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Childbirth

Share experiences and get support around labour, birth and recovery.

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Original poster

What pain relief were you given post birth?

85 replies

allisgood1 · 10/03/2014 19:08

Just wondering what pain relief (if any) you were given AFTER the birth. I've been told by my midwife that women are given only paracetamol and nurofen now. Two years ago when I had my second I was given co-dydramol and dicofenlac. I had an episiotomy and required (including midwife and doctor orders to take religiously) for about 2-3 weeks. This is apparently because "it can make the baby sleepy". I am obviously now really worried about recovery now (midwife said I should purchase over the counter). Is this true?

OP posts:

SoonToBeSix · 10/03/2014 20:06

I was also breast feeding but told that a few dosage of codeine was ok but can't go home taking it.

Me23 · 10/03/2014 20:14

I'm a midwife and I think it is horrific that those particularly after Cs have only been given paracetamol and ibuprofen, where I work we give codydramol and ibuprofen and also oromorph. I work in a fully accredited baby friendly hospital.
Whilst in hosptial the transfer of codeine into milk will be minimal as bf babies won't be getting much colustrum or milk. I advise bf women to switch to paracetamol after the first few days once milk is in ad baby consuming much bigger volumes we still send women home with 2 weeks worth of codydramol and ibuprofen.

HauntedNoddyCar · 10/03/2014 20:15

Bloody hell. They refused me oramorph less than 12 hours after my section because I wasn't in enough pain.

Original poster

allisgood1 · 10/03/2014 20:16

I'm breastfeeding, as in previous deliveries, but will make sure I buy the pain meds OTC and take them in (secretly of course).

OP posts:

StarsAbove · 10/03/2014 21:11

I had a 3c tear and was given 6 weeks worth of diclofenac when I left hospital (to take me up to the 6 week GP check) and was also advised to take paracetamol. My GP then gave me 6 more weeks of diclofenac at a reduced dosage.

Wittsend13 · 10/03/2014 21:14

I had something pushed up my backside and then panadol.

IwishIwasmoreorganised · 10/03/2014 21:15

I was taken to theatre because of excessive bleeding after having ds1.

I had a zonal anaesthetic while they stitched me up, then had some kind of painkiller pr (up the bum) before I came out of theatre. It was amazing!

I came home with diclofenac and paracetamol (and lactulose) and it all went well.

shimmymummy · 10/03/2014 21:23

Spinal block and 10 packets of codeine to take home with me. I always wondered if that caused problems with milk production (took ages to establish). This time I'm researching some homeopathic remedies like arnica 200 and witch hazel post partum pads. Also ordered Tucks and Dermoplast.

hoobypickypicky · 10/03/2014 21:38

Absolutely zilch, despite having had nothing but gas and air and a ventouse delivery (not through choice, but because there was no anaesthetist available ). I made darn sure I had a caesar the next time!

treaclesoda · 10/03/2014 21:51

Paracetamol and peppermint water. After an emcs. Like that helped I was offered diclofenac but am allergic, and no alternative was offered. I have never felt such pain, it was worse than labour, worse than gallstones, and I'm still really angry about it. The rest of the care on the postnatal ward was great, but pain relief was non existent.

Smartiepants79 · 10/03/2014 21:54

Had a suppository , don't know what. Then codeine. Didn't have to ask very hard.

PoloMintCity · 10/03/2014 21:58

Forcep delivery in 2010, got diclofenac and something else, either paracetamol or ibuprofen can't remember which. Think I had two days supply of diclofenac when I got home and could have done with it for longer after bursting my stitches open but was told to phone gp for prescription and never quite got round to it!

Raxacoricofallapatorius · 10/03/2014 22:04

I have had two emcs, one in 2007, one in 2011. I was given a morphine shot first time round whilst still in theatre and reacted badly to it so requested they didn't do it second time round. They give you an anti-inflammatory suppository while still in theatre too.

Once back on the ward I was offered paracetamol and codydramol but I didn't need either. Only thing I needed was peppermint water for the trapped air.

ThursdayLast · 10/03/2014 22:07

I had emcs
Suppository (don't know what, can barely remember it)
Oramorph for a couple of days
Codeine, i think just the next day, then a week later when I went back in for blood patch
Paracetamol and dicafenic, about a fortnights worth.

Timeforgin · 10/03/2014 22:10

Two VBs on gas and air, 8lb3 and 10lb11. V minor 1st degree tears with both - #1 I had one internal stitch, #2 the consultant said '2 or 3' stitches. With #1 was given diclofenac to take home but didn't really need it after day or so. With #2 was given a suppository (didn't ask for it but was warned!) but none to take home as I recall. However had I asked am sure they would have given it. Was private if that makes any diff.

jacksgas · 10/03/2014 22:35

Codeine to be avoided 're constipation and effects to infant if breast feeding ( babe drowsy) regular panadol and burden good combination. Add Voltarol prn if needed
( stat dose usually given PR when sutures post delivery)

chattychattyboomba · 10/03/2014 22:40

Paracetamol

DaleyBump · 10/03/2014 22:50

I had paracetamol, nurofen and codydramol. But then my stitches got infected.

lookingfoxy · 11/03/2014 01:00

Even after asking I got nothing, the aftercare was terrible compared to when I had ds 9 years ago.

maillotjaune · 11/03/2014 10:30

Paracetamol. Actually it was all I needed for the pain of tear / episiotomy sites but it didn't touch the afterpains for which ibuprofen and a hot wheat bag were added.

My only complaint re. pain relief was being woken on the early morning ward round at 7am when I had just got back to sleep after the fifth feed of the night to be offered 2 paracetamol. Not bitter about that after 9 years, oh no

Standinginline · 11/03/2014 10:34

Had nothing with my first ,but with my second I had paracetamol as I had the cramps where your uterus is shrinking back to it's original size. I didnt know this ,however ,and didn't ask for anything until after a long sleepless night in pain because I didn't want to be kept in longer !!

Cariad007 · 11/03/2014 10:34

I had a painkilling suppository after a 2nd degree tear. Can't remember what it was but it was what women are given after c-sections so it was like magic! The next day I was given a mix of codeine and ibuprofen in the hospital and then took nurofen when I came home. That was all I needed as I wasn't in a huge amount of pain.

Lj8893 · 11/03/2014 10:36

I was only offered paracetamol and/or nurofen but I didn't have any.

Lj8893 · 11/03/2014 10:38

But then again i was only offered paracetamol while in labour too......which obviously did absolutely fuck all.

Breadkneadslove · 11/03/2014 10:48

Maillotjaune I had exactly the same experience...

I didn't have any pain relief during labour and had a straight forward birth no tears, nothing. After I had been moved to ward I asked if I could have a couple of paracetamol as I was in a bit of discomfort, nothing really in the grand scheme of things but still some paracetamol would have been nice! Was told I should have spoken to Dr post birth, I said I didn't see a Dr, was then told the nurse would have to get a prescription this was around 8pm.

Just after midnight I was rudely awoken by the nurse, whipping back the curtain to get me the paracetamol which were iny locked bedside cabinet!!! Gee thanks, not needed now, I'm sleeping!!!

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