Recovery after birth

[TerrysNo2]

I had a wonderful homebirth with DD 8 days ago and only suffered a minor tear which they didn't stitch so all in all a much more successful experience than the hospital birth ventouse delivery / episiotomy I had with DS 3 years ago.

For the first few days I was on nurofen and paracetamol for after pains and I felt like I had recovered very quickly down there but since I stopped taking them I am feeling very bruised at the front IYSWIM. It is quite painful and I was just wondering how long this might last for. With DS I think the episiotomy took so much of my pain attention that I didn't notice anywhere else but this feeling is new to me.

Thanks in advance

Enormous congratulations!

I think it really is down to the individual as to how long the pain lasts for. But what I would say, is that if your bleeding starts to get heavy again, it means you are doing too much. It usually means that the healing uterus has been ruptured, so you need to rest again to let it heal.

For me, even walking round the park with a buggy was 'too much' and I would get the heavy bleeding. So you really have to look after yourself in the first couple of weeks.

Maybe take the painkillers again for a few days and then see if things have improved.

My bleeding has pretty much stopped now. I feel more bruised on the outside of my lady area IYSWIM?

I would say, then, that the bruising is a sort of inflammation (from healing - in a good way). Definitely take some more ibuprofen to lessen the swelling. Also, some arnica may help?

was also going to suggest arnica, it's good for bruising...and I think lavender oil might be good? 8days is still early (as you know), make the most of the excuse to rest .... must remember to follow my own advice, was rushing round going to art galleries when DS was 9days old, I intend to glue myself to my sofa this time for at least 2 weeks