"Delivery" questions

[pasloma]

I have some questions.... :) ... I hope you can help (I am sure you can! there is a lot of wisdom and experience here!)

1. How long does the bleeding last after having your baby?
2. How bad is it? are sanitary napkins enough?
3. What's a good lotion for stretch marks? [sadashamed]
4. What do you do with your stomach after you have your baby? I mean.... do you use any bandage? anything tight?
5. What about the "Quarantine"? what does that imply? what things you should avoid?

Thank you ladies... I might have more questions later but these are the ones that have been on my mind lately...

:)

Paloma.

[PianoMama]

1. my bleeding lasted about 3 weeks...as far as I know, it's different for each mommy.
2. use the big huge pads/diaper things they give you in the hospital and then just buy your favorite brand when you get home...or before hand if you're an organizer!
3. something with vitamin E in it!
4. "what do you do with your stomach?" i'm not sure what you mean...uh, it just hangs there! ha!!
5. also don't know what you mean by 'quarantine'...don't drive for 2 weeks, or until you feel up to it. umm, just don't over do it. you'll know. if you overdo it, you'll bleed more. :-)

I know the other will have better answers!

[Skunkers]

1. How long does the bleeding last after having your baby?It CAN last several weeks. Just depends. It starts off very heavy, then becomes less. I recomend getting some real heavy overnight pads. Or even bladder control pads for first few days.
2. How bad is it? are sanitary napkins enough?See answer above :)
3. What's a good lotion for stretch marks? Not too sure what to do about stretch matks once you have them. I hear great things about Palmers cocoa butter (unsented) but mainly for preventing. I think a lot of it has to do w/ your genes.
4. What do you do with your stomach after you have your baby? I mean.... do you use any bandage? anything tight?Brestfeed! It is best for baby & will shrink your uterus right up :) no need to do anything to tummy, just let your self heal & take it easy.
5. What about the "Quarantine"? what does that imply? what things you should avoid? Just keep Natalia away from people that are sick. asking visitors to wash their hands as they enter your home is a good idea, or at least before they hold her. I would really watch people w/ colds from Nov-Feb. RSV season is at it's peak & can be VERY serious for newborns. Myself, I stay away from everyone for 6 weeks or so. Not sure if that is something you would want to do (means no church, parks, etc.) that's just me. One of our DD's had RSV & was in hosp for 8 days , so I'm touchy about it now.

[Mo2b1d]

I have some questions.... :) ... I hope you can help (I am sure you can! there is a lot of wisdom and experience here!)

1. How long does the bleeding last after having your baby?
I think the average is somewhere around 4 weeks or so. If you're breastfeeding it can be a little longer...like 6 weeks or so. For some ladies it's shorter, some longer. I was about 6 weeks I think with both of my boys.

2. How bad is it? are sanitary napkins enough? I gave birth in the hospital, and initially after the birth, it is heavy, and I would say that NO a sanitary napkin will not hold all that. For the first hours/day or so, it can be pretty heavy.

Breastfeeding if you can, will cause the uterus to contract and quell any extra bleeding naturally, but it can also cause you to feel cramps after birth. With most women, the cramps are present whenever they nurse for the first few days. It's God's design to keep our uterus contracting and stopping any extra bleeding naturally, but it can be a little painful for some women. Not any worse than normal menstrual cramps though for me.

However, after the first 24 hours or so, it was down to a manageable level that was contained by a super strength sanitary napkin, though you do need to change them pretty frequently. I went home both times at about the 30 hour mark, and it was completely manageable with normal sanitary napkins by that point. After a couple of weeks, the flow slows considerably, and is much lighter in color and is just a nuisance for alot of women after that until it completely quits.


3. What's a good lotion for stretch marks? [sadashamed] Don't be [sadashamed] Those are battle scars! I haven't found a really great stretch mark lotion myself. My doc told me that there wasn't really anything out there that would truly take them away, but that they would fade over time, and they have.


