How long does it take to recover from stitches?

[Sallysshoes]

My (first) baby is 6 days old this morning. I had to have an episiotomy as well as a second degree tear and labial grazes; midwife took a good 90 minutes stitching me up.

I honestly would prefer to give birth all over again than continue with this recovery pain. I'm so sore and everything down there feels extremely tight and as though there's a pressure weighing down on it. Moving around from a standing or lying position is horrendous though I can mostly walk around okay once I'm up.

I wasn't expecting it to have healed by now of course but I was really hoping to be feeling somewhat better from day 1 and 2 and I honestly don't think I do.

How long did it take for you start to feel better after stitches please and any tips to speed things along?
Thank you

I had an episiotomy my top tips are take paracetamol and ibuprofen every 4 hours religiously to be east pain.

I can't remember exactly how long but it was a few weeks at least 😩 try have a warm bath aswell eases everything

With my first I had an episiotomy and two second degree tears. I know what you mean about the recovery being worse than the delivery! Wish I could say they healed quickly, but in reality it took a few weeks before I could sit comfortably and move without thinking about it. It did get gradually better during that time though, and definitely agree with taking staggered pain killers. Wishing you a speedy recovery!

@sallysshoes I literally came on here to make the exact same thread so you are not alone!

I also gave birth to my first baby 6 days ago and had a second degree tear, taking 45 mins to stitch up. Yesterday thought it was starting to feel better but today I feel like I'm back at day one! I can't find a comfortable position to sit in/lay in and fully agree with the feeling of pressure.

Watching this thread with interest as feeling really sorry for myself right now! Going to speak to my midwife tomorrow to see what she says.

Soak a big pad in witch Hazel. Put in fridge then in your knickers. Feels bliss on the stitches. Have a bath with a little bit of tea tree in. Arnica tablets. Take your painkillers every four hours. It's horrible op you have my sympathies. It will get better soon it really will

Some ladies have recommended this product, "spritz for bits". They sell it in Boots, check it out. I have not used it myself but they say it really helps. Have attached a pic for reference. Hope u feel better soon and congs.

About two weeks as I recall post episiotomy with dd1. Take care when moving yourself in a seat! I remember trying to budge up the sofa and won't forget how much that hurt!

But with dd2 also had stitches (though no episiotomy) and was at a soft play running around on day 3 so totally variable!

I had an episiotomy and second degree tear. Spritz for bits is a lifesaver spray it on pads and spray on yourself directly during and after using the loo. Paracetamol and ibuprofen regularly really helped me. I could sit and walk well within a week although I used to lie on my side on the sofa to take the pressure off.

I had an episiotomy and third degree tear.. recovery wasn't pretty and this may be slightly TMI (if there's such a thing on this subject) but what worked for me was spraying spritz for bits (or similar witch hazel stuff) on a cotton pad, putting it in the freezer (I did batches at a time) then rather than putting it in your knickers literally shoving it into place where it hurts.. I wedged mine very low down between my bum cheeks. Might not be exactly the same as we had different types of tear but I found putting anything in knickers didn't help at all, you need to apply it directly to the problem area and put a new one on every 30 minutes really!
Congratulations and I wish you a speedy recovery

Warm bath and time is all I remember needing. It does take longer than you think.... it's all bruised too and that takes a while to go down. Don't stress. Just enjoy the baby. Congratulations.

Thank you everyone. This is all helpful.