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Postnatal health

As with all health-related issues, please seek advice from a RL health professional if you're worried about anything.

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Original poster

Bathroom after birth

11 replies

Mommabear20 · 29/07/2021 23:05

TMI warning for the thread!

I'm currently 2 days postpartum with my second baby. With DC1 I had no stitches or anything so going 1 or 2 was not an issue. This time however I've had an episiotomy as well as natural tears, so a lot of stitches and swelling down there. I am terrified to go for a #2 but know it'll have to happen at some point!
What did you do to help ease the pain/ fear?

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Nextchapterofmybook · 29/07/2021 23:28

I held on to my stitches just in case! Get a cup to fill with water to wash your bum, or just dab with tissue instead of wipe.

girlmama32 · 29/07/2021 23:36

I was given lactulose when I was discharged after I had a 3rd degree tear which helped a lot. Raise your feet on a stool and hold your hand over your stitches when your going and just take your time. Not going to lie that first time after birth was horrific but I think the fear of bursting my stitches was worse than actually going.

LittleBearPad · 29/07/2021 23:42

Lift your legs up and take it easy

Saidtoomuch · 29/07/2021 23:45

Congratulations!
Its a terrifying thought, isn't it! I had reconstruction work immediately after my first, so remember how you feel. I would agree with everything above. Drink lots of water, eat plenty of fibre, hover and have a jug of water ready. Use a rinsed cold wet baby wipe or something to hold everything in place - more for your comfort and peace of mind than necessity. The thought of it is much worse than actually going.

xyzandabc · 29/07/2021 23:45

Raise your feet/knees up a bit on a small stool or box. Hold a maternity pad against the stitches, helps to feel a bit more secure that your whole insides aren't going to fall out.

mariebaby3 · 30/07/2021 21:44

I 2nd holding a pad against your stitches. Fybogel also helped me a lot too :)

Johnson10 · 01/08/2021 20:33

Drink plenty water, lots of fibre too so you don’t get constipated. Then when you need to go, gently press a maternity pad against your stitches.

FTEngineerM · 01/08/2021 20:35

Congrats on your new baby.

I had episiotomy with DS1 and also on iron tablets.. so.. ehum.. I also took laxatives because we all know what iron tablets do.

To be fair I worried over nothing, it never hurt, not even when wiping.

Nojobforoldmums · 01/08/2021 20:38

Fibre, lactulose, hold pad on stitches and preemptive suppositories for piles (tmi but eased things coming out)

Muststopeating · 01/08/2021 20:38

So in my experience the thought is infinitely worse than the reality.

I had a significant episiotomy with my first, an open wound with my second and nothing with my third (but I legitimately felt like my insides were going to fall out my bottom at any point). And yes to loads of water!

I was terrified for all 3 but it was never a problem (and I'm a wimp).

Only thing I can say is wait until you NEED to go but don't leave it a second longer (or it'll all get more difficult).

User0ne · 01/08/2021 20:38

Drink lots, eat lots of prunes/dried fruit to keep it soft. Good luck

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