The Recovery

Apologies for the radio silence but damn, why didn't anybody tell me the recovery would be so rough? Four weeks post-birth and I can still barely sit down. Of course, nobody could have known that I'd require a forceps delivery, and since I didn't read that far ahead in the baby books (doh!) I didn't know about the required "extended episiotomy" with a forceps birth or the fact that I'd likely tear badly, but dude, even in all ten hours of my prenatal classes there was scant mention of the recovery process, even for a c-section. (Which I assume is worse than this, except for the sitting down thing. While I'm on it, does anybody know how hard it is to breastfeed when you can't sit? That leaves standing and feeding or laying down and feeding, and while the latter is easiest on my anatomy it sure does get monotonous.)

Anyway, four weeks out and I've graduated from tons of painkillers and in constant pain to just sore and on one painkiller twice a day. Did I mention I also had  post-partum hemorrhage? The funny thing about all this is that the birth was quite tolerable. I got the epidural early-ish in the process and felt very little pain from then on out. The induction process was long (my doctor said my labor went on about 6 hours longer than average, though it was basically in line with my expectations--call me a cynic) but was more exhausting than painful. And when it came time to push, it only took three pushes with the help of the forceps to get her out. (I'm skipping some things here but am working on that piece of it separately.)

So, my point is this: The birth? Not so bad. The recovery? Mildly hellish, considering that there's a tiny, hungry, dependent little being thrown into the mix now. Though look at her:

Totally worth it, don't you think?

Comments

[Keely]

Totally. :) She is gorgeous!
*hugs*

[Krystyn]

She is adorable, but I must say you are scaring the crap outta me. I'm already freaked about the delivery process and pain associated w/that..I sure hope I am able to sit down...especially since I have be back @ work within 2 wks!! Yep,sucks to be me!

[Marcy]

She's absolutely adorable. And I am SO GLAD my mom will be here for at least a few weeks post-partum to help with the recovery... There is definitely a lack of awareness of what labor, delivery, and recovery really take, it seems, though perhaps that's for the best-- otherwise would any of us have kids?? =P

[kate1976]

She is just adorable. Sorry you are having a rough time, though. There is a package on its way to you when the post finally gets going.

Well done you!

[NYP]

She's so beautiful - 28 weeks and counting on my end. If you can do it in London, then I certainly can too! Get some some rest!