Is this normal? First time mum questions at 11 days post partum..

[TrueBluee]

Not sure where else to turn, my midwives haven't been very helpful and I am a mess. I'm currently 11 days post partum, gave birth to a 6lb 3oz baby vaginally, with ventouse and episiotomy / 2nd degree tear.

Starting to feel less sore but finding I still can't feel my bladder, can't really tell when it's full, I get a little feeling but not much. I have trouble starting the urine flow and stopping it. I don't have any incontinence, don't wee myself when I laugh/ sneeze etc. I am working on my pelvic floor exercises but not sure if the lack of bladder sensation is normal?

Also, had an episiotomy and made the mistake of looking at it tonight. I have no idea what they've done but my vagina doesn't look the same. There's some weird lump at the entrance and I have no idea what it is. It doesn't look like my labia, not sure if this is something from straining during pushing? But did anyone else find it looked awful but settled and changed after a few more weeks?

Thank you.

Can only answer the first part (ended with c sections) but I had the bladder issue. Returned within about 2 weeks. Midwife was unconcerned both times and just said it’s to do with bruising and trauma and to just keep drinking and reminding yourself to wee to help the muscles repair.

my episiotomy felt and much worse before it got better. But if your not sure go to your gp and get it checked.

The first issue sounds normal, is had the same after forceps and episiotomy. I also had the issue with my bowels too! It was just the bruising and swelling from the assisted birth that had thrown everything off, things started getting better after a few weeks.

The second issue could also be normal! There’s lots of swelling after an episiotomy and it could just be that things down there haven’t returned to their normal size/shape yet because of this. But if you’re worried your GP will definitely have a look for you! Will the midwives not have a check?

Sorry thought you were 11 weeks, ask your midwife.
I had bladder issues after my cs but it improved after 6 weeks. I did piss myself quite a few times though.
Do speak to your midwife.

My episiotomy looked terrible and it did take longer to heal than I anticipated (much longer than my tear in another birth). However it is all fine now! Make sure you have someone look when the midwife signs you off and probably again at your 6 week check if you're still concerned but give it some time.

After an episiotomy, tearing and forceps delivery I wasn't allowed to leave hospital because my bladder wasn't working well. It might just be lots of bruising and swelling at present but keep an eye on it as you can also have nerve damage which can be fixed. If you are worried see your gp who might be more helpful than the midwife.

Try using some ice packs, tea tree oil in the bath, arnica tablets, multivitamins and lots of rest to help you heal.

Thank you all for the responses. I'm starting to get some sort of control back with starting and stopping urine flow. Still don't quite have bladder sensation but I think it's coming back slowly.

Have submitted a request for the GP to check my stitches as well, midwives have said they aren't trained to do this and signposted me back to GP. It really doesn't look right and I'm sure the consultant said it might need refixing as I was so swollen at the time they struggled to sew it up right. Fingers crossed we can get it sorted. Thank you again.