Vaginal Birth

Just wanted to tell you that you are NOT alone! And THIS is the stuff that NO ONE warns us new moms about : ) I HIGHLY reccomend the dermaplast spray stuff (numbing soothing stuff) and Tucks pads (witch hazel). The sitz baths are very soothing as well, but are a little more time consuming with a brand new little one. I would just stuff a couple on the pad I assume you are still wearing, each time you go to the bathroom. I would say give it a week longer, but if it gets real bad, go to the doc. You should be feeling MUCH better in a week. Good luck, and remember that this is temporary and will be gone before you know it. Enjoy that baby cuzz they are grown before you know it : )

I was advised to use a sitz bath 3 or more times a day.
Soaking in warm water really helped me to heal up.

Go back to your doctor. This happened to me after my third baby. I'm not sure what the technical explanation was, but apparently, some of the tissue that was supposed to be internal got caught in the stitching and was causing me pain and bleeding. My OB cauterized the tissue, and I got immediate relief. Good luck, and congrats on your new wee one!

I had a bunch of stitches and it doesn't seem like the shower should be burning at this point. I used a water bottle thing to squirt cool water on me while I peed, but not even sure if I was this many days later. I used witch hazel pads (hemorrhoid pads) for antiseptic purposes. They stung a little at first, but nothing like you are describing.

When do you go to your doctor? I think you need to call to have her/him check for infection ASAP.

Are you using the squirt bottle every time you pee? That made a huge difference for me, and I used it for weeks. And yes, Dermaplast is your new best friend. If the Dermaplast doesn't do the trick, I'd go see the Doc. I have a feeling if you simply call the 'advice nurse', they'll blow you off…insist on being seen if all of these helpful tips you've gotten don't do the trick.

Sounds like you need to get a doctor's opinion. I had several stitches too - and the first 2 days were terrifying when I had to go to the bathroom. But if it's bad enough for you to cry - something else might be amiss. Even if it isn't - at least the doc can give you peace of mind.

I froze maxi pads afte pouring witch hazel on them. It was such relief when I wore one!!

It will take a few weeks before you stop feeling that burning sensation. Just keep using the warm bottle when you pee and take warm baths to help ease the pain. Just remember your skin is very sensitive down there and since it doesnt get exposed to the air like a cut on your finger would, healing may take longer. Good luck.

In addition to checking with your doctor, you can soak a washcloth, fold it up so it is shaped like a pad, and throw it in the freezer. I remember my pain being the worst from about day 4-14 after birth, when the endorphins ran out! I won't even tell you how many stitches I had, but it was more than 2 :) If you are having a ton of pain right at the site of the two stitches, it may be infected. Are you brave enough to take a look, or do you have someone you would be OK with looking for you?

Hi M.,
I had a heap of stiches and I took extreme care when I was recovering from birth. I took several sitz baths a day with plenty of salt in them. Instead of wiping myself after going to the toilet I used a hand shower in the bath to clean myself, and then I dried myself with a hairdryer on the cool setting.

As the others said, see your doctor in case you need some antibiotics.

It's been almost ten days and still burns enough that you're crying? Call your OB and ask for a check-up now to see how everything is healing. I would hate for there to be a complication like an infection. You should be feeling some improvement in the stitches by now, even if it's just so that you can feel scabbing and can use the bathroom and shower without crying.

I think you should go back to the doctor too! The area might be infected. Give them a call and go in. That's what they're there for.

I could not live without that numbing spray after each of my kids. Also an ice pack can really help. Hang in there, you will feel better soon.

You can get more witch hazel wipes at any store, they sell them in the hemorrhoids section. It takes a while for the area to heal, give it time, but get more of the wipes, they are much gentler then the witch hazel spray which does tend to burn. Also, if your doctor can give you a sits bath, that thing was wonderful. But if you have any concerns don't be afraid to call your OBGYN, that is what he is there for.

Oh man. my toes are curling remembering that. I had a bunch of stitches after the birth of my first child (never counted, never asked). I am not sure what to say about the shower because it's probably the products you're using that are causing the stinging. Maybe you could wash your hair in the sink for a few weeks and just shower carefully with water and a little soap?
For peeing, try gently squirting yourself with warm water using the bottle they gave you in the hospital while you are peeing. It will dilute the pee. And, though it might be counterintuitive, you should drink tons of water so your pee isn't too strong. Water will help you heal and will help with breast feeing too.
Good luck. It's not forever.

oh yeah, as others have mentioned, the sitz baths are really helpful. I got some herbs to put in the bath that helped tons.
I think witch hazel has alcohol in it… check ingredients.

Dermoplast is your best friend! You can get it at any drugstore. It's a lidocaine spray that numbs the area. Use it every time you have to use the bathroom.

They gave it to me in the hospital, and then I bought out the local drugstore.
Saved my butt!