Being intimate after an episiotomy

I gave birth 4 weeks ago and the delivery was difficult, my baby was in the wrong position and with the cord around her neck, but the midwife didnt check and got me to push for an hour with no luck. I then was taken to the operating room and had a forceps delivery with an episiotomy. Im now 4 weeks post partum and I am conscious of my intimate area as I can always feel it but its not exactly painful just not comfortable like it was before. A few days ago a midwife said my stitches look to have gone now and it looks healed but I know ill get it properly reviewed at the 6 week medical check. My husband and I do want to be intimate as its been a while now, but im conscious that my area doesnt look or feel the same as it did before and I dont know what it will be like when I do have sex again. Im curious what others experiences have been who have had an episiotomy.

Read more on Peanut

The views expressed in community are solely the opinions of participants, and do not reflect those of Peanut.

Learn more about our guidelines.

Add a comment

My outer stitches came apart on day 7 so took longer to heal.
I'd wait until the gp check and when they say OK, please use contraception as you're very fertile after birth!
I did find taking it slow helped once I felt comfortable to try at about 12wks pp

I'm so sorry they didn't know this in advance and offer you a c section. I'd leave negative feedback for the team about that. Has your doctor cleared you? There is no rush, remember you pushed a baby out!

It took me well over a year to have pain free sex after an episiotomy and forceps. Your body has been through huge trauma, 4 weeks is nothing. Give your body time to heal x

It does take a while to heal and adjust. I found my scar from the episiotomy was quite tender for a long while and being intimate was uncomfortable at times. It has improved a lot but take things slow and when you feel ready.

I also had episiotomy and forceps, deffo doesnt feel or look the same down there but my little girl was so worth it

The first time I done it after it hurt like a b**** but it gets easier after a few times

in our community

How long did your breastfed baby take to get back to birth weight?

I have just had my 5 day appointment and my baby has dropped 9%. I've been booked for a reweigh on Monday and told if she's lost more we will be sent to hospital. I said that's fine but I will refuse any feeding plan as I was put on one last time ( triple feeding) and it made my daughter projectile vomit and my mh plummet. She then asked if I had through about pumping and I said no I won't be pumping 5 days PP and 1 day after my milk has come in. Honestly the whole appointment has left me so angry at the pressure they put on us to get back to birth weight in 10 days. My partner also said she was weighed wearing a hat and blanket ( I had a c section so couldjt se)

Colostrum

How much colostrum should I bring with me to the hospital? I’ve got about 20ml but don’t want to take all of the syringes with me as I know I won’t use them all. Thank you 😊

Baby acne !

My baby girl has baby acne I’ve been to pharmacy and spoke to health visitor but they haven’t really gave much advice ! I’m not sure if it’s getting worse the acne started when she was 4 weeks she now 5 xx

My 5 and 3 year old haven't had chicken pox yet. Would like to get it over with...

When did yours get their chicken pox

A constant loop

Has anyone else felt like the days are flying by? By the time I get my son up, dressed and first bottle. He’s back down for a nap and everything repeats itself with a bit of play time during wake windows.

I feel like I’m constantly counting down each nap and bottle then before I know it, it’s time for bed again.

Mam bottles

Does anyone else have issues with the white rubber part of bottle not fitting properly after washing then leaking from the holes at bottom?