharmacist via DH. Witch Hazel pads (ie. hemerroid pads/Tucks), major maxi pads, ibprofen, stool softener, laxatives, lanolin, nipple gel pads.
2. Use the Sitzbath. It was tough to find the time, but it really did help the healing.
3. Pooping takes a while. The coalace isn't that strong. I took some before I left the hospital and was scared I was a ticking time bomb and then... nothing. For a week. The nurse at the hospital shrugged and said nothing when I said I hadn't pooped after 2 days. I am still pissed about her unhelpful reaction
4. Baby blues are intense. I've read that they tend to peak around Day 4 or when your milk comes in, because of the hormones. It just felt like the sleep deprivation, the frustration with the recovery and all of the breastfeeding setbacks came to a head all at once. I cried for 5 hours, sobbing, like I've never cried before. My friend said she cried every day for a week. It's very real and it's all the harder because everyone wants to visit and be joyous with you and you are so so happy, but at the same time you feel like you can barely keep yourself together and you are failing on so many levels (breastfeeding, learning how to care for the baby, dealing with family, no sleep, slow recovery, barely time to get dressed or care for yourself, a disaster household...)
5. Make sure there is a specific time of day when you nurse, then sleep, nurse, then sleep and someone else is responsible for all other needs of the baby during that time. You might get almost 5 hours sleep then and you need it. Don't feel guilty. I felt like i had to stay up all night and then all day too.
6. Call a friend who has had a baby in the last year. I found that just being able to cry with my friend and hear that she had had a similar experience made me feel so much better. I know no one volunteered any of this information before I had the baby, but once I was a member of the club, they were willing to share and empathize.
After a week everything started to turn around and after two weeks I really turned a corner. Be patient and kind to yourself, use the help you have, and be ok with a few tears.
Things I wish I had known before:
1. As the OP mentioned, stock up on the essentials and knick everything possible from the hospital. I had to send DH and family members out for supplies and it was really frustrating communicating my needs to the pharmacist via DH. Witch Hazel pads (ie. hemerroid pads/Tucks), major maxi pads, ibprofen, stool softener, laxatives, lanolin, nipple gel pads.
2. Use the Sitzbath. It was tough to find the time, but it really did help the healing.
3. Pooping takes a while. The coalace isn't that strong. I took some before I left the hospital and was scared I was a ticking time bomb and then... nothing. For a week. The nurse at the hospital shrugged and said nothing when I said I hadn't pooped after 2 days. I am still pissed about her unhelpful reaction
4. Baby blues are intense. I've read that they tend to peak around Day 4 or when your milk comes in, because of the hormones. It just felt like the sleep deprivation, the frustration with the recovery and all of the breastfeeding setbacks came to a head all at once. I cried for 5 hours, sobbing, like I've never cried before. My friend said she cried every day for a week. It's very real and it's all the harder because everyone wants to visit and be joyous with you and you are so so happy, but at the same time you feel like you can barely keep yourself together and you are failing on so many levels (breastfeeding, learning how to care for the baby, dealing with family, no sleep, slow recovery, barely time to get dressed or care for yourself, a disaster household...)
5. Make sure there is a specific time of day when you nurse, then sleep, nurse, then sleep and someone else is responsible for all other needs of the baby during that time. You might get almost 5 hours sleep then and you need it. Don't feel guilty. I felt like i had to stay up all night and then all day too.
6. Call a friend who has had a baby in the last year. I found that just being able to cry with my friend and hear that she had had a similar experience made me feel so much better. I know no one volunteered any of this information before I had the baby, but once I was a member of the club, they were willing to share and empathize.
After a week everything started to turn around and after two weeks I really turned a corner. Be patient and kind to yourself, use the help you have, and be ok with a few tears.
taovandel
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My recovery was fairly easy. Didn't really take any meds after, and just used the squirt bottle/tucks for a few days after.
The things I was shocked about afterwards:
How often they come in to check on you---and they check you often for hemorroids, bleeding, etc.
Poop as soon as you can. With my first, I was kinda scared for some reason and it just made it worse. With my second, I used the bathroom in the hospital.
The things I was shocked about afterwards:
How often they come in to check on you---and they check you often for hemorroids, bleeding, etc.
