post pregnancy healing time...?

I had a 2nd.degree tear too and it took 6 weeks to start feeling normal again but not 100% normal. Recovery from that for me was long and irratating, as the wound starts to itch when it heals.

I had a second degree tear with both of mine. Had 13 stitches inside and out with first and 6 with second and healed within 2/3 weeks. Healed quicker after second though.

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I had stitches because I tore and was cut due to having a huge baby of over 10lb. By the 3rd day I felt a little better with the stitches and they continued to heal over the next couple of weeks or so. I did have a large amount of stitches and was being stitched up for 45 minutes and I honestly never felt completely right until I had my post natal at 8 weeks.

I never wore the surgical stockings with either of my children since they were not offered to me but I have since had a major operation and have to wear them now for 6 weeks, so your friend is right.

Best of luck.