Recovery/downtime of a vaginal birth

I'm trying to decide on a repeat c/s or a VBAC. One major driving force for my VBAC decision is that my youngest DD requires a lot of phyical care due to her disability, and I am afraid for who will take care of her for the 6-8 weeks that I can't lift or do anything strenuous. So, what will be my downtime if I end up being able to VBAC? If it is the same 6 weeks, then there is no reason for me to be pushing so hard for the VBAC.

Re: Recovery/downtime of a vaginal birth

I'm not sure if it would be different because you've had a csection, but when I delivered DD vaginally, I was never actually told to take it easy. I was able to drive right away, I was cooking dinner, carrying her in the infant carrier and doing whatever else around the house needed to be done. I was sore at times...so I would take frequent breaks.

ETA: I had a pretty easy delivery. I had a few stitches, after about a week I felt really good!! I think it may depend on your delivery!

Message edited 8/17/2013 7:22:15 AM.

Re: Recovery/downtime of a vaginal birth

I had no real restrictions after my vaginal delivery. it was with my first so I didn't have other children at home but within a few days I felt good.
after my c/s the recovery was longer and harder with another child at home.

Re: Recovery/downtime of a vaginal birth

I had a vbac. Recovery is much easier with a vbac.
The doctor may not want you lifting your dd for the first couple of days or so if you had an episiotomy or tearing so that you don't rupture your stitches. But I felt pretty good with in a couple of days. Yes sitting was uncomfortable but the physical work of taking care of my 2 year olds was no problem. Good luck!!! In your instance I think it would for sure be easier if you didn't have a c section.

Recovery/downtime of a vaginal birth

I have had 2 vaginal deliveries and I would say recovery took 1-2 weeks, but I never had any restrictions on activity either.

Re: Recovery/downtime of a vaginal birth

No restrictions. Just couldn't move around as easy. I had no problem carrying my older ds as he wasn't walking yet

Re: Recovery/downtime of a vaginal birth

I had an emergency C and a VBAC. I looked and felt like I had been hit by a bus after my Csection. I was fine more or less immediately after my vaginal delivery. I felt fantastic afterwards.

Recovery/downtime of a vaginal birth

I had a vaginal delivery and an episiotomy. I was in pain for a week, two weeks tops.

Re: Recovery/downtime of a vaginal birth

Re: Recovery/downtime of a vaginal birth

It will.all depend on how the birth goes, level of tearing, stitches, etc.
I had a very uncomplicated vaginal birth with just a few stitches and a small tear.
I had her on a Tuesday late afternoon.
On Saturday I drove myself to the store and was fine...a little sore getting in and out of the truck but nothing unbearable.
I would say in a week I actually felt pretty much 100%.
But I know others who were laid up for weeks from their birth.
So it's hard to predict.

Re: Recovery/downtime of a vaginal birth

Re: Recovery/downtime of a vaginal birth

Recovery/downtime of a vaginal birth

I've experienced both. Recovery from my vaginal delivery was about 4 weeks. My bottom was so sore. My recovery from my csection was difficult as well. Prior to this pregnancy I still felt a bit tender in my uterus. Once I obtained my records from my 2 csections I now know why I was tender for so long. My first section it was horizontal incision and my second was vertical even though both incisions on the exterior of my abdomen were horizontal so that is why I have to have another csection next month.

Recovery/downtime of a vaginal birth

I had a vaginal and had no downtime. My delivery was easy and I felt totally fine. I was sore obvs but nothing that stopped me from lifting my dd or carrying her in her infant carrier or lifting the stroller.

Recovery/downtime of a vaginal birth

I had a Vaginal birth with both my kids...both times i was sore/in pain for maybe a week but its didn't stop me from doing stuff. I had an episiotomy with my first so i couldn't lift things for a week really but that's it. With my second i had a 3 and half year old at home and was still able to lift him into the car or carry him to bed.

Recovery/downtime of a vaginal birth

i had a C section with both kids. the day of my C section, my 2 year old wanted me to pick him up and i did with some pain, but it wasnt bad.

i was home in 2 days and i was fine, driving more or less the same day i came home.

Recovery/downtime of a vaginal birth

I had a vaginal delivery and my recovery was a week and a half. I only had one stitch. I had no restrictions and felt great

Re: Recovery/downtime of a vaginal birth

For my first delivery I had 2 stitches and bad hemorrhoids..the hardest part of the recovery to tell you the truth. I felt better after 2 weeks but I still walked around and it was a semi-easy recovery.

for my second and third, recovery was a piece of cake. No tearing, no stitches, very very easy recovery. I felt great other than a bit sore, but it didn't stop me from anything. I even drove to NY this time 2 weeks after I had my son, lol...(by myself with 3 kids!). People told me I was nuts but I felt terrific , just a bit tired

Re: Recovery/downtime of a vaginal birth

1 to 2 weeks to get back to normal but my doctor told me not to drive for 2 weeks...i was told that was standard for a vaginal delivery since they dont want you passing out on the road if you have a complication

Re: Recovery/downtime of a vaginal birth

I had a drug free vaginal and was up and about within 20 minutes after giving birth. I felt amazing! I had a few stitches and was not really sore at all. My dr gave me no restrictions. My DD was in the NICU and we were going back and forth from the hospital ( a lot of walking) and I was fine, I didn't have a moment to care about myself, no time for any downtime.

Re: Recovery/downtime of a vaginal birth

Re: Recovery/downtime of a vaginal birth

My first DS I had a episomy (sp?)
He was also 9lbs 12oz SO I was a lil banged up when I got home..but i felt better after a week

My 2nd DS he flew right out as my dr said the other guy paved the way
I was fine when I got home from the hospital delivered on Fri and I was home Sunday and fine.

Re: Recovery/downtime of a vaginal birth

I had a drug free vaginal birth as well and was up and moving around within a half hour or so. I was sore but felt great overall. I wasn't given any restrictions. I felt uncomfortable when standing up from sitting but that was it. I was on the go as soon as I got home with no problems.

Recovery/downtime of a vaginal birth

i had 3 vaginal deliveries and felt great very soon after each. after my first, i tore and had some stitches. i was slightly sore, but no real pain. after my second, i tore again, and had stitches again. no pain, and i don't even remember any significant soreness. after my 3rd, i didn't tear at all, no stitches, and honestly felt back to myself right after the placenta came out. I had no pain meds before or after the delivery even though the nurses did try to push them.

Re: Recovery/downtime of a vaginal birth

I just had my first vaginal delivery and took it easy my first week and was pretty much back to normal at two weeks. I didn't limit myself from doing things, just took it easy when i wasn't up to it or not feeling my best. I will say that I am consistently feeling sore and pressure in my stomach and down below (sorry for the tmi) and I'm wondering when it will subside.