Two Questions in One Post - Baby Blues and C-Sections

Hi Girls,

I haven't been onilne much since has been born and we've been home. Recovering from my c-section has been harder than I thought.

That's one of my questions: for those of you who had c/s, how long did you bleed after it? Today is a week since she was born and I'm still bleeding. Is this normal?

My other question is about the "baby blues"...I have them. Pretty sure I have them anyway. I cry so much and if I'm not crying I feel like I'm on the verge of tears. I cried last night because I missed the hospital and having them take good care of me and . I cried today when I was on the phone with my doctor for no reason. I feel incredible sad but yet I don't have anything to be sad about.

Have any of you been through this? How long did it last?

I can't blame it on the baby or DH because DH is SOOO helpful and so good - and I've been blessed with such a GOOD baby - it's amazing.

I'm just looking for a little input I guess - or support, I'm not sure which. Thanks girls.

Re: Two Questions in One Post - Baby Blues and C-Sections

The bleeding will last for about a month, but it will get much lighter at the end.

As for the baby blues, I cried when I got home from the hospital too. I cried when my Dh would run errands without me, I cried looking at my post preggo body and for some other silly reasons. I don't know much about depression but if it lasts for a long time, then you should go see your doctor.

You just went through a life changing situation and your hormones are all out of whack.

Don't worry, there are no "Tom Cruises" here to tell you otherwise...you have tons of support here!!

Message edited 5/5/2006 7:13:33 PM.

Re: Two Questions in One Post - Baby Blues and C-Sections

What you are feeling is totally normally! I remember crying in the hospital because I had a c-section and it hurt to hold my ds a certain way and I couldn't get up easily and get him. And I remember being so sad the first couple of days home because I was in pain from the c-section and couldn't enjoy my new baby right away. The blues went away very quickly for me, about a week, but I know lots of mothers have experienced it. As for my period it was very heavy the first two weeks and then it became light and lasted another two or three weeks, so it was about a month total. Then I was breastfeeding and it didn't come back for seven months... greatest thing ever! Lots of You'll be back to normal in no time... don't worry.

Message edited 5/5/2006 7:54:25 PM.

Re: Two Questions in One Post - Baby Blues and C-Sections

I didnt have c/s but yes you bleed for a while. It stinks.

Your hormones are totally out of whack right now which accounts for some of your mood. If you have a h/o depression or a family history I would call your doctor right away. If it lasts more than 2 weeks I would make an appointment with your doctor, but actually if you wind up speaking to him sooner I think its definately worth mentioning.

Dont hesitate to FM me if you need anything. Feel better

Re: Two Questions in One Post - Baby Blues and C-Sections

I had bleeding for like 3 weeks after my C-section. Dont worry its normal!
I had the baby blues too, I would cry for no reason and I didn't like the fact that my husband could come and go, and I had to stay home with the baby. I would cry morning, noon, and night. I would call my mother up crying and worried that something was wrong with me. It lasted for like 2 weeks, then I felt fine and was sooo happy to be a mommy. You just have to get use to your new life with your baby , once you both get use to each other you will be back to normal!

Re: Two Questions in One Post - Baby Blues and C-Sections

To answer your first question, I bled for a total of 6 weeks, but it tapered off considerably after 2 weeks definitely.

I hear ya about the c/s! I was in for a rude awakening because I guess I always thought it was "no big deal." Sometimes I still think I must be crazy when I read some posts where people loved their c/s. Don't worry about that though; you'll be feeling much better very soon, but don't be surprised if you still feel numbness or tenderness months later--8 mos later and I still do.

As far as the baby blues, that too is something else that I thought would be "no big deal." Anyhow, I definitely had it big time! I cried all the time, especially when DH would leave to go to work or if someone came to visit and then they left or for anything really. I think a lot of it had to do with the fact that just days before I could get in my car (by myself) and go anywhere...now I was housebound. You can't even run out for the paper, you know? Also, if you're breast feeding, you probably know the feeling of sitting in the same position on the couch ALL DAY LONG! It is a profound change in your life that, along with the hormones, totally throws you for a loop!! Your body is different, your whole role in life is different!! Now, I suppose it's different for everyone, but I felt like this for a couple of weeks, but we also were in the middle of closing on our house, painting and moving and I hardly saw DH during it all.

