Afterpains
The joy that your baby will bring is simply unimaginable, so do not let the afterpains of delivery interfere with your bliss. During the next few days and weeks after birth, your body will be working to recover from months' of work that caused uterine and ligament stretching. You will feel discomfort due to normal, healthy changes that must occur as you heal. Managing your pain during this time is a priority and will allow you to enjoy this new journey into motherhood.
Cramping
Cramping occurs after you deliver your baby as your uterus works to get back down to its pre-pregnancy size. These cramps can be pretty intense and stronger than your normal period cramps. Below are a few important tips.
- Heat – using heating packs, or warm compresses on your abdomen can be helpful in pain relief
- Breastfeeding – breastfeeding releases a natural oxytocin in your body which causes the uterus to contract and could speed up recovery
- Massage- massaging your uterus will also help your uterus to contract and speed up recovery
- Breathing – the same breathing techniques you used to get your through labor pains can also be used to help with cramping pains.
- Pain medication recommended by your provider may also help to manage pain.
Laceration or Episiotomy
A laceration occurs when the tissue between your vagina and anus, called the perineum experiences a tear due to excessive stretching during birth. An episiotomy is a surgical cut created by your provider when needed to assist in the delivery of your baby. Both are usually repaired while you bond with your baby after birth. Whether your tear or cut is minor or major, there are ways to manage your pain.
- Ice - ice packs should be applied to reduce vaginal swelling and relieve pain. Simply place the ice pack on top of your sanitary pad, and feel it work.
- Dermoplast Spray- dermoplast spray is a topical pain reliever that has benzocaine which is a pain relief, and menthol to provide a cooling and warming sensation to distract you from the pain. After cleansing your perineum with your peri bottle, spray a layer of dermoplast per instructions.
- Peri Bottle - You should receive a peri bottle during your hospital stay. Use the peri bottle not only to help prevent infection, but also as a pain relief method. As you urinate, simultaneously spray warm water onto your vaginal and peri area to prevent stinging and provide warmth for comfort.
- Sitz Bath - a sitz bath is a simple, yet quite effective means of pain management. In your bathtub or using a plastic basin, fill with shallow water and sit for 10 -15 minutes. You can use warm water for soothing soreness, or cold water to help with swelling.
- Witch Hazel pads - Layer the witch hazel pads in your peri pad, or even over your ice pack to aid in perineal soreness.
- Stool softener medication recommended by your provider will prevent constipation that increases pain to vaginal and peri area.
- Pain medication recommended by your provider will also help to manage pain.
Cesarean
Whether a cesarean delivery was a part of your birth plan or not, managing the pain following major surgery is important to your recovery.
- Splint- Simple tasks such as coughing and laughing can cause pain to your incision. Use a pillow against your incision as a splint to prevent pain.
- Rest – your body has been through a lot after a cesarean section, rest is one of the most important ways to manage healing and pain relief.
- Breastfeeding- When breastfeeding be sure to use positions that keep your baby from placing too much pressure on your incision such as a side-lying or football hold.
- Pain medication recommended by your provider will also help to manage pain.