Poop as soon as you can. With my first, I was kinda scared for some reason and it just made it worse. With my second, I used the bathroom in the hospital.
amc80
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AMC, my the crotch soreness was the last thing to go for me. I would say it lasted a few weeks but did improve gradually until it was gone.
Tao, I know! I thought I managed to maintain some dignity during the delivery but having to pull down my pants twice a day so a random nurse could check me really changed that!
Tao, I know! I thought I managed to maintain some dignity during the delivery but having to pull down my pants twice a day so a random nurse could check me really changed that!
amc80
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Has anyone else dealt with bladder issues? I had problems immediately after giving birth. The day after, I stood up to walk to the bathroom and realized I was leaking. And could do nothing to stop it. I would try to stop the flow mid-stream and had absolutely no control over my bladder. It has gotten better but I still have some problems. Mainly, very little feeling down there...which means I don't really know when I have to go. Problem two is that I don't seem to be emptying all the way, so even after I go I'll end up leaking a bit (usually when I go to sit down). Has anyone else had similar issues?
bobbin
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Amc: Yes I did. I was actually thinking that I should come back and add to this thread with some info about recovery after the first week or so. I had very similar - leaking when I got up from the toilet and occasionally at other times.
It is due to weak pelvic floor muscles after l&d, as well as from pressure from the extra weight during pregnancy. I went to see a physio specialising in pelvic floor and postnatal health. She tested my pelvic floor and gave it a rating out of 5. I was a 1! Basically I was told:
1. No high impact exercise - running, jumping etc.
2. Do pelvic floor exercises every day - 5 sets of 10 exercises a day.
3. Do a pelvic floor contraction just before getting up from the toilet, and hold it until you have washed your hands (I always relaxed it after I pulled up my pants though as I always got distracted doing that!).
4. Get 'the knack' - just before you sneeze, cough or get up from a low chair, do a pelvic floor contraction and hold it during the sneeze/cough etc.
5. The exercises I can do are walking, pilates (make sure it is run by a physio specialising in postnatal health), spin class (but remain seated the whole time), swimming, using the elliptical machine, apparently step class (step I was told by a personal trainer who has specialised in training women with pelvic floor weakness but another physio wasn't sure about it_ - just make sure you don't jump onto the steps or do it too quickly that it becomes high impact.
Hugs to you. It is hard to deal with and I felt a bit embarrassed about it. You are not alone though - 1 in 3 women experience it after childbirth. For me, the regular leaking stopped at about 8 weeks and now it will only happen if I overdo it when exercising. At 16 weeks (I think) I went back to the physio and I am now a 2-3 out of 5, so slowly improving!
Word of warning - doing high impact exercise with a weak pelvic floor can lead to vagina or uterus prolapse. It is very serious!
ETA: make sure you get yourself to a women's health physio so you can ensure you are doing the pelvic floor contractions properly. Many, many women don't do them properly and this can cause more damage.
It is due to weak pelvic floor muscles after l&d, as well as from pressure from the extra weight during pregnancy. I went to see a physio specialising in pelvic floor and postnatal health. She tested my pelvic floor and gave it a rating out of 5. I was a 1! Basically I was told:
1. No high impact exercise - running, jumping etc.
2. Do pelvic floor exercises every day - 5 sets of 10 exercises a day.
3. Do a pelvic floor contraction just before getting up from the toilet, and hold it until you have washed your hands (I always relaxed it after I pulled up my pants though as I always got distracted doing that!).
4. Get 'the knack' - just before you sneeze, cough or get up from a low chair, do a pelvic floor contraction and hold it during the sneeze/cough etc.
5. The exercises I can do are walking, pilates (make sure it is run by a physio specialising in postnatal health), spin class (but remain seated the whole time), swimming, using the elliptical machine, apparently step class (step I was told by a personal trainer who has specialised in training women with pelvic floor weakness but another physio wasn't sure about it_ - just make sure you don't jump onto the steps or do it too quickly that it becomes high impact.
Hugs to you. It is hard to deal with and I felt a bit embarrassed about it. You are not alone though - 1 in 3 women experience it after childbirth. For me, the regular leaking stopped at about 8 weeks and now it will only happen if I overdo it when exercising. At 16 weeks (I think) I went back to the physio and I am now a 2-3 out of 5, so slowly improving!
