Labia laceration

[scarlett176]

Hello

I gave birth 4 days ago and had three stitches. My notes say there is a labia laceration.

Stitches seem fine and I'm following all the advice to get them healing. However the labia laceration is so painful, it's much worse today than previously.

Peeing is excruciating, putting warm water on is really painful. Everything hurts.

I'm taking ibruprofen, I'm using spritz for bits, I'm using lavender oil, ice packs etc. Nothing seems to help.

Any advice? I'm seeing midwife tomorrow but am terrified I'll just have to carry on like this. It's ruining my time as a new mum :(

I had one with my second child. I also had a small first degree tear that I barely noticed but my god, the graze stung. I asked the midwife to check it during the first week after and she winced when she saw it but said it would heal but slowly. It took 2 weeks and then suddenly it didn’t hurt at all. But I cried regularly going to the loo before that. Sorry, I don't really have any advice but I do have lots and lots of sympathy!

Have you tried pouring lukewarm water over it while you wee? Any drinking bottle with a sports cap can be utilised, helps lessen the sting.

Thanks Waggily. I asked midwife to have a look and she said there was a tear that was missed and wasn’t stitched. Sounds like I just need to grin and bear it but helps to know I’m not the only one!

Dd nearly tore my clit off, she came out with her hand by her face. I’ve just about forgiven her for it 2.5 years later

The only thing that helped was smothering the whole area in sudocreme, really thickly and trying not to have pad/pants on (not great when bleeding I know). It healed really well, thank god, but stopped being horrifically sore after about 7 days.

To wee I leant all the way forwards with hands on floor in front on me and bum in the air so no urine went anywhere near my tear or stitches. I really feel for you, it’s frigging awful. Congrats on your lovely new baby

Ahh good to hear there is light at the end of the tunnel! I can't wait for it to stop stinging! I read the tip re bending over to pee a day ago and it's literally amazing - just to be able to pee without wincing and having to do breathing to get through it!

Put some witchazel on maternity pads and keep a couple at a time in the fridge for when you change them.

You guys in the UK have a product available online and in pharmacies that is like a big tub of presoaked round pads with witch hazel. I remember ordering it to the other side of the world when I was preggers (I’m a researcher) and it was lifesaving with the multiple tears I had. Used them for ages. Wish I could remember the brand, someone else might get here faster to tell you. Also, try giving the area ‘air and sunlight’ however impossible that sounds. Even a minute or two, somewhere private.

Speak up, and don’t let anyone tell you you’re a wuss. Make them listen, and find practical help. I felt the same, that my first weeks were a mixture of agony and pretence. My bidet helped too, try making yourself one with a laundry trough thingo? And (a tiny bit of) tea tree oil. It stings, but it’s very healing.

Good luck, and congrats!

@Skittlesandbeer it's tucks pads