Pain Relief Post C-Section

[HashB]

I was discussing a c-section with my midwife when it came up in conversation that, as standard, women get discharged home with paracetamol and ibruprofen.

I asked if she meant a higher dose (possibly prescription dose only) when she said no, just the standard dose you can buy in the shops.

Now I am ignorant in this department but my jaw nearly hit the floor. Aren’t there 7 different layers of tissue cut through for a C-section? don’t they classify it as major surgery? How can Superdrug paracetamol even touch the pain post surgery at home?! My Midwife assures me it does but I’ve had headaches that paracetamol doesn’t shift.

Have you had a C-section? Were you only reliant on paracetamol post operation?

I really don't think Mumsnet is a true reflection on c-sections it's like competitive "I can handle the pain" martyrdom.

I had a planned section. And the recovery was the most horrific thing I have ever been through.

I've given birth twice vaginally without pain relief and I would rather do that every day for a week whilst someone punched me repeatedly in the face than go through c section recovery again.

I could barely walk, sit up, move, go to the toilet. It was horrific. And I'm the sort of person who just cracks on.

I was sent home with dihydrocodeine, double strength ibuprofen and paracetamol and had a schedule to take the cocktail every few hours. Without it I would not have coped at all.

Imagine if a man had major abdominal surgery, kicked out less than 20 hours later and then full on caring responsibilities - do you honestly think they would be going home with fucking paracetamol. I think not.

I had my section eight months ago and was really concerned about only having paracetamol and ibuprofen. For some people I absolutely appreciate it's fine but for me it wasn't enough and I pushed for the drug you mentioned which massively helped.

On the first couple of nights when the pain was very bad (again it isn't for everyone but was for me) I also begged for some more help and was given oramorph which was an absolute godsend and really helped me to be able to cope emotionally with everything as the pain was so much less.

This isn't a scare story - I know lots of mums who didn't have much pain afterwards and were fine with paracetamol. But women shouldn't be shamed for needing more if that isn't cutting it so please do push for it if you need it.

Oh and please do prepare for trapped wind - loads of peppermint tea and some windeeze will help. It's ever so painful having trapped wind, much more than I realised! Both those things really helped.

At my trust, all women that have had a section get dihydrocodeine

Yes, take both regularly even if you think you don't need it.

I may be wrong but I don't think you're allowed dihydrocodeine if planning to BF. Just in case xx

Wow good to know. I was told by an anaesthetist that I shouldn't have it when BF a newborn because it can cause respiratory distress xx

After my first, when I was still in hospital, I could request oramorph on top of paracetamol. I was discharged being advised to take paracetamol and was given diclofenac.

After my second, I was sent home with dihydrocodeine. I only took it for a couple of days as the pain wore off and could tolerate just taking paracetamol.

If you take paracetamol and Ibuprofen regularly, it should work quite well to keep on top of the pain. If you only take it when the pain starts, it's harder to get on top of. These are the baseline analgesics. I learned this when working with the pain management team as a student nurse. Everyone is different, though, and has different pain thresholds, so if you're not coping, then you could always ask for something stronger.

This is true. I only took it for a couple of days , and after looking into it further and learning this, I stopped. They should be telling this to women who plan to breastfeed or express.

I refused the codeine after my second section as the constipation it gave me was more horrendous than any post op pain could ever be 🤣😬

I only had paracetamol and ibuprofen after my emergency C-section, and it was fine. Alternating doses, and I set alarms to remind me to take them.

ETA: Oramorph and codeine were prescribed for me in the hospital, but I didn't need them. My husband also went to a pharmacist and got over the counter amounts/strength of ibuprofen, which definitely helped.

It's a joke I've had 2 emc. But us mums just grin and bare it. Day 3/4 was brutal but I did far too much both times. Having an elective later this year hoping it will be a little easier after not labouring

I recently had other abdominal surgery and was sent home with paracetamol, ibuprofen and nefopam. Apparently the latter is safe to have when BF which is why I was given that instead of dihydrocodeine

I'm in NI but after both my c section and a traumatic first birth with many many stitches I was discharged with diclofenac to take. It's like a stronger ibuprofen and worked so well for me, I honestly wasn't in significant pain at all, was just a bit achey. I think it's scandalous that women don't receive adequate pain relief as standard after a c section.