Can anyone talk to me about post birth pain relief when you can't have Ibuprofen or other similar drugs?

[RedBlackberries]

I'm probably going to have a caesarean for my birth as I did last time. I can't take any ibuprofen (non steroidal) drugs because of gastric ulcers so I'm a bit worried about what I can have after. I had morphine in hospital last time and went home with paracetamol and ibuprofen. I'm terrified about going home on just paracetamol this time .

Would you be allowed cocodamol? It's codeine and paracetamol together so abit stronger than just paracetamol on its own. You get over the counter at the pharmacy; it's not on the shelf.

I’m allergic to NSAIDs and therefore I’m in the same boat.

Severe pain will get you oramorph but chances are by the time you leave hospital paracetamol will be enough.

Paracetamol gets a bum rap but it really does kill pain... the thing that’s a bummer is that ibuprofen is an anti-inflammatory so don’t panic if your scar feels hot and angry. As long as it’s not weeping you’re fine.

As this is your second time I’ll advuse you now that your afterpains May be shocking at times. I had mondbending pain on day 2 for 2 hours. One dose of Oramorph and away they went forever. Just managing your expectations x

I was given codeine. Paracetamol by itself definitely wasn't enough.

They might give you a suppository NSAID? They did with me in theatre. Definitely codeine too.

I’ve had two sections and once the spinal block wore off I only had paracetamol (I can’t take Codine or ibuprofen). It’s actually a really good painkiller as long as you take it in a proper schedule.

Good luck!

Ibuprofen etc triggers my asthma, so after my csection I had morphine, followed by paracetamol and codeine, then just paracetamol.

Agree with TheLegendOfBeans NOBODY told me about the afterpains after 2nd babies onwards! I used my tens machine more for those than I did in labour!

Thanks for all the advise. I've had co codamol for bad headaches and like it but I've been told you can't have codeine if you are breastfeeding. Hopefully that's not the case.
I miss ibuprofen. It was great.

I was really lucky first time round and had a great recovery from caesarean. I was walking down to the shops by day 4 and just took basic pain relief as I'd been told. The thing is ibufrofen has always been the best for things like period pain so I'm worried about the after pains being worse.

Are NSAIDs okay if they’re not taken orally? I have no idea whether they still affect the stomach. If they are ok, you can get diclofenac suppositories. You’re correct that codeine isn’t safe if you’re breastfeeding.

Can you take voltoral? I suspect you can’t

I have GERD because of a structural issue. I was given 30mgs codeine tabs after my section as I can't take NSAIDs. Only needed the one script, doc was prepared to give me another but when asked if I wanted more I said no. Does have it's other problem of constipation but one of those things.

Hmmm, I'm sure I had paracetamol and codeine when I was expressing for ds....I definitely had morphine, then paracetamol when I was discharged.

I couldn't have diclofenac suppositories

I had codiene and bfed.

I was bf by the way (ds was in NICU so expressing).

I can't advise on the pain relief but just wanted to say I had no after pains at all after my second birth (twin vaginal delivery). I had horrendous ones after my first birth but nothing second time round. Just in case you were worried, you may be lucky! Good luck!

I guess suppositorys would be ok. Diclofenac tablets are Not allowed. I'm only just getting used not being able to have certain meds so I'm not sure.

I had a similar problem and was quite worried. I ended up meeting an anaesthetist beforehand to make a pain relief plan which went in my notes. You can have morphine while in hospital. I was also given codeine initially. I cant remember now why i was allowed. Possibly because my milk hadnt come in. Or maybe it was ok in hospital where they could monitor the baby. It is really important to take the paracetamol on a schedule, eg set your alarm to wake up and take it during the night, it works best that way.

I can’t take NSAIDS and I was given paracetamol and dihydrocodeine which a safe when breastfeeding. I was told when I had DD 4 1/2 years ago codeine was safe when BF (I had to take codeine when pregnant) but it seems that advice has changed now.

Have a chat with your anaesthetist: this is not an unusual situation. They will put a long acting agent in your spinal which will give you pain relief even when your spinal has "worn off". They may discuss the pros vs cons of a one off diclofenac suppository-depends if you have an active ulcer or bleeding. Afterwards, they would normally write you up for paracetamol (regular) and oral morphine (that you have to ask for when you need it). Codeine used to be commonly given but it is no longer considered safe for breast feeding women.

I was given tramadol the morning after too, I remember them saying they could only do that the once. Maybe as my milk hadn't come in? Don't worry, they have dealt with lots of people who can't take NSAIDs (allergies, stomach issues, asthma and that).

My stitches were very sore, early baby and I was carrying small so they felt very tight. I was told not to be a hero and take my codeine regularly. Have the regulations changed or something in the last ten years?

Xpost pregnant, thanks. Looks like they have.

I only had paracetamol. It was an emergency, prem, section and it hadn't occurred to me to prepare for a c section as I'd had such an easy labour the first time. So I didn't know other people got anything more! It was painful but I managed.

FWIW, I had terrible afterpains with my first but none with my second (despite preparing myself for them being even worse)

I took co-codamol and was breastfeeding. The codeine does transfer into breastmilk, but only a small amount.

The midwives do not recommend it, but when I told them I was taking it (under recommendation of my FIL doctor) they said to just be careful and limit my use with it.