Word of warning - doing high impact exercise with a weak pelvic floor can lead to vagina or uterus prolapse. It is very serious!
ETA: make sure you get yourself to a women's health physio so you can ensure you are doing the pelvic floor contractions properly. Many, many women don't do them properly and this can cause more damage.
amc80
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Bobbin- Thank you so much for posting! I'm glad to hear that things will get better. I'll keep doing kegels...well, more like I will attempt to remember to do them. For "fun," I tried to stop my pee when going to the bathroom this morning. I was able to slow the stream but not stop it. I'm guessing my score would be pretty low as well This darn baby sure tore me up!
Of course I completely forgot to mention this at my 6 week appointment. If it persists without improvement I'll give my OB a call and see what she recommends. I am bummed about the no impact exercises rule. I'm a runner and have really been looking forward to starting up again. Oh well, I guess I'll have to keep to walking for now.
This darn baby sure tore me up!Of course I completely forgot to mention this at my 6 week appointment. If it persists without improvement I'll give my OB a call and see what she recommends. I am bummed about the no impact exercises rule. I'm a runner and have really been looking forward to starting up again. Oh well, I guess I'll have to keep to walking for now.
choro72
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AMC, don't run! I'm a runner too, and it frustrates me that I can't run regularly.
I had time to run twice since I gave birth. The last time I ran, it was so bad that my undies were soaked before I ran two miles. By the time I finished my 5, 6 mile run, fluid was trickling down my legs, and my socks + shoes were soaked. It was the most humiliating run ever. Luckily it was pretty dark and nobody could really see me. My shoes were so soaked that I had to wash them the next day, and I could squeeze my undies and shocks. Since then I've been more diligent on my kegel exercises, and I'm not running until I have trickle control!
Sorry this is so gross, but I want to warn you how bad it can be!
I had time to run twice since I gave birth. The last time I ran, it was so bad that my undies were soaked before I ran two miles. By the time I finished my 5, 6 mile run, fluid was trickling down my legs, and my socks + shoes were soaked. It was the most humiliating run ever. Luckily it was pretty dark and nobody could really see me. My shoes were so soaked that I had to wash them the next day, and I could squeeze my undies and shocks. Since then I've been more diligent on my kegel exercises, and I'm not running until I have trickle control!
Sorry this is so gross, but I want to warn you how bad it can be!
amc80
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amc80
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I thought I'd update this and give it a bump as well. I started doing a workout class and quickly discovered my limitations. I can jump or spread my legs without too much bladder trouble...but any combination of the two (such as jumping jacks) is a disaster. I saw my OB a couple of weeks ago for suspected thrush (which cleared up after a round of meds) and mentioned the bladder stuff. She said to up he kegals but PT might be an option. I was debating about taking her up on a referral when she called to check in. I asked for the referral and just heard from the PT place today. The first opening is 11/20. Yikes. Oh well, at least there is a potential light at the end of the tunnel!
The bladder thing has brought me to tears more than once. Basically, I hate my post-baby body and my complete lack of fitness. I've always been pretty in shape and have always had a flat stomach. I have all the motivation to diet an exercise, but can't do a whole lot of either (dieting because of BFing and exercise because I'll pee all over). It sucks wanting to be able to challenge myself in my exercise classes, but having to settle for the modified, easy version of stuff.
Anyway, I hope everyone is doing well and recovering from the beauty that is childbirth
The bladder thing has brought me to tears more than once. Basically, I hate my post-baby body and my complete lack of fitness. I've always been pretty in shape and have always had a flat stomach. I have all the motivation to diet an exercise, but can't do a whole lot of either (dieting because of BFing and exercise because I'll pee all over). It sucks wanting to be able to challenge myself in my exercise classes, but having to settle for the modified, easy version of stuff.
Anyway, I hope everyone is doing well and recovering from the beauty that is childbirth
bobbin
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Amc - I hear you and wanted to offer some solidarity. I was always really active before pregnancy. I played ultimate 2x a week, went to the gym etc. When I first realised I wasn't able to do high impact stuff now, it really got to me! I hated it. I was also having the same body image issues too.