4. What do you do with your stomach after you have your baby? I mean.... do you use any bandage? anything tight? Are you planning a c-section? If not, then no, nothing needed. Your muscles will feel a little flabby...and you'll still look about 6-7 mos. pregnant for a little while after giving birth. The extra fluids you've taken on will go away though. I didn't like anything tight around my stomach after giving birth at all. I wore my maternity pants, and they were VERY comfy because I had alot more room in them after birth, lol.

5. What about the "Quarantine"? what does that imply? what things you should avoid? Not sure what you mean here? I personally don't like taking my little babies out right away after birth. I like to keep them out of public for a month or 6 weeks. Our ped. recommends the same thing, keeping activity to a minimum and keeping baby away from large crowds and sick people. But not everyone follows that same advice.

Thank you ladies... I might have more questions later but these are the ones that have been on my mind lately...

:)

Paloma.Ask away! I love talking about births!

[pasloma]

Wow! thank you all this information is really valuable...

I was worried because I am surrounded by people who have taken their babies out right away... They have their babies one day and I see them at church on Sunday or at a "family gathering" and that was worrying me... I know DH doesn't have much experience either on this so... we thought it should be like that with us... but it didn't make much sense in my mind.... Thanks for the info on all the questions... it will really help me...

[verycool]

Paloma.

[Jessy]

1. How long does the bleeding last after having your baby? I only had bleeding for 3 weeks.
2. How bad is it? are sanitary napkins enough? A thick pad was plenty for me, I had a very light bleed, I have had periods that were heavier. Everyone is different.
3. What's a good lotion for stretch marks? [sadashamed] I didn't use anything and my stretchies are fading right away! :)
4. What do you do with your stomach after you have your baby? I mean.... do you use any bandage? anything tight? I didn't use a bandage or anything.
5. What about the "Quarantine"? what does that imply? what things you should avoid? We came home 6 hours after Payton was born and had people over immediately. I think we took him out at 2 days old.

Remember, everyone is so different, it just depends on you and your body!

[Blessed 2 B Zoe]

Can I just add something about stretch marks, I still have mine and my daughter is nearly 5. I used to hate mine but they are a everlasting symbol of my role as a mummy.

Over here you can buy bio oil its very expensive over here but it is meant to reduce the apperance of them but not get rid of them.

It has purcellin oil and its a very sought after product over here.

Sorry cnt help on the other bits as I can not remember that far back as I had pnd.

[NZMummy]

1. How long does the bleeding last after having your baby? Can't really remember now - probably a few weeks.
2. How bad is it? are sanitary napkins enough? I needed the really thick napkins initially - especially for maternity use.
3. What's a good lotion for stretch marks? Didn't have any problem with these, so I can't really comment.
4. What do you do with your stomach after you have your baby? I mean.... do you use any bandage? anything tight? I didn't use anything.
5. What about the "Quarantine"?

I know that in some cultures it is traditional to quarantine the baby for the first month or so (some Asian cultures, for example). Noone that I know has kept baby away from other people for any length of time - mostly they have been out and about almost immediately. We certainly did with our kids - and I think that it was really good for getting them used to having other people around (my son was particularly used to being adored by certain members of the youth at church and was always very relaxed with all types of people from a young age). I liked people to have clean hands if they were going to handle baby - but dh thought that it was extremely rude to ask anyone to wash their hands. So I only tended to do this if there was a particularly obvious reason to do this. I was particularly protective with my first born as far as keeping him clear of places where he was likely to pick up germs and frequently washed everything that he came in contact with (typical first baby treatment :)). With my daughter it was more difficult to do this - so as is typical with a second (or subsequent) child I had to lighten up a bit on this sort of thing. However, with my newborns I always avoided contact with anyone who was sick.

[Timmys mom]

1. How long does the bleeding last after having your baby? The midwife told me 6 weeks, but for me it lasted longer. Probably more like 8. She told me not to worry about it though.
2. How bad is it? are sanitary napkins enough? I think I just used those super overnight pads after my hospital ones ran out. Then downgraded as neccessary.
3. What's a good lotion for stretch marks? Nothing I tried did a lick of good. They do fade on their own. Mine are a faint silver now.
4. What do you do with your stomach after you have your baby? I mean.... do you use any bandage? anything tight? Just let it hang, a bandage would have been nice. I just held it when I was walking for the first couple weeks. (Breastfeeding helps.)
5. What about the "Quarantine"? what does that imply? what things you should avoid? Never heard of that.

