Post birth pains

[LeeCee]

Hi all reposting here hoping for more help - gave birth to my daughter on Wednesday - induced, vaginal delivery & episiotomy. Recovery in general has been ok - and of course she is worth everything.

BUT my bits are in bits. Not just the stitches (had 2 days in hospital after birth and midwife checks said they are healing fine), but more painful is (TMI) my bum. Don't know if it's haemorrhoids or piles or both but I'm swollen and sore and can barely walk or sit down.

Was putting witch hazel in pads which felt very cooling but midwife told me to stop as it would cause the stitches to break down too fast

Am taking nurofen and paracetamol and cold showering the area twice daily with fresh air (legs akimbo) drying after

Is there anything else I can do? Any advice? I'm in so much pain and I just want to be able to enjoy my new baby 😩🥰

[AhoyAhoy]

Aw, so much sympathy. All I can suggest is swapping the paracetamol for cocodamol.

I also read a tip about keeping maternity pads in the fridge (I think it was fridge, as freezer would be too cold?) to numb the area.

[Pharmacistswife]

It's a shock isn't it!

I used witch hazel and was actively encouraged by my midwife. It will dramatically feel better after a week. The piles were the worst for me too- I took lactulose to help ease the movements and anusol to ease them.

But... don't do too much. Don't feel as though you SHOULD be enjoying it more. And honestly you'll feel better soon. Rest now. Don't expect too much.

[Stephisaur]

It’s normal I think!

I could barely sit for 2 weeks. I had to have my legs up at all times for comfort.

Alternate paracetamol and ibuprofen and don’t try to do too much. Just sit and snuggle your newborn :)

A bath in plain water helps too, make sure to air your stitches afterwards x

[Athers666]

You poor thing op. When I was in hospital a midwife suggested putting a maternity pad in the freezer for a bit before using it. I never actually tried it but it might be an idea? I'm three weeks post birth now and feel almost back to normal and at first I was so swollen and in agony in my bum after the episiotomy. Keep taking the Ibuprofen as it will help the swelling. I also used a spray called Bottoms Up from Boots that you just spritz on the area for a bit of relief. Hope you feel better soon, I thought I'd never recover but gradually got better so there is light at the end of the tunnel x

[LeeCee]

Thanks for all the support. I'm going to get the spritz for bits and bums online now. Hopefully that will help. Lying on couch with an ice pack currently which is giving some relief.

Any of the drugs advice differ if I'm breastfeeding?