After pains, breastfeeding and painkillers

[claricebean]

Does anyone know whether there are painkillers stronger than paracetemol that can be taken safely in the first few days of breastfeeding? I am pg with baby number 4 and have vivid memories of the afterpains with my third. They kept me awake for the entire first night, even though DS slept for 8 hours!! Of course, by the next night he was ravenous and I was exhausted before I began.

I live in Spain and am thinking about a homebirth and getting through the first 48 hours is a consideration in the weighing up process. I will talk to my private midwife (if I find one)but don't expect to get much from the doctors as homebirth is NOT the done thing here, so they won't understand why I want to know about pain relief after the birth now and don't wait until I'm in the hosptial, IYSWIM.

I seem to have vague memories you can take codeine too? Am thinking that if I'm at home will be able to use hot water bottles - bliss - and strong as possible painkillers.

Sorry for ramble.

not sure about codiene but you can take ibruprofen at the same time as paracetemol. would that help do you reckon? hot botties sound good and hot bubble baths too.....

I got codeine in hospital for afterpains - didn't think could take ibuprofen if bf?

I bloody live on the stuff! you can cure early mastitis with ibruprofen as it has anti immflamatory properties.
you're right about codiene 'cos they must give it after sections too eh?

Violtarol/Voltaren suppositories are amazing. And because they don't go through the digestive system they work very quickly and are safe.

I was given co-codamol (codiene & paracetamol) for after pains even after I asked the Mws if it was suitable as I was bfing. I have since found out that it should not be given as codiene can cause sedcation in some babies & is unsuitable for bfing mums. We had huge problems bfing in the beginning and I am positive that this definately did not help and probably caused some of the problems we had.

I would recommend doing some research yourself on the web & then asking a bfc with a copy of Hales book to make sure. Ibruprofen & paracetamol are suitable up to the normal adult doses afaiaa.

These link have some info:
BfN

they sound the business prettycandles. was also going to suggest a couple of glasses of champagne as a homebirth luxury!

Thanks for all your answers, girls. Yes, will get on the case with some research now, I think. Voltarol suppositories do sound the business - will check them out. Also like the champagne idea.

i was given a one off dose of diclofenac and it sorted it

it is the other name for voltorol
sorted it within half an hour and didnt come back