Re: More scared about recovering...

I can honestly say my recovery was wonderful. I had a vaginal delivery (with an epi) and a labor that only last 5 hours from start to finish. I was up and walking around the hospital hallways half an hour after giving birth. I didn't need any medication after delivery - just the occasional advil once or twice. The hardest part for me was trying not to do too much. I thought I could go and go and walk for hours and clean the house, run errands and take care of baby. At the end, I was just exhausted and very very sore down "there" from walking too much. Take it easy, and TAKE THE STOOL SOFTENERS THEY GIVE YOU as a previous poster said because yes, having to poop after vaginal delivery hurts! And if you get hemorrhoids or tear while pushing, use the medicated wipes and creams and numbing sprays the hospital give you... they do help! Recovery wasn't bad at all for me. Plus looking into your baby's eyes makes it all the more bearable!

You did the hard part - bringing your baby into the world. Recovery is manageable.

Re: More scared about recovering...

i had a pretty quick labor (7-8 hours from start to finish) and pushed for only 20 minutes. i had a very minor tear that required one dissolvable stitch. i barely felt any pain or soreness from the delivery or the post-birth contractions- i only needed to take ibuprofen once or twice afterwards. i had some hemorrhoids after pushing so pooping was uncomfortable for about a week, but nothing major. the bleeding was heavy, but more annoying than anything else (and it went on for SIX WEEKS ).

after a very difficult pregnancy, recovery was a walk in the park! that's my honest experience... it's not always so bad. you will be fine
!!