about how long after giving birth should i be able to be up and around?

Jess - posted on 04/10/2010

Personally I was on back on my feet as soon as my stitches were in. I took a shower, walked with my baby to special care, stood there watching her for a while and then walked myself back to my room. My stitches started hurting about 5 days later so I had them checked at the hospital while I was visiting my daughter. They get sore when they are falling out, so if it doesnt ease up go back and have them checked. Last thing you want is an infection !

Jessica - posted on 04/10/2010

I had a c-section and I hurt for at least 3 weeks.. but I was up and about 2 or 3 days after I had my daughter.. I kept telling myself the pain would get worse if I just sat there lol I was told I was stubborn by my husband though...

Jennifer - posted on 04/10/2010

I was one of those people that the more I moved around the better I felt. The more I sat around taking it easy, the worse I felt. My sister told me that if you are able too, start walking as much as you can stand from the very beginning, it not only helps you get rid of the soreness but will help you heal a little faster. At least that is how it worked for me. I had a level 3, almost 4 tear and with lots of stitches in 3 different locations.
But, I grabbed a hold of my IV and held on to the rails and walked away and used the baby cart in the hospital to help too. I was feeling pretty good after a week. Still tender and slightly sore but felt good.
Do what you feel is best for you though and don't push it. You know when you are at your max threshold level.Good luck to you!

Ashley - posted on 04/08/2010

Witch hazel pads can help you. And Spray off with a warm water bottle instead of toilet paper. Its also perfectly fine to soak in a bath tub of salts to help soreness. If it gets worse, see your doctor!

Karen - posted on 04/08/2010

i was up and in the tub (my hospital said the best way to heal my stitches was to soak in a bath of plain warm water) within an hour and walked back to my room three hours later - i soaked in a bath every night and within 2 weeks my stitches were completely healed and gone. if they are really sore still i think i'd go see your dr, tey could be infected since they should be pretty much healed by now

Toni - posted on 04/08/2010

I was up and moving a couple of hours after giving birth to my son although very tentatively. I found that doing my Pelvic Floor muscles really helped me stop feeling so bruised and sore (I had a small tear). The midwives say this is because it increases bloodflow to the area and so you heal quicker. If you have had a natural birth 11 days is quite a long time I would go and see your dr you may have an infection.

Brittany - posted on 04/07/2010

I wasn't too sore but if you tore and have stitches (if you're in the US i know they have this) there is this amazing stuff called Dermoplast. You just spray it on your..."region" and at first it burns a little but they it feels GREAT and it totally takes care of your itching as the stitches heal.

Leasa - posted on 04/07/2010

well it sounds like you had a natural birth so did i. i was up and walking around 10 hours after labor, and i got to take a shower then too. i was told not to take a bath till you get the ok at your 6 week check up because it could cause infection where you were stiched if you had any that is. you can use the topical cream that they give you when you leave and i think there is a erbal remedy too, but i'm not too sure. i hope this helps and the you get to feeling better.

Kati - posted on 04/07/2010

i had a natural birth.. i tore and had an episiotomy.. my baby weighed 9 lbs 1 oz.. i was up and moving pretty good around 5-7 days after giving birth.. i really didnt do too much my pain just went away.. i used some kind of creme down there for the stitches.. i dont remember what kind it was..sry but i hope u get better soon

Nikki - posted on 04/07/2010

I am just presuming that you had a natural birth and you had a tear? Drink lots of water, can ease the stinging part, take some paracetamol. Maybe go to your doctor to get a check up and make sure that you are not getting an infection.

Theresa - posted on 04/07/2010

Well, it sounds like you had natural labor. I had two Csections. I've herd taking bath in ebsence salts helps. (Experts) say you should be up and about within a day. Walking a little. But I say listen to your body! I didn't and ended up with the flu. I got it my at 4 weeks and still have it 6 weeks later! Good luck and take rest when you can get it!