Episiotomy stitches failed

[2dogsand1baby]

Hi all

My stitches have opened up. I'm on antibiotics but am limited to paracetamol and ibuprofen for pain relief due to EBF.

Has anyone been through this and have any advice on pain management? I've been told they can't re-stitch and it could take up to 3 months to heal.

At the moment, it's really hard to get comfortable - I can't sit for very long or move around much, and getting in/out of the car makes me cry! I just want to be able to cuddle my little boy without flinching in pain!

TIA.

Speak to your GP, you can take stronger painkillers whilst EBF.

Also, for future ref on Facebook there is a 'drugs in breastmilk' page, ran by the BFN and Wendy Jones (pharmacist) that you can message if you are unsure about any medications.

Quite often GPS, and even midwives don't have all the info on what medication is safe whilst breastfeeding.

@JeremyCorbynsCoat Thank you. Worth going back to see the GP again tomorrow then you think? I'll find the Facebook page too. Thank you.

No advice but just wanted to give you a virtual hug. I had an episiotomy last year and they are grim, can't imagine what pain you must be in you poor thing. Hope it heals quickly!

@2dogsand1baby definitely if it means you get the pain relief you need. Hope it heals quick for you

Had this 12 years ago. Please speak to your GP.

Definitely see your Go. Take this excellent handout from the Drugs in Breastmilk service with you, in case your GP isn't up to date on options while EBF.

https://breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk/wp-content/dibm/analgesics%20and%20breastfeeding.pdf

Hey OP. I had this too. It was sore for a couple of weeks but everything healed up properly. My MW made me have a Dettol bath every day which I wouldn't recommend at all. It was 10 years ago so I suspect things have changed. Make sure that if you are still using pads they are not woven. I moved to panty liners with a woven finish and they really irritated it.

Definitely ask about stronger painkillers. Does it hurt to go to the loo? If it does keep up the usual advice of pouring a cup of water over whilst you do it.

Be aware that after the painful phase you can have a really itchy phase as it heals.

It won't last long and it will heal up nicely x

Thank you everyone for your kind words.

Going to the loo isn't too bad, it's sitting down and getting up again that I'm struggling with most.

Definitely going back to the GP today, with that leaflet! Thank you.

I'll let you know how I get on.

Definitely go back to your GP, you can take tramadol while breastfeeding which might help more.