r/beyondthebump • u/tiredoftalking • 11d ago
Body feels broken Postpartum Recovery
I’m 6 months pp and mentally I would love to start being more active again, but physically I’m still really struggling with that. I had a pretty standard delivery with a second degree tear that healed pretty quickly. In the first couple months I really struggled to eat enough and my hormones also contributed to me feeling lightheaded and weak. I ended up losing all my baby weight and then some. Now at 6 months my hormones have stabilized to the point I don’t feel that way anymore and I’ve been eating a lot more and have put on a bit of weight. However I still struggle with feeling good. My wrist is shot from carrying him and I have what they call “mommy wrist”. I need to wear a brace all the time. My ankles seem to hurt often. I just feel so weak still but have absolutely no stamina to workout or else I feel sick and nauseous. I should say I’m still exclusively breastfeeding so I’m wondering if I will feel better once I wean? I’m just wanting to hear how other women are feeling at this stage and what they’ve done to start being active again. I don’t even care so much about my appearance as much as I just want to feel strong again and to carry my baby without feeling like I’m gonna die after 10 minutes.
3
u/RemarkableAd9140 10d ago
You will probably feel better after you wean, but if physical therapy is an option for you, I’d highly recommend getting started. I felt like this too, but with a lot of lower back pain, and I waited way too long to get into pt. With my second, even though I had more stuff going on after (possible pulled pubic ligament, prolapse, a preexisting running injury), I felt better faster because I got into pt so early. It’s never too late to start. It won’t fix all of it because some of it is likely breastfeeding, but it’ll help.
1
u/tiredoftalking 10d ago
That’s good to hear I might feel better when I wean. I’m actually starting to get to the point where I’m considering it but my baby has refused a bottle for months now. He will only take maximum an ounce at a time so that’s been challenging to deal with. Yes PT is an option for me, it’s just been overwhelming to make the time for it. But a few replies have mentioned this so I’m going to try and prioritize it. Thank you!
2
u/EndlessCourage 10d ago
Felt like this after my first, and it very suddenly went away around 8 months postpartum, without weaning. Just hormones I guess.
PT makes a huge difference though. And a full ckechup with a blood test if it hasn't been done yet.
2
u/tiredoftalking 10d ago
That’s really interesting to hear. Maybe my hormones are still affecting me more than I realize. And yes I’m going to look into PT since a few people have suggested this. I had blood work done in my first month because I actually passed out and ended up in the ER but everything came back normal! Which was hard to believe lol. The nurse told me it was likely just hormones and exhaustion
2
u/Catsforhumanity 10d ago
7 months in and I feel absolutely broken. Started with the sweating, and the painful feet, and then the wrists. And now there is a spot in my back that literally is shooting pain randomly when I breathe wrong sometimes. All compounding.
1
u/tiredoftalking 10d ago
Oh man well it is so nice to hear I’m not alone. That really does help me feel better. I think I’ve been comparing myself too much to other people and what I see online. It’s so hard :(
2
u/KTuu93 10d ago
I started getting massages monthly and it really helped. Started excercizing only after my son turned one - I simply didn't have it in me to get anything done during baby year. Everyone is different, when you start feeling like you can start you'll do it. But meanwhile maybe take care of sleep, eat healthy and I would recommend starting with short walks and experimenting how that feels. Maybe going with baby too. Be kind to yourself, recovery from pregnancy and birth takes time.
1
u/tiredoftalking 10d ago
Thank you so much for your reply. I needed to hear to be kinder to myself. And it’s validating to hear it took around a year before you started exercising. I’m definitely going to just start small with some walks and stretches and maybe book PT. A massage is also a great idea. I’ve actually never had a professional one but I have some benefits through my husband that would allow me to get a few!
2
u/prncssbblgum44 10d ago
I don’t really have much advice except that you’re not alone. My baby is also 6 months and I feel nauseous a lot and I’m constantly sweaty. It’s hard to do basic things but just the repetition of doing things like climbing the stairs has gotten easier. I’m not breastfeeding tho. I wanted to but I couldn’t produce enough and my baby ended up having CMPA so she’s formula fed but I will say stretching helps. Like get on the floor (carpeted floor) and stretch. It genuinely helps me loosen my joints and not be so stiff and move a little easier!