I'm so sorry but I need some help with some grizzly questions...

[Mummycherry2]

Hi everyone,

I'm a bit embarrassed to be asking these things but I'm hoping some of you wise mummies will know the answers.

I had DS on Saturday morning, labour and birth was pretty traumatic and I've ended up with a third degree tear in V and outside tear in A. Am home now. I'm not sure how much blood loss is normal and I'm starting to feel the urge for a number 2 but am terrified to go (not been yet). How much blood should there be? When should I expect a number 2 to happen and will it be ok with the stitches etc in both areas?

So sorry to ask xx

Luckily my best friend had a baby 3 months before me. She laughed in my face when she saw the teeny pack of STs I had put in my hosp bag and made me put in two packs of maternity giant mattress ones.

She is the only person who gave me any inkling of what it might be like!

OP don't worry it does get better. Don't do too much so your stitches heal. Just feed and cuddle your baby.

3rd degree tear veteran here.

IIRC 3a denotes the degree to which the tear has gone into your anus, 3b being slightly worse, and so on.

Definitely keep going with the lactulose and the antibiotics, I still got an infection with all of that though. If you have a 'dragging' feeling in your womb or you start getting smelly green/black pads, it's likely you have an infection.

I actually found the first poo OK, but was on Voltarol at the time, rather than just Paracetamol, so maybe that helped.

The blood loss will be from your locchia, rather than your wound, so try not to worry about that.

I had lots of showers rather than wiping after the loo.

MW also advised to keep my legs together, not sure whether that really does anything though.

Congrats on the safe arrival of your little one.
I had a 3b tear and it was 4 days before I pooped! I was on lactoluse stuff as well as all my anti B's. I found the 1st one fine. I was so worried about it but as I was taking the meds religiously it really did just slip out when I pushed. The whole area was a bit uncomfortable for a while but I did look at my stitches in the mirror so I would know if they were getting infected. My mw checked them each visit and advised spending some time letting the air get to them (put a towel on the bed and lie down and spread em lol)
I bled (lochia) for 9 and a half weeks and I have to say that was worse than anything else and made me not want to go anywhere as I always felt icky. It all comes to an end though and you are left with your lovely baby.

Thank you all for your support and advice. Good news... I had some movement last night before my shower. It took me about 15 mins to be brave enough to let it out and DH was pacing around outside the bathroom with DS under strict instructions not to enter unless called. Was not as bad as I thought I would be but I'm hoping another will come today too so it's not just a fluke! Also had a look with a mirror down there and it wasn't as mutated as I feared. I'm going to get MW to look at stitches as I don't really know what I'm looking for. Tried a frozen pad with witch hazel last night and thought I'd died and gone to heaven!

Well done! I was too scared to look at my stitches, I was expecting thick black thread, pirate style.

Congratulations, very brave of you!
@ DH was pacing outside! bless him....

frozen pad and witch hazel - what is the method, please?

Yay yay! Thrilled for you (if that is in any way appropriate)

Lol I think I've managed to put us all well past appropriate with this thread! I got distilled witch hazel, sprinkled it on some pads and left it in the freezer for a couple of hours. Then when DS went down for a snooze after feeding so I could have a sleep I put one in and went to sleep myself for a couple of hours because it was so soothing. That was advice from MW the witch hazel. More good news, I've had some more movement on the bowel front, pain free and almost went straight away this time so all the tips from you amazing ladies has worked! Xx

cherry

you are a star! so glad for you!

look at us, being so happy about pooing!
oh well, when you pick up your "new parent" badge you hand in your dignity!

thanks for the tip, will try it.

all the best, please kiss baby's yummy toes for me! x

been quietly following and also happy to hear it went well!

Honestly if you'd asked me before becoming a mum how much I thought about poo I'd have looked at you like a wierdo.
Then I gave birth and had my own poo issues to deal with following childbirth.
Then I worried about my DD's poo when she started breastfeeding, then when she was teething, then when weaning... I even tell DP if its been a good poo day! And we've not yet anywhere near potty training.

This mum lark - its just never ending glamour isn't it!!!!

Glycerin suppositories are also good as they soften things up and help you go without straining. IMO the midwives should issue all women with a packet upon leaving the hospital!