Post Partum Question

OK So I know that I am planning WAY in advance but it's what I do! lol

We booked our summer family reunion / vacation this morning and are going the week of 6/26 - 7/3. Baby is Due May 21st. More info then you needed but anyway. I was wondering how long your post partum bleeding lasted with a vaginal delivery or c-section? I am hoping that it is gone by then as we are going to the beach. Not that I will have a newborn on the beach in the sun but I'd like to make an appearance. We'll be hanging out at the house on the deck in the shade!

Also - I haven't used pads in probably 10 years - any one have any suggestions as to type/brand?

Thanks ladies!

Liz

My post pardum bleeding lasted about 3-4 weeks....but I had a c-section.  I can't give any suggestions on pads.  I've only used Always...but now since I have my IUD I haven't had a cycle since August. :)

Hi Liz,

I bled for about 2.5 weeks... BUT I had a 4th degree episiotomy (OUCH).  He had to cut me because Cooper's heartbeat was dipping with every contraction and he wanted him out ASAP. 

Because of the stiches / cut in my most sensitive areas I would not have wanted to go into a pool or lake/ocean. 

Hopefully you won't have that issue!

I did go on a 5 day trip when Cooper was 4 weeks old....we took him to Wisconsin Dells.  We spent time outside (he had a floppy hat and I kept the rest of him covered) .  Mostly he slept through all our fun activities, but it sure was fun to have him with me! 

Oh - pads.... I love StayFree brand.  They are flat and don't have that odd layer of netting like some do.  And one type has an "anti-odor" which is actually a nice smelling lemon smell.... not that it's strong enough to emit lemony-odor from your crotch....but I feel like it does neutralize odor. 

You'll have great fun on your vacation!

Cindy

Thanks! OK 2.5 - 4 weeks - I can handle that! lol

I have been a tampon girl for years but I know that they are a no-no after baby for a bit. SO I appreciate the advice!

Oh we are going to have a blast on vacation - I can't wait! :)

Hopefully I don't have too many stitches! But I will certainly avoid the ocean if that's the case. I more like walking on the beach anyway. There are creatures in the ocean! lol

My bleeding lasted aprox 5 weeks. I used the Always thin pads w/ wings in the green plastic package. I never had an opps with those!

Quick note: I didn't know this but I guess you should avoid swimming while breast feeding because bacteria can get into your milk. They do sell plastic shields tho so you are able to swim. Just thought I would thorw that out there because I had no idea you shouldn't swim!

-Ashlie

Wow - I never would have thought about the swimming! DO they just say that with lakes / oceans or pools too? I would imagine that the chlorine in a pool (especially a private, home one) would kill any bacteria.  I will definately ask my OB about that!

LOL sorry, but that is just crazy there is no concern AT ALL with swimming and breastfeeding. Infact LLL states that some of the best post pardem exercise is swimming because it is low impact and sweat free (low risk of dehydration). If you feel concern over residue on your breast (salt or chemical) just rinse off before feeding.

Sorry, but whoever told you that is crazy. There is no concern, at all, over breastfeeding and swimming.

LOL!! The girl at Motherhood Maternity told me that before I had Anberlin! Maybe she was just trying to upsell! haha! I'm glad this isn't all that important because I just went swimming and didn't do a damn thing in regards to "protecting" my ta-ta's! lol!

-Ashlie

Hee hee, the woman who waited on me at MM while I was pregnant was about 60, and told me that my boobs where too big, and that I would smoother my baby if I tried to breastfeed LOL I was tempted recently while in the mall to walk into the store and whip it out and show her that he could breath just fine while latched on, I bet she would have just died right there on the spot had I done it LOL 

I guess lesson one for pregnant women should be to NOT listen to the people who work at MM