What's normal ten days after childbirth?

[Goshimtired]

This is not my first child so I should know... but what's normal? Had my baby ten days ago, we have lots of help at home for the time being but I'm completely shattered.

I'm trying to do what I would normally do for DD, reception, and DS, preschool. I've got abdominal aches and pains, feels like round ligament pain. Bleeding has returned tonight after an active day. Worried that my help will leave soon (parents) - of course they've got their own lives to lead. DH still a week away from starting paternity leave.

My question is what are you doing at this stage? Am I trying too much or just being wimpy? Would live to get some perspective on this, thanks.

[CailinDana]

Sounds pretty normal but is there a chance you could be anaemic or have retained placenta?

[Beatrixpotty]

My baby (DS3) is 10 days old too.I had a section and am anaemic,go to bed at 9 pm and today was the first time I left the house,with baby in a sling,to go to parents evening 5 minutes away.I am breastfeeding and have only had about three nights where I've had 4 hours sleep in a row.I know it is different as I've had a section but I would be knackered anyway if I was up all night breastfeeding and then having to get everyone up and out of the house in time for school.DH is doing all that for me for next 2 weeks.If you have been managing to do all that with a newborn you are amazing,and I'm not surprised you are tired!

[Radiator1234]

Hi my baby is 10 days old today too (congrats btw!) and I have a DD who is almost 3. She is in nursery 4 days a week and OH has taken her to and from nursery. The only day I have left the house was on day 6 to go to the supermarket with the family and it left me exhausted. So I am not surprised if you are exhausted! I have just been trying to rest, figure I will go out next week. Bleeding wise, mine had all but stopped but today started up again and I passed a small clot too. Overall my body felt pretty battered until only a couple of days ago (fairly "normal" birth with no tearing).

[Murtette]

On the bleeding front, I had my 10 day check on day 9 (so DP was still on paternity leave) and the MW said to expect the bleeding to start up again when he went back to work & I was doing more.

[Goshimtired]

Thanks for the advice everyone. Spoke to my midwife and she said exactly as you have done! Congtatulations to Beatrix and radiator too

[jessebuni]

yes the bleeding comes back when you do more. with my second baby i had her at home so i was just up and doing things normally straight away. went food shopping in sainsburys the next day lol probably not the wisest course of action i suppose. anyway when you've already got kids to look after you're already used to the whole mum not getting sick days thing but almost everything can be normal after giving birth it just depends on what you can manage i suppose.

[JiltedJohnsJulie]

Sounds pretty normal to me too. If you think you may be anaemic try some spatone or go to the GP. Is there any chance that you can spend a day or two in bed with Lo?

Congratulations too