Anyway, my advice is to talk to as many people as possible; for me that always helps. Milk the c/s thing for as long as possible...I still try and get out of things by claiming, "I JUST had major surgery!" And of course, if you feel either the physical or the emotional is outside the realm of "normal" talk to your doctor.

Best of luck with everything! (And sorry for rambling!)

Re: Two Questions in One Post - Baby Blues and C-Sections

The bleeding and all that you are feeling is totally normal. I was an emotional trainwreck those first few weeks. I bled for about 5 weeks but I didn't have a c section so not sure if that's different or not.
Just make sure the baby blues don't last too long but its totally normal to feel the way you are feeling in the beginning.

Re: Two Questions in One Post - Baby Blues and C-Sections

I bled only for about the first two weeks but I didn't have a c/s and I am also breastfeeding so I know that helped to contract my uterus. As far as the baby blues I cried for the first week and it stopped. It started in the hospital. First I cried when they took him back to the nursery and then would look at pictuers that we took of him. I cried when I looked at my moms camera b/c she had my shower picturs on their still and I missed being pregnant. When I got home I cried everytime I looked at his pictures from the day he was born because I felt like he growing up to fast and he was only a few days old. It will get better

Re: Two Questions in One Post - Baby Blues and C-Sections

I bled for about a month and i cried alot after initially giving birth.. i remember crying b/c DH said we couldnt take all the helium balloons home from the hospital cause there was no room in the car.. I bawled!!!! That is totally normal. And i remember crying alot for a week or two after being home.. then i cried cause Jacob was a very hard baby... in fact i'm still crying sometimes!!!!!!!! You are not alone, but yes i would say if he continues for a while then I would suggest talking to your Dr. further.. Good luck sweetie and Congrats again!!

Re: Two Questions in One Post - Baby Blues and C-Sections

Not sure about post-op c/s bleeding but v.births I was still bleeding on & off for 4-6 weeks. Your body has to shed all of the lining it stored up for 10 months.

As for the baby blues, I have to say that the first few months is a very tough adjustment for everyone. The first few weeks are extremely overwhelming to most of us. I remember crying at a commercial & telling DH I didn't know why I was crying.

I think it's a blessing in disguise that you cried on the phone with your doctor. I think many people don't let their doctor in on what's going on for fear of being judged as a mom, not having your act together or on some level worry if your doctor will think you're crazy. Hormone levels are changing drastically in your body right now. It will take time to level off, but don't hesitate to talk to your doctor about this.

Re: Two Questions in One Post - Baby Blues and C-Sections

Most women don't know this but a c/s moms have a higher rate of PPD/baby blues. Recovery is not easy for everyone. I had a very difficult time as well. If I can help please let me know.
I didn't bleed very much, but I had pretty bad PPD. Baby Blues is VERY normal in the first 2 weeks of having a baby. If it last longer than 2 weeks you should talk to someone. Know that you are NOT crazy!! Not unnormal. You can love your baby 110% and have baby blues or PPD. HUGS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Re: Two Questions in One Post - Baby Blues and C-Sections

I bleed for about 3 wks...but I think that every woman is different

as far as the blues go...I'm not the right person to ask...I definalty had the blues...but my baby was premature and very tiny...so I'm pretty sure that my at least part of my PPD was attributed to that.

I totally understand crying...with out really knowing why...or over something that you normally wouldnt be upset over. If PPD is a concern...that speak to your Dr.

I hope you feel better soon

Re: Two Questions in One Post - Baby Blues and C-Sections

I am not sure about c-section recovery, but I bleed for about 3 weeks.

i also was a little sad the first few weeks. As everyone else has said, it is normal.

Hang in there and enjoy your time with your

Re: Two Questions in One Post - Baby Blues and C-Sections

I bled for 5 and then had 1 week off and then AF came back to visit.

I had PPD. It was pretty bad. Having my daughter was a hard adjustment for me and then I didn't have a lot of support around me. I had people around me that didn't understand. I had tons of unwanted advice being pushed on me it was AWFUL! I agree if it lasts more than a couple of weeks please let your doctor know. For me it was hearing a medical professional tell me that I was NOT CRAZY and that it was normal. That's all I needed and I started to 'snap' out of it.

