Vaginal Tearing, Anyone??

When I had my first baby, I had an episiotomy and a very large vaginal hematoma (bruising) and I was in pain for about three weeks - enough pain to take prescription pain-killers. I noticed that it was worse the more active I became, so I just had to take things slowly, rest A LOT and just try not to push myself to do more than my body was ready for. It slowly got better and I ended up going to OTC pain killers and then nothing. However, I think calling your doctor is a good idea, just in case.

Congrats on the new baby!

Believe it or not it is normal and don't expect it to go away right away. I had vaginal tearing with both my girls 14 months and 3 weeks. Both of my tears were on the inside and required alot of stiches, and i hemoraged quite a bit. Make sure you are doing your sitz bath regularly, the numbing effect helps a lot. Also sit on the boppy or lay down. Don't skip your motrin either it helps with the swelling and the pressure. My pain was a little better this time because i didn't breast feed and i got to take vocoin. But chasing a 14 month old around isn't that easy when you look like you just got off a horse or have a softball between your legs. I'm almost normal now and it's all due to staying on top of my meds and ice bath. Good luck. In between try ice packs.

Dear M.,
My son is now 18 months old, but when I did have him I had fourth degree tearing and I tour from the inside of the rectal area out and had an apeasiotomy. It took me about 1 year to heal, and I did go to the doctor to seek out more advice. I think a simple phone call would definitely not hurt and would help to ease your mind. I also know that taking a warm bath with herbs such as from the health food store can help the healing process I know for myself vitamin E was very helpful. I hope this helps you out a bit.

H. D.

Get it checked to make sure it's healing correctly. Ouch, it will hurt for a while. My doctor smiled and said it was healing nicely. Then eat as healthy as you can to speed up the healing process. The more vital nutrients your body has to work with, the more it can heal. Breathe a lot, too. Focus on relaxing while you feed your baby. Hope that helps.

M.,

What would it hurt to call your doctor and talk?

It has been my experience that when something doesn't feel right, I get to take that seriously.

Simple call and ask "Is this normal for me?"

Congratulations!

With Joy, C.

Hi!
I had this a few months ago with my first baby. My best advice is use your infant's Boppy pillow as a cushion for your bottom. I put it in every chair I sat in; place it on the seat so the opening faces the rear of the seat and have the ends touch. It makes a perfect opening for your sore bottom! I know it sounds funny, but I think taking the pressure off the area helped me recover so quickly. Hope this helps! Get well soon!

i had pretty bad tearing with both of my kids. i was pretty uncomfortable but never had any terrible pain or bruising. i would call the doc and see if she or he can take a peek down there just to make sure all is well. congrats on your baby girl! she'll never have a problem finding people to celebrate on her birthday!!!