Baby Blues/Birth Recovery

[ForgingShields92]

I had my daughter on 8th March and she was a planned baby and I am so happy and over the moon to finally have her here.

I had a difficult birth needing N episiotomy and forceps and also ended up with a 2nd degree tear. I have been really struggling with recovery.

I cant get into a position where I am without pain to feed her, comfort her or pretty much anything else.

Her dad has been wonderful in taking care of us but its really getting me down as I feel so guilty that because I'm in so much pain I can't wait to put her down. It's really getting me down and I'm struggling to find that happiness I had when she first arrived.

Does anyone have any advice on how to combat this?

Congratulations on your baby, you have been through a lot recently, with the birth.

Are you able to speak to your midwife to check your stitches etc? She will be able to advise you if everything is healing correctly and what pain management you can use in the short term.

I had an emergency caesarean for my first and it took me weeks to recover. I was lucky to have help but didn't do much apart from sit on couch and see to baby etc. You will get over it but it will take time so do not put pressure on yourself. Do not feel guilty about anything. Try to manage small things but take plenty of time to recover and rest when baby is asleep. Keep having lots of cuddles with your baby and ensure you are eating and drinking enough yourself.

Good luck and hope you feel better soon.

Congratulations!

I gave birth to a baby boy on the 6th February - exactly 6 weeks ago today!

It was a VERY difficult and long birth for a whole wealth of reasons and like you I ended up in pretty bad shape afterwards.

I ended up with a second degree tear (couldn’t sit down for weeks!). I also tore muscles in my chest wall and for the first 2 weeks I couldn’t lift my baby at all. It broke my heart when I came home and had to move the crib to my husband’s side of the bed so he could do all the lifting and night feeds. It also meant I wasn’t able to breast feed as I literally didn’t have the movement of my arms to hold him to my chest!

Just wanted to give you a little hope that things do get better. 6 weeks on I honestly feel amazing compared to what I did. The 5 week mark was a complete turning point! Until then I thought I would never feel right again. I’m back running, doing all the housework and most importantly caring for my little bundle!!

Please hang in there, it does get better! Trust me!

It is so very bloody hard at the beginning. My little one isn't so little anymore (10 months old) but I remember those early weeks so clearly. Take your time to heal properly and don't beat yourself up if you can't spring back and do a million and one chores on top of learning to be a mum. It is seriously tough and we are our own worst critics. Just be as honest as you can be with your other half about how you are feeling.

I would ask to get checked over by the gp. My episitomy got infected and then u got thrush to top it off and I'm glad I got pushed to be seen as I would never have guessed I had thrush!

Thank you all for your replies. My husband has been incredible and I'm so grateful for everything he has done.

It turns out I had an infection which has now cleared up with antibiotics and I'm feeling a lot better in myself.

Little one is thriving and I'm feeling much better about taking care of her.

Thank you all again ❤

I'm so glad @ForgingShields92 and hope you get to enjoy your little one a bit more now you're feeling more human :)

Glad you are feeling a lot better now . Take care x