Episiotomy recovery

[newtiredmumma]

How was your recovery from episiotomy if you had one? And how long did it take to recover?

My baby was forcep delivered with episiotomy 3 weeks ago and it's the first day today that I haven't needed pain killers until this evening.

[Okdaisy]

About 7 or 8 weeks until I felt properly healed. Gradually got better after the first few weeks when I needed pain relief constantly

[newtiredmumma]

@Okdaisy

About 7 or 8 weeks until I felt properly healed. Gradually got better after the first few weeks when I needed pain relief constantly

Thanks for the reply, I was expecting it to take that long, I don't want to be feeling too confident of feeling healed by now and keeping pain killers stocked up

[TwoUnderTwitTwoo]

I had episiotomy and forceps with my first, after a looooong labour and a long pushing phase. I felt like I’d been turned inside out and thought I’d never feel normal again! I did get back to myself, though it took a long time, I think about 6 weeks to stop feeling pain. I had a lot of stitches and still couldn’t have sex for many months after that. I think my tough physical recovery contributed to PND, but I only realise that now.

Have you been referred to a women’s health physio? Forceps and pain 3 weeks on are both very good reasons for referral. They are fab and it will definitely benefit you more than you realise!

[newtiredmumma]

@TwoUnderTwitTwoo

I had episiotomy and forceps with my first, after a looooong labour and a long pushing phase. I felt like I’d been turned inside out and thought I’d never feel normal again! I did get back to myself, though it took a long time, I think about 6 weeks to stop feeling pain. I had a lot of stitches and still couldn’t have sex for many months after that. I think my tough physical recovery contributed to PND, but I only realise that now.

Have you been referred to a women’s health physio? Forceps and pain 3 weeks on are both very good reasons for referral. They are fab and it will definitely benefit you more than you realise!

Oh I feel you, the labour was v long here too until finally a call had to be made to get the baby out asap. No, no one has mentioned physio to me? Is it worth it if I'm starting to feel better by now? I was at the point until recently where I wondered if I was ever going to be able to sit down normally!

[SwordToFlamethrower]

About 4 weeks I'd say. I bathed in epsom salts which helped.

[newtiredmumma]

@SwordToFlamethrower

About 4 weeks I'd say. I bathed in epsom salts which helped.

I was told no baths, showers only until stitches had dissolved. Craving a bath so much!

[TwoUnderTwitTwoo]

@newtiredmumma

Oh I feel you, the labour was v long here too until finally a call had to be made to get the baby out asap. No, no one has mentioned physio to me? Is it worth it if I'm starting to feel better by now? I was at the point until recently where I wondered if I was ever going to be able to sit down normally!

Yes, definitely worth it solely because of having had a forceps delivery. Women’s health physio have seen it all and can assess you for areas of weakness and give tailored advice that will benefit you. Even just one appointment will help you go forward - there is so much more to the pelvic floor and understanding what will help you personally than the vague advice “just do kegels”. Mention it at your 6 week check.

Congratulations on little one! If you’re coming off the painkillers then each day will be way better than the one before. Well done!!