I have gotten used to it now, but I still get upset about it every now and then.
What I do to help me is to walk a lot. I try to take my dogs for a walk every day, and I powerwalk the entire way. When I go for a walk, I wear my workout gear. This might sound silly, but it helps me to feel like I am exercising, rather than just going for a stroll.
I go to the gym (although I haven't been for a month due to being away) and I exercise on my own, not in a class so I'm not comparing myself to the others. I push myself to my limits only.
I also do postnatal pilates once a week as this helps safely rebuild core strength, which I have read can help pelvic floor strength too.
A different physio told me that for as long as I am breastfeeding, I will have pelvic floor weakness. She didn't clarify exactly why, but it was something to do with the hormones not allowing the PF to tighten or repair fully??
Have a look at this resource too: http://www.pelvicfloorfirst.org.au/data/files/Bridge_2011/bridge_web7.pdf
Hugs. It is hard, but have faith that it will get better with time.
I have gotten used to it now, but I still get upset about it every now and then.
What I do to help me is to walk a lot. I try to take my dogs for a walk every day, and I powerwalk the entire way. When I go for a walk, I wear my workout gear. This might sound silly, but it helps me to feel like I am exercising, rather than just going for a stroll.
I go to the gym (although I haven't been for a month due to being away) and I exercise on my own, not in a class so I'm not comparing myself to the others. I push myself to my limits only.
I also do postnatal pilates once a week as this helps safely rebuild core strength, which I have read can help pelvic floor strength too.
A different physio told me that for as long as I am breastfeeding, I will have pelvic floor weakness. She didn't clarify exactly why, but it was something to do with the hormones not allowing the PF to tighten or repair fully??
Have a look at this resource too: http://www.pelvicfloorfirst.org.au/data/files/Bridge_2011/bridge_web7.pdf
Hugs. It is hard, but have faith that it will get better with time.
amc80
Ideal_Rock
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Thanks, Bobbin. It's nice to know I'm not the only one with these issues. I have an elliptical machine and I think it's time I pull it out. I can do it in the comfort of my own home, and jump off to go pee as needed. I've always used it as a back-up machine for when I can't run, and I suppose I need to come to terms with the fact that that time is now. Also, very interesting about the pelvic floor and BF hormones. Hormones screw with everything else, so I guess they might as well interfere there as well.
Speaking of hormones, I had always heard that BFing is such a helpful tool in losing baby weight. I'm calling BS on that one.
Speaking of hormones, I had always heard that BFing is such a helpful tool in losing baby weight. I'm calling BS on that one.
megumic
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bobbin
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- Apr 28, 2008
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- 473
I found this (not from a reputable research site, but it fits in with what I was told by the PT:
What about oestrogen?
Oestrogen levels are thought to affect how well your pelvic floor maintains its tone – the lower your oestrogen levels, the less sensitive and responsive your pelvic floor muscles will be. But what you may not know is that the hormones that produce breast milk cause reduced levels of oestrogen, and so whilst breastfeeding you’ll have to perform pelvic floor exercises to help tone your pelvic floor as it will naturally be weak. Make sure you start your exercises whilst breastfeeding, then when you stop breastfeeding, keep doing your exercises – even though your oestrogen levels will have returned to normal, you should continue to do your exercises to keep your pelvic floor strong.
Because of the prolapse, I had to wean my baby in order to get my natural oestrogen levels back up to normal – and because I had had a prolapse, the doctors told me that I could have to go through a hysterectomy or incontinence as I approached menopause. To reduce my risk, I was told to perform pelvic floor exercises every day – and these exercises helped to prevent the prolapse from reappearing. When I didn’t perform the exercises, I would feel a tell-tale lump outside of my vagina which served as a warning that I needed to start doing them again.
If I hadn’t been performing pelvic floor exercises, my prolapse would have been far worse than it was. My life is completely normal – thankfully, I am not really affected by the prolapse. However, as I get older, and as menopause looms near, my oestrogen levels will become depleted again and I will have to perform the exercises more often than I do now. Whilst medical advances have been made, meaning that if I do have a prolapse again I shouldn’t have to go through surgery to fix it, I am determined to keep the problem at bay by performing pelvic floor exercises throughout the day.
