How to Handle Postpartum Discomforts

The postpartum period (delivery to six weeks) is a trying time. Your body is adjusting to not being pregnant, you are learning to become a mother and trying to keep up with the things you did before you had a baby. Your body is changing and you may be experiencing mild to moderate discomforts. Follow the guidelines in this article to minimize three of the most common discomforts.

Things You'll Need

• Relaxation breathing patterns
• Focal points
• Pain medication
• Water
• Topical anesthetics or witch hazel
• Ice

Instructions

How to Handle Afterbirth Contractions

1. Be aware that afterbirth contractions can produce mild to severe pain. This type of pain may be felt more intensely the first few moments during breastfeeding and may get worse with each baby.

2. Afterbirth contractions may not feel much different than labor contractions, so use relaxation breathing and patterns.

3. Use a focal point when your baby latches on. Concentrate on your baby's sweet face or concentrate on another focal point to get past the crampy stage.

4. If the contractions are too much to handle, you can request pain relief for the first few days. Afterbirth contractions last approximately three to four days, so you should get enough to get you through this period.

How to Handle Hemorrhoids

1. Be prepared for hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids are a pain in the butt, literally. Oftentimes, the pure exertion of pushing will encourage hemorrhoids to develop whether you've had them before or not.

2. Keep your bowel movements as soft as you can. One way to do this is to move your bowels on a daily basis.

3. Drink lots of water.

4. Use topical anesthetics or witch hazel compresses (Tucks pads). Using witch hazel compresses are helpful in reducing the size of the hemorrhoids so that your bowel movements aren't as painful.

5. Talk to your provider if your hemorrhoids are excessively large or painful and prevent you from defacating. There are topical medicines that he may be able to prescribe.

How to Handle Pain From Episiotomy

1. Episiotomies are incisions made in the perineum to give the baby more space in which to be born. Whether your incision is small or large, it is quite likely it will be sore until it heals.

2. Use ice within the first 12 to 24 hours after delivery. Ice will help numb the area and keep swelling down to minimize discomfort.

3. When you get home, use a sitz bath or make a postpartum herbal bath. Herbs can be healing and nurturing for wounds. If you are uncomfortable using herbs, just soak in warm water.

4. You can request a topical anesthetic spray from the hospital. This spray will help numb the area and prevent stinging during urination or defecation.

5. If you've had a really large episiotomy, you may need to request pain medication. Just remember to inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding, so that he can give you a medication that doesn't interfere with the process.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember that afterbirth contractions actually help your uterus shrink back down to its pre-pregnancy size faster. As annoying as they may be, they are helping you out.

• Eat foods that are high in soluble fiber such as whole grains, bran and raw veggies.

• Keep away from fast foods and other foods with a high fat content.

• Keep away from soda, coffee and some teas if you are having trouble moving your bowels.