What should a person expect after they give birth as far as pain bleeding ect..?

Question

Also is there anything I need to stock up on as far as stuff For myself?

I don't know If it will be a c- section or if it will be vaginally. Also I do plan on breast feeding.

Thanks to everyone so far for your answers.

Answer 1

wow.. loaded question... now.. I could give you the one my mom gave me (most moms give daughters) oh, you won't feel a thing... that baby will make it go away.... lol... and though it makes it worth it? the pain is INTENSE... for some women... cramping, sharp nasty stabs of pain... at the same time as your period cramps... only? instead of a uterus the size of your fist like during your monthly? it is the largest, strongest organ in your body! and it lets you know! bleeding varies too... worst? the hospital pads are almost the size of a pillow? <-- I think? anyway... one to two fo those an hour! for the first few days.. then about twice as heavy as your own period for up to eight weeks? now.. I said both times varies... and for some.. for some it is the dullest throb and their periods are worse! in both aspects.. bleeding and pain... so... you will be the only to know yours... and it is different with each pregnancy too... so you may get surprised if there is another baby one day and it is different?!
sorry... no cookie cutter answers can help... just guides... and they range 0-100! depending on who you ask...? prepare for the worst.. hope for the best, I think is the best for this type of question? good luck...

Answer 2

all deliveries are different but what I would suggest is:
Lots of thick pads for the heavy flow, a small squirt bottle to help you rinse the vaginal area after going to the bathroom and when changing pads (if you have any stitches this is a must!,lol), and whatever pain relievers your dr, gives the ok on.
As far as pain, most women bleed from 3-8 weeks, average of about 6. If you Breastfeed you will need lots of breast pads, and your bleeding will be decreased and not last as long. You will also, feel mild contractions as your uterus shrinks back down. These at first may be semi painful, but not like labor so typically a mild pain reliever will help with this.
You will also need a good Bra. Your milk will come in around day 2-3 and its gonna be tender!!
Mostly you just need somebody to help you get lots and lots of rest.

Answer 3

Unlike some of the others I didn't bleed hardly at all. I was unlucky in that I had to stay in hospital for the first 13 days but remember it very clearly- no blood other from the episiotomy wound. And that was nothing.

Pain? Hmmm... Nothing if you are used to bad periods! It FEELS different though- as though it is "tired" down there. Slightly less crampy and a bit more "sore" from overuse.

I was happiest with just soft, soft pads (cotton feel) and wearing skirts.

At night I preferred to have those incontinence pads you can place on the bed so that I didn't ALWAYS have to have something ON me.

The hospital gave me a few to take with me when I left but by then that was not a problem.

But yep- breast pads were crucial! I hated them because I don't like waste and was ever so pleased when I could buy those cotton pads to put in my bra instead. Mind you- you need to really, really wash them- sour milk pongs!

Answer 4

With a 1st time baby there are mild contractions that help the uterus go back to normal.
If you end up needing stitches for the perineum, the hospital has tuck pads and an ointment that will help with pain relief and swelling.
The nurse will offer you an ice pack so definitely use it.
It's ok to take motrin while breastfeeding and they should offer you something like at the hospital.
At home you will need just extra pads and extra tucks pads. The hospital will let you take home the pads and things that you used there. Be sure to take the peri bottle home too. That is the best.

The nurses are great at helping you so be sure to ask them if you have any questions about your or your babies care before you leave the hospital.

Answer 5

Expect to bleed up to six weeks. Pain is a different story different women different pain. I myself on;y had one stitch and no real pain, except a horrible bladder infection which was painful, otherwise I felt great. My sister was hurting for a good week or so after birth, but she had six or more stitches.

Stock up on pads (no tampons during healing time) in varying sizes, heavy, light, meduims. I noticed slow downs and pick ups and it was nice to have what I needed at different times. If you are going to breastfeed get a big box of nursing pads for your bra, they are needed, especially the first couple days after your milk comes in. If you are not breast feeding still get a small box they will still be needed to soak up all the leaking milk.

Answer 6

pain should be minimal. unless you had a c-section. Period like bleeding could last up to a week, but it wont be in high amounts. Your breast will probably hurt more that your ab. Try putting on warm towels over them. Stock up some breast liners in case of leakage, and maxi pads. 1 tip there's a product in the Hispanic market called "arnica"
this helps you bring down swelling if you had c section. you pour 2 or 3 drops in your water or any drink. Congratulations! and good luck.

Answer 7

In addition to those items recommended prior to my answer:
1)If you have an episiotomy expect PAIN!!
2) Maybe some muscle pain due to pushing.
3) Some granny panties to hold that rather large pad in place that you don't mind getting stains on.
4) Over sized PJ's to come home in.
5) Some pretty gowns that will lift your spirits when you feel like you look awful.
6) Snacks that are easy to get to and eat. Drinks in small bottles easy to grab and close!
7) Lotion for your hands you won't believe how much you will wash your hands and how dry they will get with a newborn!
8) Ponytail holders to keep your hair up, baby spit up smells awful and you probably want have time to wash it out!
9) Comfy bra (or nursing sleep bra if nursing) to keep the "ladies from sagging". If your nursing then I have an extra list for you!
10) Get rid of the books and magazines they cause clutter and you want have time to read them. If you must read What to expect the 1st year read it in months 8 and 9 of your pregnancy.
11) There is sooo much more I want to recommend but I am running out of time.

Remember keep everything easy and simple!! More than likely you'll do a lot 1 handed.

Answer 8

For a vaginal birth the pain after birth is about equal with severe cramping from a period. Bleeding won't be too bad, but will happen. You'll need pads for that. Other than that, just learn to relax. Let others do for you if they want to.

Answer 9

I had a c-section, so not sure if you are having a vaginal or c-section. I just took motrin and tylenol for pain after I got out the hospital. I didn't bleed too bad, but like I said had a section. Good luck!

Answer 10

the pain of labor stops almost immediately after the baby is out of the vagina, but you will be sore and it may be difficult for you to move for a day or two afterwards. you will need nursing pads and a few comfy bras, and don't give up on your maternity clothes just yet, they'll get you through recovery. it's not good for you to wear any tight fiting clothes for a while yet. (that, and hell why would you want to?) that and remember, it gets a little easier the more time passes.