[Cheeseburger]

1. How long does the bleeding last after having your baby? mine lasted about 6 weeks with each kid.
2. How bad is it? are sanitary napkins enough? it was really bad for me the first 3 days then it was like a heavy period. the last week or two was very light
3. What's a good lotion for stretch marks? you can try some veggies or fruit - olive or coconut oil... that sort of thing. but mine still haven't gone away and probably won't lol.
4. What do you do with your stomach after you have your baby? I mean.... do you use any bandage? anything tight?

it is just there. you aren't supposed to be running a marathon afterwards anyway, so, just let it rest (and make sure YOU get rest too). also, it's different for different women, but you need to make sure that you will not injure yourself afterwards by doing too much. some women can do more than others. my SIL hurt her stomach muscles pretty bad after one of her babies because she did not rest properly. The dr. told me to not bend over too much and to not pick up anything heavier than the baby. :-) - some women are able to jump right back into their daily routines though.... but i preferred to rest and let DH do all the hard work like laundry etc!!! lol anyway take it slow and listen to your body - your stomach muscles worked really hard pushing out a baby and they need a break too - lol.


5. What about the "Quarantine"? what does that imply? what things you should avoid? generally, we did not take the baby out for a few weeks (mostly because i didn't want to go anywhere LOL, not because i couldn't.). we asked people to wash their hands, and any visiting children were not allowed to touch or kiss the baby on the face or hands. we let them touch the feet or rest their (washed) hands on the stomach for a minute... older children were allowed to hold the baby (With help).. The second time around we were a little more laid back, but, we still asked for children not to touch the baby's face or hands. that would be like the germ express. lol.

despite our best efforts we all got the flu during flu season when nathaniel was 2 months old anyway and he got very sick. but he is fine now. we picked it up from a kid who went to public school and was ill. so, if you are really worried about a very young baby being sick, you and your baby need to stay away from people who are sick or have recently had a cold or flu, because your baby can get it from you, too. (although i find breastmilk does wonders with that).

the whole quarantine thing is just a personal preference. some people will take a day old baby and tote them anywhere. i've seen a couple newborn babies in a wal-mart bathroom. personally, i wouldn't take a newborn into a public bathroom (they're so unsanitary), but, well, i guess you have to weigh the risks and decide what is best for your family. :-)

[danou]

1. Bleeding can last upto about 6-8 weeks. Remember it should get progressively lighter. If it gets heavier it means that you are doing too much. Spend the day in bed and rest.
2. I used the hugo pads for about a week and after that I'd use regular ones.
3. See above comments.
4. Stomach- breastfeed is the best shrinker, but to my knowledge bandages aren't used to help shrink or support. I've heard of some women using their belly bras to help "support" things afterwards- especially if incontinence is a problem.
5. Quarentine... I breastfed my babe so I didn't concern myself overly, with germs etc- beyond the obvious good hygene. In my opinion, getting sick is part of life and helps them build their immune systems- so we didn't really avoid visits or outings. As far as staying home- like the other mothers posted- do what you feel best doing. Just remember if the bleeding gets heavier- it's a sign that you're doing too much.
d:)

[Blessed 2 B Zoe]

Can you get these over in America as these might be good for your tum. They are called slimming knickers as they pull you in and might help with your belly afterwards.

http://www.themagicknickershop.co.uk/

[pasloma]

Wow! Thank you all for sharing your experiences with me... I found all the information really helpful!

Thank you also for the link for the knickers... I am checking it now... I am sure I can find something like that here.... This really helps thanks!!!

Paloma.

[~Tara~]

You've already received answers, I'm getting here late, but anywho..

