Stitches down there!

Been reading about drinking okra water So maybe that helps with the easy delivery

When i had my first baby nearly 2 years ago, the labour was extremely quick. The midwife told me to push but my waters hadnt gone yet (i was induced), i had a few stitches. It was sore for a week. Id HIGHLY RECOMMEND a perinatal bottle!! Even if you dont have stitches, get one! Sitting on ice packs or peas as well for swelling🫶🫶🫶

Look up best positions to give birth, listen to your body when it comes to pushing, you’re supposed to relax your whole body and exhale and everything else will happen naturally.

You honestly won't feel if you have a tear. I had a 3rd degree tear and had no idea, but had to have surgery afterwards. Not going to lie - it made my recovery harder, but I healed really well and the stitches didn't bother me at all x

I had a third degree tear first time and honestly didn’t even feel it at that point in labour. Wouldn’t have known if they hadn’t told me. Had to go straight to theatre and was all over very quickly and back with baby. My recovery was ok and no ongoing issues from it.

In the moment, tearing is the last thing your thinking about honestly. Then the second your baby is put on your chest, you are so consumed by them at that moment that you dont really focus on being stitched. Being stitched is uncomfortable but after pushing a baby out its definitely manageable. That was my experience anyway xx

I pushed for 10 minutes. Basically as soon as I got to the labour ward. I had labial lacerations on both sides so unfortunately did need stitches. I found the injection to numb you to stitch was more uncomfortable than the stitches itself. You have your baby in your arms so that definitely distracts you. Just make sure you have a peri bottle as it really helps you recover if you do need stitches. Especially for that first wee afterwards x

I agree with the not feeling it in the moment. I had an episiotomy and was just focused on getting him out when he was stuck. In that moment, all that matters to you is getting your baby out safely. It will be OK. They numbed me for the stitches and I didn't even know they had done them

Thanks all for the advice and reassurance - super anxious as it’s so close but can’t wait to meet her, will all be worth it. ❤️

Not everyone needs stitches too - I think perineum massage can help stretch the region and might make a tear that needs stitches less likely. So you could also try that to reduce your chances of tearing/needing stitches.

The friends I know who did tear didn't feel it at the time. X

Perineal Massage is supposed to hell this I have been doing on and off for a couple of weeks now its painful to begin with but you ease into it after a few times