Tarra Yvette

Baybeeeee let me tell you what I forgot to prepare for.

I prepared for pregnancy. I was fit. I’d been running and my cardio was poppin. Viv wasn’t planned but I was in the best shape of my life prior to and during pregnancy. I ran a half marathon at 20 weeks, yal.

And i was prepared for labor. I did the hypnobirthing home study guide. I had two whole ass playlists. I had a YouTube list of ASMR videos. I was relaxed (up until transition 😂).

But I was NOT prepared for postpartum. I hadn’t even thought about it. I was so focused on achieving a vbac that I didn’t think of what it would be like after.

Healing from a vaginal birth, especially with a tear, is much different than healing from a C-section. Main difference is, after a c section they give you Percocet 😳😂

That’s enough rambling. Here are my tips to an easier vagina birth recovery:

1. Sit ya ass down. Seriously. After a C-section you CANT walk too much. It’s too painful, or you feel slow and lightheaded (at least i did). Plus everybody is telling you to sit down. After a vaginal birth you FEEL LIKE you can do anything. Superwoman. You aren’t. Sit down. Walking is way too much stress on your pelvic floor and can irritate any stitches you have (or pop them!). And lifting too much is a no-no too.

2. I can’t stress this enough. Take the damn stool softeners. I didn’t because I was afraid to poo. Stupid. By the time you have to, you’ll wish you did.

3. Ice packs. They had ice pads at the hospital and they were heaven. Steal some. And the mesh panties.

4. Take the pain meds. No need to suffer.

5. Use that peribottle. Take 2-3 from the hospital. Warm water in there is so nice during and after peeing so it doesn’t hurt

6. Witch hazel. Omg it’s heaven. Add a few drops to the peribottle or to a bath.

7. Sitz baths. You don’t actually need the special bath, just fill your bath tub with a little warm (hot) water and some epsom salt or witch hazel. 15-20 mins is amazing not just for the cha cha but also for hemorrhoids. Which brings me to the next one.

8. Tucks pads. Lay them on your maxi pad. Thank me later.

9. Don’t try to be cute wearing tight clothes or jeans. Speaking from experience, you’ll regret it.

10. Backtracking, your uterus will contract after giving birth. It’s worse if you’ve had more than 1 child. And it’s way worse when you’re nursing. To make that less painful – EMPTY YOUR BLADDER BEFORE YOU NURSE. you’ll thank me.

11. Wear a belly binder. Do as I say not as I do. Get one that will press on your hips to help prevent pelvic pain.

12. If your hips hurt like mine did – sleep with a pillow between your legs.

I probably have more but I have mom brain so that’s all for now. I’ll post C-section healing tips later on. Happy healing, mommas.

Oh, and what are your tips?