Tears!

[LucyAcue]

Didn't anyone tear? What degree? How bad was it? What was the healing process like (going toilet etc) So scared lol

2nd degree. Was pretty unpleasant but pads soaked in witch hazel really helped recovery wise. Chilled would have been even better.

Look up perineal massage. I did it religiously from 34 weeks and only had grazes. It was absolutely fine

I had an episiotomy and 2nd degree tear. I was so worried before hand but 3 weeks on I can honestly say I feel fine and it looks pretty bloody good down there!
I used spritz for bits sprayed on myself before peeing and then sprayed directly onto the pads.

Perineal massage didn’t do a lot for me to be honest! I felt much better after ten days. My top tips are 1. don’t switch to normal sanitary pads for the bleeding even if it’s really light as they will irritate the stitches (maybe obvious but I wish someone had told me!) 2. Ice packs wrapped in gauze for the first few days (hospital provided those) 3. Regular doses of ibuprofen and paracetamol the first few days 4. Air it out as much as possible and 5. This sounds really weird but suggested by my midwife and helped a lot - after a shower, use a hairdryer down there to dry it all out properly.

I didn’t find going to the toilet that bad but echo the spritz for bits advice!

Daily bath with tea tree is great. Mine healed very quickly and going to the toilet was absolutely fine.

I had 3 lots of 2nd degree and one was in my clit as I tore up and down and I needed surgery. But this was because my baby was in distress and they needed him out very quickly to look after him. He's perfect and fine.
Good news: I'm. 100% healed now and everything is OK down there. Most people heal well.
Bad news: going to the toilet can be sore. Very sore. Boots do a post birth numbing spray I think, I didn't use it but someone I know recommends it. Lots of fresh water to wash and air dry as nothing was touching me during first few weeks. I got regular checks on the stitches etc.
I had problems with pooing due to a missed issue but that was resolved quickly after speaking to the midwife.
Your hv and midwife will be really helpful and can offer advice.

3rd degree tear here. It wasn't pleasant but not as bad as I thought it would be. I had surgery which was the worst bit to be honest. I used spritz for bitz which helped ALOT! I would highly recommend

3rd and 2nd degree. Tbh after the first couple of days it's not too bad at all. Just have to be a bit careful how you move, and keep on top of the painkillers.

The main issue I had was pooing and sex. It took a good 6 months for everything to sort itself out properly after the 3rd degree. No issues whatsoever after the 2nd degree.

It's honestly not as bad as your thinking, perfectly manageable.

*you're

Try not to scare yourself @LucyAcue! Have you done any hypno birthing? I didn’t for my first but did for my second. It helped be knowledgeable and positive before the birth and calm during the birth.
I did the Positive Birth Company digital pack which was great and good value (about £40 I think).

Two lots of second degree. All I really remember is it not being as bad as thought it should. Bit tender.

But I had a huuuuge pile after my second and that distracted me massively!! X x

3Rd degree a week ago, not had any problems going to the toilet at all. (on lactulose). Feels a bit odd down there but no real pain. Obviously no idea how sex will be yet!
But so far is not bad at all. Keeping clean and dry is main priority, and doing pf exercises.
Had it sutured by doctor in theatre which is probably mainly why it's been fine. Enlarged breasts are currently more of an issue.