Post-Partum Vag Issues

[superrose.livejournal.com]

I've noticed that my vagina is sore... feels tight, stretched and chapped, down by the inner lips and that area between the vag and bum... here are the possible reasons why:

I gave birth to my twins just over three weeks ago, by C-section. I'm having a bit of trouble healing and the doctor put me on antibiotics... I've been on them for over a week now (no change in the incision, unfortunately)

I'm nursing said twins and pumping in between feedings.

I've just gone on a POP so that someday, oh some wonderful day, I can have sex with my husband again... and not have more twins.

I can't shower everyday yet, because the twins apparently don't want a clean mommy. So every other day at present moment.

Are any of these the reason for the symptoms described above? What does this sound like? Is there anything I can do about it?

Comments

[kimberkid.livejournal.com]

Was it a scheduled C/S or did you do any pushing at all? If you did any pushing, then it's expected that your perineal areal would be sore. The basic post-partum "healing period" is 6 weeks, and you're only on week 3.

And if you did no pushing, then it's still likely normal. Breastfeeding causes the uterus to contract, and that can cause the whole area to feel uncomfortable. Also, there are hormones produced during labour that change how your vagina works (increased stretchiness, etc) so they're probably readjusting themselves.

Or, the antibiotics could be causing a YI and you might want to get checked out, just in case.

[quit.livejournal.com]

Iawtc. Antibiotics of any variety usually guarantee a yeastie for me :( And a yi almost always starts out with "chapped" lips and perineum soreness for me before the itchies eventually come on. I'm thinking the antibiotics coupled with the stress of new born twins might definitely be contributing to the OP's discomfort.

[ledove.livejournal.com]

THIS. Possible yeast infection from the anitbiotics, and give yourself a few more weeks to heal (possibly longer since you said you are having trouble healing).

[pygmybugs.livejournal.com]

I've never birthed twins (or any kiddles), but it seems like even though you got a C-section, it'll probably take your body a while to recover. HBC can alter the lubrication in your vagina -- f'rinstance the Ring makes me all super-gushy, but lots of HBC can dry people out.

Plus -- dude, you're a new mommy with twins. Stress, lack of sleep, lack of showers, healing from abdominal surgery, antibiotics. I'm sure any one of those could be causing you some uncomfortable dryness. Perhaps a little aloe or something on your bits when you go to the bathroom? You probably don't have time for anything involved, and I don't know if you'd want to mess with sexual lubricants while you're still on surgery-strength antibiotics.

[stellamaris.livejournal.com]

I would just chalk it up to your body having been through an awful lot recently. Try some food grade virgin coconut oil for the chapped, uncomfortable feelings you're having. It's very moisturizing and healing.

You can also try an herbal sitz bath. I believe there are special blends they sell for PP moms at health food stores.

[storychick.livejournal.com]

My first thought is yeast. Breastfeeding can make your vagina feel a bit dry, but it wouldn't affect the other areas nor is it likely to cause significant itchiness -- you probably wouldn't notice the normal lack of lube except during intercourse. There certainly may be some pregnancy-related healing but with a c-section it would be more in the sense of muscles and organs heading back to their normal places, not skin issues. This is worth giving your care provider a call, to get checked for yeast.

The only other thing to consider is, how is your lochia? Have you been wearing pads continuously? are you changing them often enough? are they Always brand? You could just be chafing from the constant moisture & rubbing of the pad. Always has a chemical in their liner that often causes irritation in postpartum moms, I know many midwives that recommend their clients choose another brand.

[superrose.livejournal.com]

I bet that's it. I suspected the pad and took it off... I'm going to Really try to shower everyday too. We'll see if that helps.

[storychick.livejournal.com]

Take a baby in with you if you have to. They love it, often. :) Better if you get that 10 minute break without anyone though! What my hubby and I worked out was I would take a bath, and after 20 minutes or so (or when baby would completely lose his or her mind) he'd bring them in naked and we'd bath together, then he'd take baby back out and get the diaper and clothes on etc. Baby loved it, and I still got some peace.

[poppleshatesyou.livejournal.com]

Sounds like it could be a minor YI to me, especially if you have been on antibiotics (very common cause of YI's) and have possibly been wearing disposable pads for a longer period of time then previous to bebes. That could cause a rash all of its own accord. If you also suspect yeast i'd call your health care provider to see what they have to say about it. I'd imagine taking acidophilus orally would be a breastfeeding/post partum safe option and will help balance out the good bacterias in your vagina/gut if it is in act yeast.

[http://users.livejournal.com/urban_faerie_/]

I've never had a baby but I read on a cloth pad forum that if you spritz a postpartum pad with a little water, put it in the freezer and then take it out wand wear it when it's cold, it will feel very nice on your tender perenium. if you don't use cloth i'm sure you could get the same affect with a folded up hand towel.

take care of yourself, maybe have your partner, a friend or a family member watch the kids while you shower and take a nice hot bath?