Born Oct/Nov 2015

Good Morning Ladies,

I got totally engrossed in sorting out my LG's clothes that I want to give away that I didn't even look at any responses until late last night.

I had an episiotomy, they say it can take up to 6 weeks to heal, mine took just under 10 days. Either my gynae cut me really well or my worry of getting an infection assisted in the healing process.

They give you a piece of paper with the aftercare on dealing with the cut.
A sitz bath with salt 3 times a day, they gave me a suppository pain killer that was so strong and stilpain tablets - that is all!

I didn't use a single painkiller from the time I got home (which was the next day after giving birth) - I don't think I have a high pain threshold but the pain was bearable.

I just couldn't deal with having to take my clothes off and sitting in a bath for 15 min 3 times a day, so what I did was morning and evening I bathed in a normal bath with Savlon/Dettol. During the day after every urinary movement (they say you can have a squirt bottle with warm water to spray the area so it relieves the burn - I made sure my urine went all over the stitches - sounds gross but in my mind I kept thinking if its stinging its getting rid of any germs) directly after I would take a flannel/face cloth soak it in warm salt water in a bowl (I used coarse salt and a lot of it that the water was milky looking), I would first dab the area clean all the way to the buttocks, then rinse and re-soak and placed it between my legs and kept it there for at least 10 mins. Thankfully my LG was born in October so I would either walk around naked with my face cloth between my legs or had my bikini bottoms on to cover it. I eventually started to feel my stitches had dissolved/fallen out by day 5 and at that point would just ensure the area was clean after every urninary/bowel movement. Maternity panties didn't work for me so I went commando unless I was going out. I also took ferromed tablets as I was bleeding excessively and was finishing my pregnancy tabs that weren't finished. That could've also contributed to healing quickly.

I have read up about a cream that I happened to see specifically designed for natural birth and am quiet keen on trying it out - want to first find out from my Gynae though what she thinks - you can check it out here www.babynature.co.za/easiotomy-cream-nat...isiotomy-healing.php

@Lewe, I would like to give you one piece of advice - I was totally put off C-sections - I have an absolute fear of not moving my toes and legs and was adamant on having natural. I even went as far as saying I WILL NOT have an epidural. Please research all options and be prepared for whatever could happen. I thought natural was just that, be in pain push and out pops baby It so wasn't that hahaha. Research what your hospital has an pain options, if your Gynae uses the vacuum- sunction machines or forceps - ask all the questions possible even if they would rather let you tear than have an episiotomy.

@ Lauz.mayer im having a natural. Please do share

If all goes well, I'll hopefully go natural BUT babies have their own plans so I don't want to get too attached to have a natural birth and then be disappointed if I need to have a Csection. I'm keeping my mind and options open so please share any tips on natural and csection!

I'm definitely adding the Weceson powder to my list to get closer to the date. I've gotten tons of clothes and blankies so far. I've bought a few cute things but I'm definitely going to wait till after the babyshower to buy things I still need.

Hahaha! LM, please share!

Although I'll be having a c-sec, one thing I've learned is that ANYTHING can happen...

I'm quite scared this time around with my c-sec.

With my first, she decided to make her appearance 1 week before her scheduled c-sec. So with her being ready to be born, my milk production was stimulated and right on time.

Now I've read that if baby is born via scheduled c-sec, it could delay my milk coming in...Which can cause a problem in establishing breastfeeding. Will ask gynae at next appointment if there's anything I can do or take prior to my c-sec to help with my milk being ready once baby is born.

Although - they say once baby starts suckling, it will release the necessary hormones for breastfeeding.

How many of you are having natural - dont want to mention my healing tip if there isnt any one doing the natural route - its a little bit

LouiseM I have had so many people talk about the cabbage leaves - Im wondering if in this pregnancy it will be different. With my first I just couldnt breastfeed - it made me so severely depressed when I decided to stop I didnt even opt for those tablets that are meant to take your milk away I just stopped, had one night of engorged breasts - just slept naked next day boobs were back down to normal and done and dusted were my milk ducts. Ill definitely be sure to have the cabbage leaves ready - just incase

Hey Mommies!

I agree with Lauz.Mayer - 1st trimester I only bought stuff for "myself" that is pregnancy related... although, I did go and buy cute pair of newborn rattle socks and a white newborn baby beanie. Only when I found out the gender, did I go and buy some body vests, and 2 or 3 newborn outfits. My daughter bought baba a little 3-6months pink jacket that said "little sister" along with a pants & shirt set that said the same... but yes, for some reason everyone buys you clothes and blankets at baby showers?! Once we've had the baby shower, we'll buy whatever clothes are still needed.

As for 2nd time moms: definitely the Weceson Powder for the umbilucal stump. It dries it much better as the surgical spirits tends to make it a bit "snotty" before it goes dry.

For severe nappy rash I used my remaining lansinoh nipple ointment. I had the big tube and only used it once a week after breastfeeding was established. It worked like a bomb for everything! From chapped lips to intensive nappy rash ointment.

One thing I will most definitely have ready this time around, is my blanched whole cabbage leaves! Even though I had no problem establishing breastfeeding, 6 days later my breasts were in severe pain! My LG drank enough, I had my breastpump - but the pain was just excrutiating!!! I didn't even want my week old baby to look at me, in fear that she might want to have a drink... that evening DH brought home a cabbage and I immediately cooked the leaves. Whilst they were still steaming hot, I placed them on my boobs inside my bra. Half an hour later the pain was GONE!!!

So keep it in mind