Postpartum Body (Darlene)

Your Age: 21, almost 22 Number of pregnancies and births: 2/2
Age of Children: Oldest son is almost 2, youngest son is 6 months old

Hi, I’m Darlene. I have two beautiful sons, Malikai (almost 2) and Jude (6 mos.). I love both of my babies and I don’t know where my life would be heading if I wasn’t blessed with them.

I gained over fifty lbs with each pregnancy. Malikai weighed 9 lbs when he was born and Jude was 7 lbs 12 oz. I did tear with Malikai but I don’t know how badly I tore.

My breasts sag (I’m currently exclusively pumping for Jude ever since he started refusing to nurse), I have stretch marks literally everywhere, I have a flabby belly, and I think my vagina looks very unattractive. Scar tissue also makes sex painful at times, and I don’t get/stay wet like I should since I’m breastfeeding.

Now on my vaginal opening and somewhat on the urethral opening, there are skin tags or scar tissue. Keep in mind that both of my babies were born vaginally, no complications.

Is there anything I can do to improve the appearance of my labia and vaginal area? I know that kegel exercises won’t help with appearance, just interior muscle tone.

(Since the photos are quite personal, I am linking to them rather than posting them directly.)
Photo 1
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4 thoughts on “Postpartum Body (Darlene)

  • Monday, July 20, 2015 at 6:04 pm
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    I want to start off by saying that in the picture attached were I can see your stomach, you are in great shape! As far as the appearance of your vagina, it is normal for them to look different after birth :) I tore my labia away from the vaginal hood, so one side hangs lower as it is detached! Like you mentioned, kegels are good to do for vaginal tone, but it will not help the outward appearance. While you are nursing, continue to use some sort of lubrication. Estrogen levels are lower while breastfeeding, which contributes to vaginal dryness. Do you feel any pressure in your vagina while you are walking around? If so, have your doctor evaluate you for a prolapse. I got a bladder prolapse during my last birth (minimal, so no surgery necessary!). You are not alone!

  • Monday, July 20, 2015 at 11:23 pm
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    Thank you. I’m slender, yes, but not in shape. I’m going to be scheduling a Dr visit because I’ve been having one-sided cramping that takes my breath away, though it does switch between my left and right side in lower belly. I also haven’t had a period in about two months after having regular periods. Anyways. I do enjoy sex with my boyfriend and he says I feel tight and I’ve always had a high libido, even while lactating. It can be a bit frustrating at times when some of the time lube isn’t needed while other times we have to apply lube multiple times. I’ve also never been able to achieve orgasm during any sexual activity. Masturbating has never felt good and clitoral stimulation doesn’t feel good either. Actual penetration has gotten me close but never there. I don’t feel sexy in the bedroom and I’m almost always stressed about something and I’m constantly tired. Jude likes to fight sleep and he’s becoming more mobile and caring for him uses up my energy, as all (loving) mothers are aware of. I say loving only because a lot of women don’t care for their kids. Anywho…. I’ve never felt comfortable in my own skin, even before I had kids and had a flat, firm belly.

    Sorry for ranting.

  • Wednesday, July 22, 2015 at 12:14 pm
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    I’m the exact same age as you, and my body looks the exact same everywhere. I used to have a tight firm body but it changed after I had my son. I have stretch marks everywhere too, and my vagina isn’t loose thanks to kegels but the outside appearance isn’t good. But I promise from my point of you that your body looks awesome!you’re beautiful! Sexy mama! My breasts droop pretty bad too!

  • Sunday, July 26, 2015 at 9:17 pm
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    Hi! I had a really bad tear with my first born and by the time I was ready to have my third I showed the doctor and asked if perhaps during the delivery if he could take it off and he was able too. It helped me a lot. I hated having extra skin there that I was born with. I can’t see where your extra skin is. It’s probably obvious to you because you know how you looked before. I appreciate you being able to post these pics!

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