What about oestrogen?
Oestrogen levels are thought to affect how well your pelvic floor maintains its tone – the lower your oestrogen levels, the less sensitive and responsive your pelvic floor muscles will be. But what you may not know is that the hormones that produce breast milk cause reduced levels of oestrogen, and so whilst breastfeeding you’ll have to perform pelvic floor exercises to help tone your pelvic floor as it will naturally be weak. Make sure you start your exercises whilst breastfeeding, then when you stop breastfeeding, keep doing your exercises – even though your oestrogen levels will have returned to normal, you should continue to do your exercises to keep your pelvic floor strong.
Because of the prolapse, I had to wean my baby in order to get my natural oestrogen levels back up to normal – and because I had had a prolapse, the doctors told me that I could have to go through a hysterectomy or incontinence as I approached menopause. To reduce my risk, I was told to perform pelvic floor exercises every day – and these exercises helped to prevent the prolapse from reappearing. When I didn’t perform the exercises, I would feel a tell-tale lump outside of my vagina which served as a warning that I needed to start doing them again.
If I hadn’t been performing pelvic floor exercises, my prolapse would have been far worse than it was. My life is completely normal – thankfully, I am not really affected by the prolapse. However, as I get older, and as menopause looms near, my oestrogen levels will become depleted again and I will have to perform the exercises more often than I do now. Whilst medical advances have been made, meaning that if I do have a prolapse again I shouldn’t have to go through surgery to fix it, I am determined to keep the problem at bay by performing pelvic floor exercises throughout the day.
monkeyprincess
Ideal_Rock
- Joined
- Nov 24, 2009
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- 2,873
Just saw this. I too seem to be having a few bladder issues. I haven't tried exercising yet so I'm not sure about that but when I use the restroom, I cant stop the flow very well. Hoping this will go away eventually. I do kegals when I think of it. Other than that, my postpartum experience hasn't been that bad.
bobbin
Shiny_Rock
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- Apr 28, 2008
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Just wanted to update that I saw my physio on Friday. She told me that my pelvic floor is now a 3/5, which means I can run again! She told me to take it slow to start with, but I am already planning my return to playing frisbee next week. I am so excited about it. Anyway, just wanted to update so that AMC knows that it does get better!
Also, just bumping this thread for the new mamas to add to if they wish.
Also, just bumping this thread for the new mamas to add to if they wish.
amc80
Ideal_Rock
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- Jun 18, 2010
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bobbin
Shiny_Rock
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- Apr 28, 2008
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Well, for my first appointment she first checked my stomach for separation as I had asked about that (C was only 6 weeks then) and then they check your pelvic floor - they get you to do pelvic floor contractions and check the strength of them with your fingers (yes, it gets a bit *personal*).
I had a great lady who would just chat to me to help me to relax a bit and feel at ease.
ETA: I have heard some physios use a sonographic type machine to test how strong the PF is instead of fingers.
I had a great lady who would just chat to me to help me to relax a bit and feel at ease.
ETA: I have heard some physios use a sonographic type machine to test how strong the PF is instead of fingers.
amc80
Ideal_Rock
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amc80
Ideal_Rock
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I had my PT appointment and wanted to update this thread. Apparently my pelvic floor is truly a mess. It surprised the therapist. She had me do some kegals...the good news is I know how to engage the correct muscles...the bad news is they have hardly any strength. I also have quite a bit of scar tissue in my vajayjay, so she worked on that a bit. I have some exercises to do and she wants to see me weekly for at least 6 weeks. I asked her about stomach muscle separation- apparently I have about 3 finger-widths for most of the way down.
She did say that progress will be slow for as long as I'm BFing, due to the hormones in my system. So I can go ahead and add that to the list of reasons I don't want to do it any more.
She did say that progress will be slow for as long as I'm BFing, due to the hormones in my system. So I can go ahead and add that to the list of reasons I don't want to do it any more.
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amc80
Ideal_Rock
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puppmom|1353453119|3311442 said:Gah! The things we do for our children. Seriously, did you ever think you would be going to the PT for issues with your crotch?
