What was your recovery like following a fentons procedure, and have you subsequently had a natural birth later down the line?

[dairycow]

I had a 9lb baby 5 mths ago, and had ventouse and forceps, and had episiotomy and 2nd degree tear. I was stitched after, but I managed to burst a few, (despite midwife assuring me that I hadn't as 'this can't happen!). Therefore it hasn't healed quite right, and have decided to go ahead with 'fentons' procedure, in a few weeks time, (?basically a restitching). I am a bit concerned about how much this is going to hurt, and how long it will take to recover. I want to have it done, but I am dreading the possiblity of being back in the position where I can barely sit down, pick up my baby etc. I did ask the nurses at my pre-admission, but everyone seems to be a bit vague. Can anyone shed any light for me/give me advice on what to expect and how I can prepare for this? Also has anyone ever had a natural/normal childbirth following this? Many thanks

I don't know how long it took to recover but my sister had this procedure after her first child and went on to have another 3 vaginally

think she was so relieved to have the fentons done that the recovery wasn't that bad iyswim (she was in a lot of pain beforehand)

My Mum had to have TWO Fentons after having me (long story involving evil sexist Doctor) and went on to have my brother vaginally (though he was a breech - ow!)and my friend has just had a very easy labour with her DS2 after requiring a Fentons with her 1st. The friend says she felt much better after the Fentons than after the initial dodgy post-episiotomy stitching. The nurses/specialist/whoever should be putting your mind at ease or at least giving you all the facts, instead of being vague.

I did feel really raw for a few days after the Fenton's (and exhausted from the anaesthetic), but it was a lot harder chasing a lively ten month old around than dealing with a constantly-sleeping newborn. I remember vaulting over a childgate in hot pursuit and then deeply, deeply regretting it. Strongly suggest trying to take to the couch for a few days if you can get childcare! That said, we actually managed to have sex without pain for the first time since the birth four weeks after the Fenton's, so things must've healed up quickly! (I feel as if I should start a fanclub for the procedure).

Haven't had my second child yet. Yes, am v. v. worried...

Thanks everyone! It's reassuring to know that most people think it's worth going through. Am going to ask for it to be done under local rather than general anaesthetic, as am still breastfeeding, (reluctantly - see 'anyone successfully weaned their baby to cup/bottle following 18wks exclusive BF' in the feeding section.)Anyone been through it under a local anaesthetic? Will keep you posted on the eventual outcome. I am going in on the 27th July.

Dairycow, I was still nursing DS when I had mine done. Theoretically, he was supposed to be on solids, but in practice, he was not hugely interested. I nursed right before I left for the hospital, and at 11 pm that night - I asked the anaesthetist if it would be bad for him, and the anaesthetist just said cheerily it might make him a bit sleepy. There are women who have to be knocked out completely for c-sections, and they're still encouraged to nurse newborns afterwards, so I don't think it can be the worst thing in the world.

That's true , (about anaesthetics and C sections),Tamlin. By the way was there anything special you put on your wound to make it heal up so quickly? Am considering hiring a valley cushion this time round - was told they are rubbish, but when I had my baby, I wished I had ignored people and just got one, coz I couldn't even sit for 3 weeks!

No - they just gave me steroid shots during the op to help things heal better.