Is it normal that I haven't left the house?

[banana87]

I had DD2 last Saturday, so 8 days ago. Since being home I've barely left bed (only to wee and shower, occasionally to eat). I'm breastfeeding so cuddling DD loads and watching her sleep.

I just don't feel well enough to leave the house yet. I had an episiotomy and am quite sore. My iron levels were quite low after the birth and I'm on iron tablets. I do feel like I'm getting more energy, but the thought of walking the 5 minutes into town is so not appealing. Is that ok? Or should I be up and moving more by now? With DD1 I was definitely up and moving but I had a blood transfusion before leaving the hospital so iron levels were normal when I got home. I'm just a bit worried I'll never regain my energy and DH is only off one more week!

Hi- I wouldn't worry toomuch - with DS2 I left the house too early -went for a walk after a few days - got all shakey and had to go back to bed - went out after about 10 -12 days in the end -

It's not a problem staying at home, although keeping to your bed could put you at an increased risk of some health problems.

Start off with a change of scene - go and cuddle and feed on sofa for a change perhaps.

Build up to going for a short potter round the block (fresh air can help ward off the blues too).

Only make the effort for a big trip out once you feel that you'll be able to cope getting there and back.

Congratulations on your new DD .

I wouldn't worry about it. Enjoy the time you have with DH home. I'd probably start getting up and about by Thursday though, so that by Monday a whole day without DH to help doesn't come as such a shock to the system - unless you have your Mum/MIL who could come over

I wouldn't worry at all, it's a lovely time for bonding and establishing feeding etc. I agree a change of scene may help? Just the sofa even.

And congratulations

is dh taking dd1 out then?

I'd start getting up a bit more

dd2 will sleep better at night with some fresh air and you'll feel perkier too

I wouldn't worry too much. I remember 6 days after DS was born taking a stroll round the pond across the road with some visitors (normally a 5-10 minute walk round) and feeling very shaky half way round. Take it easy, maybe try to step outside (into the garden if you have one?) for a bit of fresh air when you can.

We are at fil's house for the extra help, so I'm on the sofa bed with DD, and DD1 comes for cuddles when she's not playing with her grandad. DH has taken her to all her normal activities and yesterday they went into town and today they've gone to chessington. Think tomorrow I will get out for at least a short walk. I just feel SO tired though.

Does your Fil have a garden? You could wrap yourself and baby up really warm and sit outside for 30mins or so just so that your getting some fresh air, itll help you feel better and might give you some more energy.

Yes, he does. Will try that in the morning. Thanks!

I tried to leave the house too early (after about a week, got the letterbox, about a 5 minute walk away) and had to flag down a passing neighbour to give me a lift back. I didn't try that again for ages! I agree that fresh air and a change of scene will do you good, but you only need to go a few steps at first, gulp in some air and head back.

DH took DD for lots of walks round the village, he quickly got cabin fever, and the fresh air really agreed with her sleeping

After 3 weeks I arranged to pop in to see a neighbour and made sure she had tea and biscuits to fortify me for the return journey. The sense of achievement was like I'd reached the South Pole!

I wouldn't be too worried about it, it is lovely to stay in and enjoy the cuddles.
I would try and get out soon though, before winter really sets in and you really can't leave the house.
Congratulations btw!

I did too much in the first week (going for walks from the day after we got home) and absolutely screwed up my milk supply coming in, it almost completely disappeared. I was sent back to bed for a week -- so definitely take your time!

I do think that it's a little long to still be in bed but then I've never had a VB only a CS (x2) and I was out shopping by day 4. You are leaving ouself open to some health risks by staying in bed and much as newborns are snuggly they need fresh air and a change of scene as much as you do. Get out and about!

If you are tired then you need to rest, but the idea to get out in the garden is a good one.

Doing a bit of pottering around will improve your circulation and help you heal if you take it carefully. Don't feel pressured though, do things at your own pace :)

I had a blood transfusion following severe PPH a week ago (Monday) and was told firmly by a series of midwives to have bed rest, so I think you're doing exactly the right thing! On Saturday we went to a Drive-thru McD's (classy!) then for a drive. That's it. Today's our big adventure as we're going to register the baby.

Your body will tell you quite clearly what it's up for- believe it! I have had the shakes, am on iron etc. Everyone's telling me to take it easy and not push myself. We had our first visitors on Sunday and I had a couple of hours in bed after while DH tended to the munchkin.

If you can manage a bath with a few drops of lavender oil in it (put them in a drop of milk to help it mix) I found it makes me feel SO much better, but be careful about falling asleep if your bath's bigger than mine!

Take it easy :)

Ok well we did venture the 5 minute walk to the high street for a Starbucks today only thing that hurt was bloody SPD!! How long does it take for that to go?

At some point you'll want to go out. Twelve days for me with dd2. Felt lovely to be in and lovely to go out when I finally did

Hopefully your SPD will go over the next week or two - if it doesn't call your physio or get the MW/HV to refer you to postnatal physio. You'll have to build up your walking muscles too after not using them for ages!
I spent from week 3 to week 12 or so slowly speeding up my prescribed 25 min walk a day, aiming for increasingly better cafes...

Good luck!