I know, right? It's amazing. I completely understand that having kids means a lot of sacrifice...I didn't realize just how much of my own body would be given up. Two days from now will mark a year since we conceived, and I still don't have my body back. I want to be able to diet and work out, but I can't do that due to BFing, and do to the fact that heavy exercise makes me pee
I really want to stop BFing (I'm exclusively pumping), but hate the idea of B being only on formula. It's a huge internal struggle for me. Oh, not being tied to a pump for 2-3 hours a day sounds pretty awesome as well.
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- Jun 25, 2007
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It's definitely an interesting experience. If it makes you feel any better, I felt like DS owned my body in the beginning...and I didn't like it. But, even though I ended up nursing for about 15 months that feeling went away. I think maybe it was the hormones settling down and beginning to feel more in control. EPing is hard though. You basically have all the work of formula feeding and breastfeeding so I can definitely understand your frustration.
missrachelk
Shiny_Rock
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- Oct 18, 2007
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- 313
OK My LO is 8 weeks and I think I'm ready to give my tips!
I had a vaginal delivery and did have a 2nd degree tear for reference.
-EAT and DRINK! My hospital's food sucked and we didn't have much besides granola bars and there wasn't even delivery available by the time we got to the mom & baby unit. Bring your own food and you'll be much better off. Be sure to drink tons of fluids. This goes for immediately and ongoing - I've never been as hungry as I have been these past 8 weeks
-if you're breastfeeding, get help ASAP if you have pain. I think things would be going much differently for me if I'd had someone come see me at say day 2 rather than waiting till day 4. Go ahead and find an LC before baby arrives so you've already made that decision. my brain was mush from no sleep and trying to decide which LC to call is part of what helped me put it off.
-be aware that BF doesn't always come naturally or easily. If it does great but troubles are also common. Having that LC picked out should help with the transition.
-See if there are BF suport groups in your area (maybe at a hospital) or la leche league. My BF group is the best thing for my confidence.
-again if you're BF be aware of thrush. It sucks and being aware of a few things will help you to not get it in the first place
1- lanolin feeds yeast, APNO (all purpose nipple pointment) available by prescription from a compounding pharmacy is much better, and Motherlove also has a good product
2 - if your nipples are cracked be very careful to keep things dry. Air those babies out as much as possible and don't wear the plastic lined nursing pads. there are some non lined disposable ones (I like NUK brand) or reusable. If you use reusable only use them once.
3- keep your bras and tanks etc clean - I was a slob and wore them repeatedly and I think that exacerbated my early onset of thrush
4 - if your nipples stay pink in between feedings and you have bad pain or itching, call your Doc right away and start the Candida Protocol from Dr Jack Newman. His recommendations are finally helping me after weeks of mesing around. Thrush doesn't play and it takes a lot of work to beat it once it takes up residence.
OK, that's enough on thrush - it sucks so not getting it would be so much better!!
At home the peri bottle was my savior I heart it still : )
My old house takes FOREVER to get hot water in the back of the house so we used an air pot thermos to keep hot water at the ready for me. That was awesome and saved countless gallons of water waiting for it to heat up
It's so hard by really limit visitors the first week. I remember being home on like day 3 and needing a nap, but the in laws were there and wanting to hold the baby so I went to sleep and I was so upset that I slept for 2 hours without her near me. In fact the baby NEEDS to be with you during that time, not being handled by everyone else. Be assertive and keep visits to a set time (I say 2 hours) and no more than x amount of visitors per day (like 2 sets max)
Even people staying with you to help need to kow that they are there to help run the house, so that YOU can hold the baby, do skin to skin and nurse for hours on end. That's all you need to do those first days.
TMI but of course this whole thread is that stuff! Lochia smells funky. Not foul but not pleasant. I've hated how it makes me feel like I need a shower even when I'm clean. It also continues even when there isn't as much blood if that makes sense, there's a lot of watery stuff towards the end. Mine is still going at 8 weeks, but some people don't have it as long.
Take magnesium for constipation. Take it! I tok it thru pregnancy and continued and was able to poop before we left the hospital. That first one at home was a big deal still but the mag helped a lot. I remember coming out of the bathroom going - I'm the conqueror!
