do you bleed after c-section?

sorry if this is TMI but is it true that you bleed for a few weeks after a c-section even though no baby has 'passed through' your you know what? if so can you wear tampons?

 

Yes you do. And no using tampons can introduce bateria and encourage infection.

 

QUOTE(NINI H @ Jan 26 2009, 04:39 PM) [snapback]1162975[/snapback]
Yes you do. And no using tampons can introduce bateria and encourage infection.


omg i cant use pads. that really grosses me out.
why would it encourage infection if you had your belly sliced open?

 

You don't want to introduce any foreign material while you are healing. Your body has already undergone surgical trauma, and what you are shedding is not the same as a period.

I promise, though, that between the babies and the surgery, you really won't be worried about using a pad. That will be the least of your concerns. HTH!

 

I don't remember why I couldn't use tampons, but I was told not to.. and, yes, pads are gross! I bled off and on for 6 weeks after I delivered... don't worry, though, I was so happy to have my body back I wouldn't have cared if they told me I could never use tampons again! Good luck!!

 

I think its because your body is recovering from a trama (c sec) and therefore would be more prone, especially 'down there' to get an infection. A tampon would essentially be 'plugging' things up and keeping stuff in a warm, moist environment...recipe for an infection.

If its any consolation, I think its a global recommendation for anything 'down there'. I just had a D&C and was instructed to have 2 weeks pelvic rest, including tampons.

I agree that pads are a PITA, but better than an infection IMHO.

ETA that the bleeding has nothing to do with the baby 'passing through'. Its the lining of the uterus that's build up during the pregnancy leaving the body.

 

yes i would rather a pad than an infection, lol.
i know nothing about pads. are there ones that are thin that hold a lot of fluid that DONT leak?

 

QUOTE(rubyturquoise @ Jan 26 2009, 03:54 PM) [snapback]1162995[/snapback]
You don't want to introduce any foreign material while you are healing. Your body has already undergone surgical trauma, and what you are shedding is not the same as a period.

I promise, though, that between the babies and the surgery, you really won't be worried about using a pad. That will be the least of your concerns. HTH!


Ditto this! I NEVER used pads before the girls and I barely even noticed them at the time (even though they were HUGE!) I was just so much more comfortable from not having the huge belly.

 

QUOTE(newtothis @ Jan 26 2009, 04:57 PM) [snapback]1163001[/snapback]
yes i would rather a pad than an infection, lol.
i know nothing about pads. are there ones that are thin that hold a lot of fluid that DONT leak?


Most brands have something like that. No guarantees on leakage, that generally depends on how heavy the flow is and the capacity of the pad...but ones with wings can help with that.

 

QUOTE(JB07 @ Jan 26 2009, 04:55 PM) [snapback]1162997[/snapback]
I think its because your body is recovering from a trama (c sec) and therefore would be more prone, especially 'down there' to get an infection. A tampon would essentially be 'plugging' things up and keeping stuff in a warm, moist environment...recipe for an infection.

If its any consolation, I think its a global recommendation for anything 'down there'. I just had a D&C and was instructed to have 2 weeks pelvic rest, including tampons.

I agree that pads are a PITA, but better than an infection IMHO.

ETA that the bleeding has nothing to do with the baby 'passing through'. Its the lining of the uterus that's build up during the pregnancy leaving the body.


Yep that.

TAKE YOUR OWN PADS!! The ones the hospital provides are like diapers (HUGE) and don't have wings.

I personally prefer always with wings, but that's my personal preference. Don't get pantyliners yet you need actual maxi pads tho.

 

I bled for a month and still spotted a little until last week, then I got mirena so I am bleeding again. fun.

 

I too knew nothing about pads, but I have been using always over night and have had no problem. They are thin, but very absorbent (sp?) I didn't mind the pads in the hospital, it was one less thing to think about, I knew I was protected. Good luck!

 

Steal a lot of the pads from the hospital. They are the best ones.

