Postpartum Issues (perineal tear/pelvic pain)

Submitted by MamaD on October 19, 2013 - 1:33am
Body: 

Hi Fellow WW,

I came across this website while doing a web search for a perineal tear but am really excited to have found it :-)

I am a 28 y/o fairly healthy new mama. Our baby girl was born May 31; I had a somewhat challenging birth. The cord was wrapped around my daughters neck and then her shoulder was stuck, which resulted in lots of pushing! I am about 5 months postpartum and still experiencing some issues.

The first problem is that the midwives I had did not feel like I needed to be stitched after the birth, however, one week later regretted that decision, as I had a deep 2nd degree tear. 5 months later, and I am still not completely healed; the perineum has mostly come together but it looks like the top of the tear is not going to seal together but will heal separately. Has anyone had an experience like this? I'm feeling kind of discouraged; like I'm never going to be back to "normal" down there :-(

Second, when I sit up from a laying down position, I feel a sort of ache in my lower area (pelvic bone/abdominal area). I'm wondering if it is weak abdominal muscles, or possibly a pelvic issue? I know my posture has been HORRIBLE since I had a baby...carrying her all the time and just being tired. I've read on this forum about the WW posture; what is it? I'm happy to purchase the book but just don't seem to have the time to read anything with a newborn at home. If I could get an overview of the WW program perhaps that could help me until I have the time to read the book.

Any advice anyone can share would be most appreciated....I miss my pre-baby body and can't wait to get healthy again. Sleep deprivation and caring for a newborn is enough to make anyone feel a little discouraged, but combine that with health issues and some days are just really challenging for me!

Thanks!

Forum:

Surviving60

October 19, 2013 - 3:43pm

Hi MamaD and welcome. The best overview in my opinion is a 20-minute video called "The Whole Woman Approach to Pelvic Organ Prolapse and Urinary Incontinence." If you look up above for the Resources tab, then go to WW Videos, it is the first item on the page.

I hope you will decide to pursue this posture correction. It is really just a matter of returning to that lovely natural posture we all had as children, before we were "taught" to suck in our bellies, tighten our butts, and flatten out that lumbar curvature that is the true source not only of pelvic organ support, but also a healthy spine and well-protected hip joints. Please poke around here, and feel free to ask more. I'm not an expert on the issue of your tear. But WW posture will help everything, will make you feel differently about your body........it is something we all need to learn. - Surviving

MamaD

October 20, 2013 - 12:11pm

Thanks very much for your response! I will check out that video. I know my bad posture has a lot to do with health problems I have (back pain, tmj, headaches) so I look forward to working on correcting it :-)
Take care-

kiko

October 20, 2013 - 4:06pm

Hi mamaD,

You won't ever be the same "down there" as you were prebaby, but I would hope you reach a comfortable new normal. Are you in any pain or does it just feel strange.? I would have thought most of the healing would be done by now.

When I was stitched up after my last birth, the doctor said she'd also improved upon the last birth's stitches/repair. Not sure what she thought she was doing but pretty sure it's not an improvement. However, it hadn't affected anything I do - I just get a shock if I actually investigate.

Not sure I've actually helped...sorry.

laughLOVElive

October 21, 2013 - 12:39am

I discovered my prolapse about 7 months after first baby. My advice is get on to the posture, no straining at toilet and try to avoid lifting with your back (i.e. use your arm muscles and try to keep lower curve in your back when lifting baby & keep your chest lifted)! I wish I was doing all this earlier but thank goodness, it's never too late and I am getting better at reminding myself to be in posture. Also, I've found that my priorities in life have really changed since pre baby and learning all about WW and I'm so much better and content for it. I bought the first aid dvd first, then the book and yoga dvds - the book really is well worth reading (i still havent finished but grateful for what ive learnt so far). Hope you are having lots of fun with your baby - I found things so much easier after the 12 month mark but every month is wonderful despite the many, many challenges!

kiko

October 21, 2013 - 1:38am

My earlier comment about most of the healing being done by now was referring to stitching only, not recovery from the whole pregnancy/birth thing. That's a two-year process.