Remember too that you are probably sleep deprived, your house is being turned upside down and your life is running on your DD's time schedule. It's a hard adjustment

As for the C-section. Mine was a planned c-section so I had a while to get 'used' to the idea. I have to say my recovery was not bad at all but that is because I had a very very painful last trimester so honestly anything was better than that. Just try and take it as easy as possible. Don't be afraid to ask for help and we are always here to help.

Re: Two Questions in One Post - Baby Blues and C-Sections

I'm just going to reiterate what everyone else said because it's all normal and I went through the same thing. I bled for about a month and had the weepiness for about 2 weeks. I think I only cried once though because I always had this feeling that if I gave into it, I would get PPD bad and would feel as though I couldn't shake the depression. Those moments where the depression suddenly hits you like a tons of bricks from out of nowhere and for no apparent reason were a little scary to me. It's crazy what hormones can do to you.

With the c/s you'll feel better after around 2 weeks but you still have to remember to take it easy.

Re: Two Questions in One Post - Baby Blues and C-Sections

Posted by jnico

What you are feeling is totally normally! I remember crying in the hospital because I had a c-section and it hurt to hold my ds a certain way and I couldn't get up easily and get him. And I remember being so sad the first couple of days home because I was in pain from the c-section and couldn't enjoy my new baby right away. The blues went away very quickly for me, about a week, but I know lots of mothers have experienced it. As for my period it was very heavy the first two weeks and then it became light and lasted another two or three weeks, so it was about a month total. Then I was breastfeeding and it didn't come back for seven months... greatest thing ever! Lots of You'll be back to normal in no time... don't worry.

Message edited 5/6/2006 11:35:38 AM.

Re: Two Questions in One Post - Baby Blues and C-Sections

I had a c-section and bled for about 4 weeks. Towards the end it was VERY light. Nothing to worry about.

No suggestions about the baby blues.. but sending many your way!

Message edited 5/6/2006 4:28:40 PM.

Re: Two Questions in One Post - Baby Blues and C-Sections

Thanks so much for reassuring me that I'm not crazy and this is normal. I'm feeling a tiny bit better today, we were able to get out of the house and go for a walk with the baby.

But there are a lot of people around my house too - my Mom and step Dad fromout of state, my sister came by too and then my SIL, BIL and their 2 kids. Now my Dad is coming to have dinner with all of us. Plus my other SIL just called and wants to come over tomorrow with my MIL to visit ...and then next weekend ALL of my inlaws want to come over for the day.

I'm so fed up with it all. I dont want any company. Its just overwhelming.

Sorry for complaining again...just my Mom makes me nuts normally - so add that to baby blues and being in pain - plus stir in my crazy inlaws..and its enough to make me just really crazy.

Well, Im hanging in there. I already told DH that I dont think its a good idea that MIL and SIL come tomorrow (the never know when to leave) and he keeps saying he feels bad turning his Mom away.

OK I'm rambling so I'm going to end here. Thank you again - so much - for reassuring me, and don't worry, if it continues I will talk to my doctor.

Re: Two Questions in One Post - Baby Blues and C-Sections

You have company!!! Well that could give you PPD without even having a baby
I actually had a rule for the first month- NO overnight guests in my home. I know my MIL was NOT happy but tough. That is why there are hotels. A new mom deserves some space to heal physcially, bond with the new baby, rest and not worry about company.

HUGS!!!!!!!!!!

Re: Two Questions in One Post - Baby Blues and C-Sections

I bled for about 1 week steadily. For the last 2 weeks its very light. I stopped wearing pads and sometimes wear pantyliners.

As for baby blues, I was very emotional the first couple of weeks. I wasn't sad, but I would cry at the drop of a hat- especially when Jordana would cry and I wouldn't know why. I think its totally normal.

Re: Two Questions in One Post - Baby Blues and C-Sections

I bled for 5 weeks and cried for another 5

A friend of mine who just had her second little boy said to me that she found having a second so much easier than having her first....she said that with her second she never sits on the sofa in her pajamas crying!

I had my parents staying with me until Noah was 8 days old and I cried pretty much the whole time. When they left I was HYSTERICAL and then when they called from the airport, I LOST it big time.

Totally Normal!