In pain

[Scrivs88]

Hey ladies , I gave birth last Thursday. I had quite traumatic birth , I lost a pint of blood and they had to tear me and pack and sitch me . I was curious to know if any ladies had the same how long it took you to heal ? I'm been using tea tree in the bath also lavender . And if you have another tips as it's still really painful. Thanks muchly xxx

It will take a good long while to heal . You may have an infection though so it's worth getting yourself checked .

Poor you .. arnica tablets will help reduce the bruising.

I think even with a normal birth and a couple of stitches I didn't start to feel ok until 3 weeks. It took longer for it to completely heal. If you're worried see your midwife/GP. Take painkillers too, Cotton knickers, pour a jug of water over your bits as you wee and also take it easy which I know is easily said than done.

Poor you. It does hurt. Keep it really really clean - with no1 I got an infection and was prescribed 'dermol' cream to use as a wash - I used that the second time and no infection.
What's the pain like? When I had an infection it was really sore to stand still - lying or walking (well more ambling at that stage) weren't so bad.

I gave birth 6 weeks ago and was in pain for 2 weeks after episiotomy, internal and external tearing, same blood loss as you as well! I found alternating painkillers really helped and making sure I kept on top of them, I only had one bath throughout as I was worried about stitches dissolving too quickly, I just made sure I showered twice a day and gave myself a good wash, also try and get some air time which is difficult with bleeding I just stood over an old towel and brushed teeth etc... also don't over do it, I would have a couple of rest days and feel loads better then start trying to do things and just go backwards

I was advised to have ibuprofen for swelling idiot me forgot to take it though
I had a normal birth with just grazes and I didn't feel normal for a couple of weeks. About 5ish days after was worst. I think the bruising really came out then.

Tea tree is very harsh if you've got healing wounds. Maybe in a full bath try a tablespoon of sea salt. The lavender won't hurt. You also could get a bowl or tray with lowish sides that you can put on a plastic hpchair or stool and put your undercarriage in it. Use cool boiled water. When the water is hot add a teaspoon of sea salt, dissolve it and then pour into the dunking receptacle and soak your bits for five mins. Tip forward as much as poss so you get as little of your anal area ( unless that's torn and been repaired too. ) then dab dry on a totally clean towel. Or sit on a sanitary pad for a few mins. Do that routine two or three times a day and it will really really help.
If it starts feeling tight or more sore suddenly or you feel ill at all go to see your GP / health visitor. Maybe it's been stitched too tight or you could have an infection. Either of those will be helped by the sea salt soaks though ( don't be tempted to add more salt tho as it will sting and irritate). Good luck

I got a 4th degree tear and I think it took me about 5 days to be able to leave the house and walk around. A good few weeks to be pain free, then a few months for my tailbone pain to stop. But a forth degree tear is as bad as it can be (completely through vagjna to anus) so hopefully you will heal faster. I think day 3/4 was the worse for me.

Have a bath with dettol - has specific midwifery instructions.

I remember walking to my mums (about 15 min walk) at about 10 days after and then having to call DP to come and get me as I couldn't walk back. I think lowering expectations is a good way forward, I know some mums are up and about a few days later but it's ok to take it slow. It's painful so don't do too much.

Ps I was also amazed that it did heal and I recall looking with a hand mirror about 3 months later and thinking 'yup, that's me'.