I used ibuprofen for the first two weeks, then no pain meds. I had a 2nd degree tear. I bled heavily for the first four weeks, then lightly for about another month.

Still bleeding at 6 weeks.

3rd degree tear, took forever to heal. Bleeding done in 3 weeks

I was bleeding like a heavy period (several large maxi pads a day) up until my 6weeks postpartum visit. I had heaver clots after BFing which is totally normally since it causes your uterus to contract. I didn't have any tearing after my vaginal delivery so I didn't need pain killers, but was really sore and used lots of ice packs

Anonymous wrote:OP here. How about with breastfeeding? Does that stretch out the recovery process? I was warned about more contractions from it.

Actually, breastfeeding can help the recovery process--the contractions help your uterus shrink back/expel stuff.

FWIW, I was definitely still sore and bleeding two weeks out.

OP here. How about with breastfeeding? Does that stretch out the recovery process? I was warned about more contractions from it.

After the first 2 days I didn't need painkillers and my bleeding was down to spotting after the first week (but lasted 4 weeks).

Yep. I was sore and bleeding for five weeks. Hang in there!!

Normal. Bleeding pretty much was done for me by 3 or 4 weeks. I had a small 2nd degree tear and was still a little sore. I think the rule of thumb is that you shouldn't be soaking a pad in an hour.

How long did it last for you? Is it normal to still be taking a pain med and going through a few maxi pads per day by week two (I had a tear)?