Struggling with recovery

[Anonymous]

I’m feeling frustrated by the postpartum recovery process right now. I don’t feel like I have clear guidance on what an appropriate return to activity looks like as time passes. I’m two weeks postpartum from a vaginal delivery, and I had a second degree tear that isn’t bothering me. I haven’t had bad cramps for several days, either, and was hopeful that things were progressing. The past three days I’ve had heavier bleeding again and now I’m anxious that something is wrong. Doctor google is telling me that unless I’m passing golf ball size clots or soaking a pad an hour that it’s not a concern. I have been wanting to leave the house on short errands etc. and now I’m second guessing myself with the bleeding. Is it appropriate to go on short walks, take my older daughter to an art class, go to the supermarket (no heavy bag lifting), go to the park (no running around/chasing my kid)? I feel like I have no real guidance here other than avoiding heavy lifting. I’m obviously not going to the gym or having sex within six weeks, but what can I safely start doing? Getting stir crazy here. With my first I rested very little and I’m trying to be more responsible this time around.

[Anonymous]

Go for a short walk with somebody and see how it goes!!!!!!!!!!! Bring stroller so you're not carrying baby.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’m feeling frustrated by the postpartum recovery process right now. I don’t feel like I have clear guidance on what an appropriate return to activity looks like as time passes. I’m two weeks postpartum from a vaginal delivery, and I had a second degree tear that isn’t bothering me. I haven’t had bad cramps for several days, either, and was hopeful that things were progressing. The past three days I’ve had heavier bleeding again and now I’m anxious that something is wrong. Doctor google is telling me that unless I’m passing golf ball size clots or soaking a pad an hour that it’s not a concern. I have been wanting to leave the house on short errands etc. and now I’m second guessing myself with the bleeding. Is it appropriate to go on short walks, take my older daughter to an art class, go to the supermarket (no heavy bag lifting), go to the park (no running around/chasing my kid)? I feel like I have no real guidance here other than avoiding heavy lifting. I’m obviously not going to the gym or having sex within six weeks, but what can I safely start doing? Getting stir crazy here. With my first I rested very little and I’m trying to be more responsible this time around.

Honestly two weeks is pretty soon. A stroller is heavy lifting but so is carrying a car seat and yet we do it all the time. I recommend postpartum belle method you can check her website or IG pinned on pp.
If you have the ability to rest, you should. Sometimes we don't get that and you do the best you can but it's 2 weeks.
Id address the stir crazy part- what is behind that? And if it's internal and feels like you have a LOT of energy I'd have your thyroid monitored closely.

[Anonymous]

I went trick or treating with my toddler a week postpartum. Probably not the smartest thing but it was fine. I had bleeding until about 5 or 6 weeks. I remember thinking it seemed like it would never end then one day I realized I hadn’t had bleeding in a few days.

I think the guidance is really just don’t over do it. Think short trips, nothing strenuous. If it hurts stop.

[Anonymous]

Listen to your body. More bleeding indicates a need to lay down more. Try to relax and not be hard on yourself.

[Anonymous]

I bled on and off like that after both of my babies. Every time i thought I was done bleeding, it came back again it seemed like. I did call my OB at one point and they said verbatim what you mentioned- no reason to worry unless its golf ball size clots. It just takes time to heal. Walks should be fine. IMO just listen to your body.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I bled on and off like that after both of my babies. Every time i thought I was done bleeding, it came back again it seemed like. I did call my OB at one point and they said verbatim what you mentioned- no reason to worry unless its golf ball size clots. It just takes time to heal. Walks should be fine. IMO just listen to your body.

+1 I bled off and on for 4-5 weeks both times. Walks are fine. Be kind to yourself and rest if you need/want to but don’t force yourself to sit still if you want to go out.