OK so Amelia is doing great with breastfeeding! We are really getting the hang of it - no it doesn't just happen but we are both learning and the nurses here are great. More people have touched my boobs in the last 48 hours then in the previous 29 years of my life lol. The thing is they tell me she is latching right (getting the whole nipple and some of the area around it) but my nipples are still sore - is this normal and is there anything I can do to ease it? I am using the Lansoh (sp?) cream after every feeding. They almost feel bruised.

Second question is about my bottom. I had to have a small episiotomy (sp?) and get 2 stitches . Now it doesn't hurt badly but it is tight and hard to sit upright on a chair etc. How long until that starts to feel better? I am also worried about that first BM - they told me to take a stool softener a night to help, especially now that I have been taking iron.

Thanks ladies!

Liz

Aww glad breast feeding is going so well!! Yes it's totally normal to feel sore. It lasted about two weeks for me. I did get cracked nipples too, so keep using that cream. The breast feeding will get easier and easier every day!

And it's normal to feel sore down there for awhile. I 'm sure in a week or so you will feel better! Keep using the water bottle they give you rinse that area. Just keep it clean as you can!!

no idea about the breastfeeding.... it will take about 1 wee****il you can sit up normally... funny story... i was about a week post pardum and i took jayson to lion country safari ( like a little zoo) .. and they have camel rides... so what did i do?.. yes... i rode the camel... 1 week post pardum... yeah never again.. ouch..ohh you may get some type of "diaper rash" from being wet and having a pad down there for weeks on end... just put a dab of little misses diaper rash cream

Liz,

You know I have no advice on this as I have never gone through this. I just wanted to say I am so happy for you! I am glad the breast feeding is going well. (the pain sounds normal according to the class I took). I hope your bum feels better soon (0:

Tina

Good Morning, Liz, and congrats again! 
As far as nipple relief, when you are done feeding, rub some of your breastmilk onto the nipple and areola, and when that dries, apply the nipple cream Breastmilk can be a wonderful healing agent.
And for the netherregions, I kept Tucks Pads in the fridge and then placed them on top of the pads in those fabulous mesh panties for about a week. Witch Hazel pads do the trick, too! 
Hope that helps! 

Hi Liz!!
Congratulations on your new little one. They are such a blessing! Mine is almost 2 now and has brought so much joy and laughter to my life!

As for the breastfeeding, it is common to be a little sore for a little bit. If you are still a bit concerned, make sure you make good friends with the lactation consultant at the hospital. They can be a god send.

When I had my daughter, I did not have the episiotomy, but I did tear...so I had stitches too. It took about a week or so before I felt better! Until then, take the stool softener...that definitely helped. And don't worry about it and try to hold it in. That will make it even worse. I had my first BM when I was in the hospital already, and it was actually quite a relief! ;) When I was discharged they also gave me a squirt bottle and a bottle of cleanser to keep things clean...and topical spray to lessen the uncomfortable feeling!

Hope you are enjoying your new little one!!! :)

Jess

Have someone go to a drugstore for you.  They sell get pads that you can keep in the refrigerater.  The cool feels so good against sore nipples.   I know walgreen's and cvs carry them (walmart in my area doesn't).  They cost about $12, but they are reusable. 
Hang in there, the soreness will go away in a few more days.

Here's a picture of what they look like.   Of course each store sells different brands.  They are sold with the baby bottles, pacifers, etc.

Soothies® by Lansinoh® Gel Pads

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 Liz~ Congrats Amelia is sooo Beautiful!! Don't you just LOVE being a mommy?! 
  Sore nipple are normal. Breast milk on them and nipple cream. Cold pads or cold wash clothes help. Let them air dry and NO soap on them. 

As far as the vajajay and bottom area- i had a level 2 tear and was SOOO sore. Cold tucks pads and ice. I also used my boppy to sit or a donut that helped ALOT!!! Keep up with your tylenol every 4 and ibuprofen every 6-8 hrs. And someone said squirt bottle or blot don't wipe!!! What we go through for babies!! haha 

Hope that all helped!!
Jessica

Get some lidocaine spray for the bottom.   It's fantastic stuff.   It took me about a week or two to sit like a normal person.   Also, the first BM is not as bad as you think it's going to be. 

I have no advice since Punkin is still in me. BUT I just wanted to say MIRALAX, MIRALAX, MIRALAX!!! I LOVE that stuff. Makes ya go and is a softener.