Don't push yourself to do anything. I literally didn't leave the house except to go to Dr appts for the baby and I for 3 weeks. I enjoyed it. If you feel stir crazy go for some short walks or short errands but don't push it. I remember that first trip to target with my DH and baby being such a big deal! DH has a great picture of the baby and I sleeping on the couch afterward (she's on my chest and we both have our mouths hanging open!)
I think that's my 2 cents : )
I hope at least one other new mame benefits from the air pot recommendation, that was my DH's brilliant idea
I had a vaginal delivery and did have a 2nd degree tear for reference.
-EAT and DRINK! My hospital's food sucked and we didn't have much besides granola bars and there wasn't even delivery available by the time we got to the mom & baby unit. Bring your own food and you'll be much better off. Be sure to drink tons of fluids. This goes for immediately and ongoing - I've never been as hungry as I have been these past 8 weeks
-if you're breastfeeding, get help ASAP if you have pain. I think things would be going much differently for me if I'd had someone come see me at say day 2 rather than waiting till day 4. Go ahead and find an LC before baby arrives so you've already made that decision. my brain was mush from no sleep and trying to decide which LC to call is part of what helped me put it off.
-be aware that BF doesn't always come naturally or easily. If it does great but troubles are also common. Having that LC picked out should help with the transition.
-See if there are BF suport groups in your area (maybe at a hospital) or la leche league. My BF group is the best thing for my confidence.
-again if you're BF be aware of thrush. It sucks and being aware of a few things will help you to not get it in the first place
1- lanolin feeds yeast, APNO (all purpose nipple pointment) available by prescription from a compounding pharmacy is much better, and Motherlove also has a good product
2 - if your nipples are cracked be very careful to keep things dry. Air those babies out as much as possible and don't wear the plastic lined nursing pads. there are some non lined disposable ones (I like NUK brand) or reusable. If you use reusable only use them once.
3- keep your bras and tanks etc clean - I was a slob and wore them repeatedly and I think that exacerbated my early onset of thrush
4 - if your nipples stay pink in between feedings and you have bad pain or itching, call your Doc right away and start the Candida Protocol from Dr Jack Newman. His recommendations are finally helping me after weeks of mesing around. Thrush doesn't play and it takes a lot of work to beat it once it takes up residence.
OK, that's enough on thrush - it sucks so not getting it would be so much better!!
At home the peri bottle was my savior I heart it still : )
My old house takes FOREVER to get hot water in the back of the house so we used an air pot thermos to keep hot water at the ready for me. That was awesome and saved countless gallons of water waiting for it to heat up
It's so hard by really limit visitors the first week. I remember being home on like day 3 and needing a nap, but the in laws were there and wanting to hold the baby so I went to sleep and I was so upset that I slept for 2 hours without her near me. In fact the baby NEEDS to be with you during that time, not being handled by everyone else. Be assertive and keep visits to a set time (I say 2 hours) and no more than x amount of visitors per day (like 2 sets max)
Even people staying with you to help need to kow that they are there to help run the house, so that YOU can hold the baby, do skin to skin and nurse for hours on end. That's all you need to do those first days.
TMI but of course this whole thread is that stuff! Lochia smells funky. Not foul but not pleasant. I've hated how it makes me feel like I need a shower even when I'm clean. It also continues even when there isn't as much blood if that makes sense, there's a lot of watery stuff towards the end. Mine is still going at 8 weeks, but some people don't have it as long.
Take magnesium for constipation. Take it! I tok it thru pregnancy and continued and was able to poop before we left the hospital. That first one at home was a big deal still but the mag helped a lot. I remember coming out of the bathroom going - I'm the conqueror!
Don't push yourself to do anything. I literally didn't leave the house except to go to Dr appts for the baby and I for 3 weeks. I enjoyed it. If you feel stir crazy go for some short walks or short errands but don't push it. I remember that first trip to target with my DH and baby being such a big deal! DH has a great picture of the baby and I sleeping on the couch afterward (she's on my chest and we both have our mouths hanging open!)
I think that's my 2 cents : )
I hope at least one other new mame benefits from the air pot recommendation, that was my DH's brilliant idea
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