1. How long does the bleeding last after having your baby? already answered, *can* last 4 wk, 6 for some...but can also be 4-7 days

2. How bad is it? are sanitary napkins enough? heavy at first, honestly what I do...adult diapers..I know! but really, no fuss with undies and pads..just slip on the diaper, I have the belted kind..I use that the first day or two, at least at night. Then long overnight period or incontinence pads for another few days, as needed, until it dies down to standard period strength, which varies by woman and pg

3. What's a good lotion for stretch marks? nothing at this stage in the game girlfriend :p

4. What do you do with your stomach after you have your baby? I mean.... do you use any bandage? anything tight? Nurse baby often, gentle massaging of uterus...and rest

5. What about the "Quarantine"? what does that imply? what things you should avoid? I've never been a quarantine kind of gal. I'm always out and about with my kids soon after birth, no matter their season of birth and my kids have all stayed quite healthy. Took an out of state trip within days of Eldest's birth and then again with Warrior. Each of the others have been out to eat or to the grocery store the day after birth :p
It's a personal preference, really. I don't fret germs, so having them out is no big deal to me. Folks don't touch all over them, those who are allowed (family visits) wash hands first and...I call it 'good'.
Except kids...I only allow my own children to touch the baby for at least a month. "Kids" being anyone under 13, automatically.

[Chris]

Well I just saw this. What a great place to ask questions!

I can not remember how long I bled for. I do remember that I was very incontinet. I would just pee when ever, and where ever with no warnings. The bleeding was not real bad but a couple of days after we were home, I had a huge blod clot fall out of me. It scared me so bad, I called it an alien clot. The clot was the size of my palm. I ended up rushing to the hospital not understanding what was going on. I wish someone would have told about the huge clots. all they ever said was some people do have clots.....no one said Huge ones. This would have stopped my panic if I would have known about it.

I went to a homecare place which sold, incontenient pads. I used these all the time. I never knew when I would just pee. I didn't want to get embarsed when ever I laughed or sneezed, coughed or even just moved wrong. No one could tell that I used them.

I used coconut butter from the body shop, I don't think it really helped any but it was sure nice having my Husband rub my tummy and talking to the baby.

Nursing is great for helping the uterus go back into place. Yet 17 months later I am still having problems with my pelvis popping and such when ever I move. Still working on that.

I never worried about quarentining us. I was so excited to share my baby with everyone. Now he is very a very social child and we never went threw seperation thing at all. He is always good with strangers. I knew God would protect him. I did my part with boiling the bottles, constant hand washing and stuff. My poor hands were so very dry from it all.

I find my leg mussles are the worst. My legs are not so flexible any more like they once were. They still hurt.

You will be fine Pasloma. I am really beleiving and praying that you will have a supernatural, painfree, short natural delivery as I did. Can't wait to hear from you.

Love you
Chris

[pasloma]

Thank you all.. you have no idea how helpful all this is for me!!!

It's good to know what to "expect" after delivering a baby!

Anything you might think of that could be useful... is welcome!

Love,

Paloma.

[Madre]

5. What about the "Quarantine"? what does that imply? what things you should avoid? I've never been a quarantine kind of gal. I'm always out and about with my kids soon after birth, no matter their season of birth and my kids have all stayed quite healthy. Took an out of state trip within days of Eldest's birth and then again with Warrior. Each of the others have been out to eat or to the grocery store the day after birth :p
It's a personal preference, really. I don't fret germs, so having them out is no big deal to me. Folks don't touch all over them, those who are allowed (family visits) wash hands first and...I call it 'good'.
Except kids...I only allow my own children to touch the baby for at least a month. "Kids" being anyone under 13, automatically.

We think much the same as Tara's family. We were out and about very soon after each birth. I would avoid stairs for awhile, though, if you can. Up and down the stairs lugging laundry baskets can start/increase bleeding. Also, you may feel some uncomfortable uterine contractions as (if) you nurse your baby. It's a good thing, though.

Accept the offers of help that will truly be helpful to you, but don't be afraid to say "no" if you don't need/want something. Don't allow tons of visitors at one time. You will be very tired from being pg, giving birth and up at all hours.

[Chris]

I also forgot to tell you, I used the coconut butter on my sore, dry, cracked nipples. It is not as sticky as the stuff that the lactation people suggest. Not as costly and it worked better. I got it from the Body Shop, it is just fine for the baby, Joel liked the coconut taste.. volla no more dry cracked sore nipples.