 

We saw a pad on a hospital tour and I couldn't stop giggling, although I do hear they are lifesavers. Every woman is different. That being said, supposedly the bleeding after a c-section is not as much as with vaginal, but probably as steady. They have the opportunity to clean a lot of blood up in surgery. Still, tampons are a huge no-no.

 

As the others have said, yes you do bleed after a c-section. I did not bleed nearly as much after my c-section as I did with my vaginal delivery with my oldest DD. I don't ever wear pads either, but you have to until your post-partum visit with your OB. I also liked the ones with wings, I used Always as well, and didn't need real thick ones. :good:

 

I bled as much after the c-section as I did with both of my vaginal births, maybe more. I have had more bleeding for my periods as I've gotten older anyway. Like other pps have said, the bleeding has nothing to do with how the baby passes, it is the same as your period, the lining and excess blood are being shed. I bled for about 6 weeks and got my period at 8 weeks I think because my bf wasn't consistent enough. Like others have said, you really don't notice it, you have so many other things going on. Tampons are not recommended because they hold the blood and everything in that you are trying to get rid of which can cause infections, plus you would be changing them constantly because of all of the blood. It is just better to wear a pad. I don't like pads either, but they were so much more comfortable and secure at that time. I was sore down there anyway because when I was pregnant I had swelling and it was just tender, it hurt the first time I wore tampons after. GL.

Jen

 

Yup, no tampons after a c section. I learned this when I had my DD.

Yes, pads are gross, but they are a necessity. I bled for about four weeks after DD was born. This is totally TMI, but things can get very heavy at times- your body needs to flush this stuff out, and like a PP said, a tampon will only hold stuff in.

This is slightly OT, but be sure to take home the mesh panties/shorts they give you at the hospital. They will feel comfy on your healing belly, and they are great for holding the big pads you will have to wear. This is my number one goal for my hospital stay- hoard those panties!

 

QUOTE(BabyMo @ Feb 4 2009, 07:30 AM) [snapback]1175523[/snapback]
This is my number one goal for my hospital stay- hoard those panties!

:rotflmbo:

 

QUOTE(BabyMo @ Feb 4 2009, 07:30 AM) [snapback]1175523[/snapback]
Yup, no tampons after a c section. I learned this when I had my DD.

Yes, pads are gross, but they are a necessity. I bled for about four weeks after DD was born. This is totally TMI, but things can get very heavy at times- your body needs to flush this stuff out, and like a PP said, a tampon will only hold stuff in.

This is slightly OT, but be sure to take home the mesh panties/shorts they give you at the hospital. They will feel comfy on your healing belly, and they are great for holding the big pads you will have to wear. This is my number one goal for my hospital stay- hoard those panties!


So funny you say that about the panties. I still have some from DD's birth, and a couple of friends of mine gave me their extras so I could have them. They are the absolute ugliest things I have ever seen, but boy are they comfy!

 

I kind of skimmed through the other posts, so Im sure I'll repeat someone... but you got your answer, that yes you will bleed, and no you cant use tampons..

The 'diapers' the hospital gives were good for me at first, as well as the net underwear.. lol. I loved them. (and took some home)

They also gave me a little plastic squirt bottle to 'clean' myself when I used the bathroom. I would just put warm water in it, and it would help me feel a little cleaner when just using the bathroom and changing pads (as opposed to taking a shower EVERY time b/c you feel kinda gross)

 

I can't help but comment on the diapers and net underwear. I really needed to laugh at something in this whole process and when the nurse showed me those it was the best laugh I've had in a while. I plan on asking for as many as they give me. Those net underwear look pretty tiny but I heard they are stretchy and wonderful. Oh joy! :rofl:

 

The net undies were a god send, they were a huge help. You will bleed a few weeks after the c-section and the eventually the blood flow will lessen as time passes from the surgery. The doctor will not advise that you use tampons. Good luck!