Episiotomy

Honestly I think I took 6 months to recover 😩. It was infected though at one point but it just felt so sore for ages. X

@Alex oh no really 😩 sorry to hear that. But yes from doing a bit of reading online I think the advice of 3 weeks is just completely unrealistic! I had second degree tears with my second baby but by day 5 I felt so much better. The episiotomy this time was apparently only into the skin and was only small but my god it’s so painful and swollen and feels so much worse😭.

Mine felt awful for the first 7 to 10 days but am now at 2 weeks and feeling a lot better! I still haven’t dared look down there though 🙈😅

My 2nd I got a 3rd degree tear 🫣, so still waiting to see how that heals up as I’m only just over a week pp x

Mine felt bad for around 1-2 weeks. Are you keeping on top of your pain meds? My midwife recommended taking paracetamol and ibuprofen separately, rather than together so you have a constant stream of medication to help. If you’re concerned about your stitches, ask your midwife to check, I did. If they already haven’t done this. I found rinsing myself with water every time I went to the toilet helped. I also changed my pad nearly every time I went. I was told to do this by my midwife to avoid infection. Hope you feel better soon better soon! Xx

Im on day 8 now and im starting to get there (as in this is the first day I haven’t had a frustrated cry about how painful it is!), it is really not much fun I feel your pain. Do you have a peri bottle? That’s been life saving, I also bought some ice packs specifically for postpartum off amazon and they’re heaven. The blowup round pillow is OK, but does put pressure on in a different way but I found it useful for sitting up to eat dinner etc. ditto above about changing pad constantly!

I’m four weeks in and mine still hurts. No way near as bad as the first few weeks but there is a constant pain still. Had it checked and all healing with no infection. I think everyone is different in terms of healing time xx

For the stinging - the more water you drink the more diluted your urine will be and will sting less. I had an extended episiotomy (2 cuts) and the first 1-2 weeks were the worst and then it took another 4-6 weeks to start feeling normal again. But as mentioned it depends and is individual. I didn't have an infection and my stitches were done well but I had a slow recovery due to other reasons. Take care and if you need to get checked.

@Kerensa ahh thank you that’s reassuring 😃 I know I just be mad looking so soon 😂x

@Joanna ahh thank you Joanna, that’s really reassuring to know. I’m not to be honest I need to make sure I keep on top of them! My midwife has checked and said they are healing fine but also admitted it wasn’t her finest stitching 😭. Thank you for the tips that’s really helpful x

@Beth I’m with you with the frustrated cry’s! Glad to hear you are starting to to get there. I’ve got a peri bottle and some ice packs I’ve not actually used one yet I’ll give it a try! Hope you feel better soon too x

@Chelsie thanks Chelsie, hope you feel better soon! X

@Brittany thanks Brittany, glad to hear you’re feeling better x

@Alex hope you feel better soon lovely x