I Just Had a Baby and Everything Hurts
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How to soothe your postpartum body when it feels like motherhood hit you with a truck
Childbirth: it's kind of a big deal. Whether you gave birth vaginally or via Cesarean, with an epidural or without, another human being just came out of your body.
There is quite a range of bodily discomforts that you may discover after the strenuous task of giving birth, and it's completely normal to experience at least a couple of them. Here are a few tips to help you ease your aches and pains while recovering from birth.
1. WHY AM I STILL HAVING CONTRACTIONS AFTER GIVING BIRTH?
Just when you thought it was over – more contractions! It's very common to feel these as your uterus contracts in order to shrink back to its normal size. It is also common for them to get worse after subsequent births. They usually only last a couple of days.
Ideas:
- Empty bladder often
- Lie down with a hot water bottle on the affected area
- After Ease tincture from WishGarden
2. HOW DO I GET RID OF HEMORRHOIDS?
Hemorrhoids, swollen varicose veins in the rectal area, can be extremely painful and are unfortunately common after pushing out a baby! Rest, hydration, and nutrition are essential, but there are some other things you can do to help as well.
Ideas:
- Natural Calm, a magnesium-calcium drink I absolutely swear by. It helps with lots of things, since many people are magnesium-deficient, but helping you have comfortable bowel movements is one of the best perks.
Natural Vitality Natural Calm plus Magnesium-Calcium Drink, Raspberry Lemon, 16 Ounce
- Tucks pads – these are great to wipe with after using the bathroom, or to put on top of your pad.
- Soak the affected area in a sitz bath.
3. MY VAGINA IS SORE AFTER GIVING BIRTH!
I feel ya! An infant just came out of there! Thankfully there are some things to help soothe the soreness while you recover.
Ideas:
- Sit on a donut pillow or breastfeeding pillow, especially if you have stitches, to keep the weight and pressure off the sore area.
- Squeeze warm water onto yourself with a peri bottle during urination to get rid of the sting
- Make padsicles! Or, have your postpartum doula make them for you!
4. I ACHE ALL OVER AFTER GIVING BIRTH!
You just used a lot of muscles you didn't even know you had...you're going to be a little sore in the morning with some general aches and pains. It'll pass soon with a little TLC!
Ideas:
- Rest, rest, and more rest! You should be doing nothing but lying in bed resting with baby for several days.
- Epsom salt baths. A hot soak does wonders for a tired body and the epsom salts add extra healing power. You can even have baby on your chest while you lie there (make sure water isn't too hot for baby) to enjoy some great skin to skin time.
- Arnica cream is a popular topical remedy for strains and bruises.
Have a happy postpartum!
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Source: New feed