After childbirth - still not feeling 100 per cent after 12 weeks!

[LoveActually]

Gave birth to my DD 12 weeks ago. Am loving being a mum but I've not felt quite right physically. I had an emergency CS but not sure what part that's played in the fact I haven't had a proper appetite (although I have been eating). I'vwe started exercising again but the fact my weight hasn't shifted (although I really haven't much to lose I mostly wanted to get fit again) I probably don't drink enough water, but then I don't feel so thirsty either. Is this stress? If so what can I do? x

I've heard it said it takes between 9 months and a year to get back to anything like pre baby health (I am not talking about weight here as that seems to be anotehr issue). my dd is nearly ten months and I don't think I felt right til 6 months were gone (I had an ongoing upset stomach, was easily tired etc etc) - I am still not as robust as I was and fwiw I've been exercising for a while.

I cant comment re stress mkaing it worse (is there anything else going on that might hit your appetite -but I must admit if I've had a bad day/night of it with dd I find I have to make a real effort to eat anything) but nothing you've said sounds that abnormal for a mum of a young child. have you had iron levels etc checked out with doctor to rule out anything else.

It took you nearly 10 months for your body to change to grow that beautiful baby of yours.

Please give yourself a break!

It's only been 12 weeks since you had major surgery and your body went through major changes with pregnancy and childbirth.

The media would have you believe you're supposed to be completely your old self after an astonishingly short period of time.

They're full of it.

12 weeks feels like an age to you, but I can promise you it's the blink of an eye. You've had major surgery, followed by the most stressful and intense 3 months of your life. You're also probably still a hormonal cocktail of madness (you might not feel like it - I sure didn't at that stage - but I bet you look back in a year and realise you were still way, way off normal).

Basically, give yourself time, lots of time, and a break! You'll get there - physically I am way off what I was pre-pregnancy 2.5 years ago but (eventually) emotionally I am a zillion times better. It has taken me much longer than I had expected to get things back on track - but that's fine.

Take it easy and enjoy your baby, the rest will come naturally

I always think that it's at about 12 weeks that the real tiredness hits you. I agree with whoever said that it takes about a year to get back to where you were before you got pg (assuming you do ever get back there in some respects....). Perhaps get things like iron levels checked out? But be easy on yourself and enjoy your baby.....

9 months up, 9 months down...

It's early days. You've had major surgery. If you'd had any other major abdominal surgery 12 weeks ago would you expect to feel 100%? I doubt it! For some reason because you weren't ill and had surgery to have a baby some people think it's less of an impact - I totally disagree. Not only have you had major surgery, you have hormones aplenty as well as a little person to look after, not just yourself.

No wonder you feel not quite back to normal!

(But do try and drink plenty, even if you're not thirsty. Aim for a small glass of water every hour, and any other drinks are a bonus. Keeping hydrated is very important).

It takes about 2 years for the stress of pregnancy and all the hormonal shit your body goes through after the birth to rectify itself - 12 weeks I was bearly dragging myself round the corner for a coffee at a friends house!

Seriously sit back and enjoy your new baby - don't put unnecessary pressure on yourself either.

Thanks everyone, this is my mums net window! So haven't been able to check earlier. I've managed to drink six glasses of water and I have to say I do feel a bit better. Expat is right, I work in the media, which makes it even worse. There is loads of pressure on us and it's really, really hard to shake it off.
It is quite amazing the difference drinking more water has made, I haven't even though of it before. And before I forget I'm off to have another one. xxx