Post Partum

15 Feb 2023 

My postpartum experience this time has been a lot more raw than the first time round…

My first birth was a caesarean, I had a super smooth recovery and was back to myself very quickly. This time I had a vaginal birth and was given an episiotomy because my daughter had to be delivered quickly. Whilst I feel really positive about the birth itself, healing from it has been tough. At times I’ve found myself unable to walk or sit down without being in agony. A urine infection also gave me intense back pain and made me feel a lot more terrible.

But thankfully after 2 weeks, I’m feeling pretty much back to normal. A turning point was day 6 when my bleeding reduced and I started using thinner sanitary pads. The maternity pads I was using were rubbing against my stitches and preventing the pain and swelling from settling. As soon as I switched to thinner pads the improvement was vast.

I also got my urine infection dealt with as soon as I recognised the symptoms, although initially I mistook these for normal postpartum signs. I saw my GP and was given a course of antibiotics.

Emotionally on the other hand, this time has been a much easier ride so far. With my firstborn the ecstasy of the new baby highs came alongside a gnawing anxiety that something bad was going to happen, coupled with the dread that crept up before every sleep deprived night. With my second child I’m finding myself calmer and much less anxious. I put this down to experience, and having a toddler around to keep me busy! I think COVID is also to blame, it was April 2020 when I had my first so we were in lockdown and there was very little happening to help lighten the emotional load.

Whatever type of birth you have, the postpartum period is going to bring challenges of some sort. Be kind to yourself, take all the help you can get, and find ways to keep filling your cup. Those little doses of things that make you feel good can really keep you going.