How to Treat Postpartum Pain
Cushion where you sit., Use an ice pack., Irrigate the area while you urinate., Take over-the-counter pain medication for contractions.
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Cushion where you sit.
It’s normal to experience slight tearing of your perineum during childbirth, or have an episiotomy.
Ease soreness by sitting on a pillow, cushion, or a padded ring.Get creative
- you can use a circular neck cushion for flying, a small innertube pool toy, or anything that pads where you sit.
Don’t be embarrassed about carrying it around with you. -
Step 2: Use an ice pack.
Place a cool pack or bag of ice over the wound to reduce swelling and improve pain.
If you use ice, wrap it in a clean towel first – don’t press the ice directly onto your skin.Try dampening a clean cloth or pad with chilled witch hazel.
Hold it in place over the wound with a fresh sanitary napkin. , Urine can sting the wound when you pee.
Use a squeeze bottle to pour warm (not hot) water over the area while you urinate.
This will flush the area and help to alleviate stinging and soreness., It’s natural to experience menstrual cramp-like contractions for a few days after delivery.
Talk to your doctor about taking OTC pain medicine to alleviate these.
Some non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen (Advil), Aspirin, or acetaminophen (Tylenol) can improve mild pain.
Be sure to discuss this with your doctor or OB/GYN first, and let them know if you’re breastfeeding or if you have any medical conditions.Do not take aspirin if you are breastfeeding. -
Step 3: Irrigate the area while you urinate.
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Step 4: Take over-the-counter pain medication for contractions.
Detailed Guide
It’s normal to experience slight tearing of your perineum during childbirth, or have an episiotomy.
Ease soreness by sitting on a pillow, cushion, or a padded ring.Get creative
- you can use a circular neck cushion for flying, a small innertube pool toy, or anything that pads where you sit.
Don’t be embarrassed about carrying it around with you.
Place a cool pack or bag of ice over the wound to reduce swelling and improve pain.
If you use ice, wrap it in a clean towel first – don’t press the ice directly onto your skin.Try dampening a clean cloth or pad with chilled witch hazel.
Hold it in place over the wound with a fresh sanitary napkin. , Urine can sting the wound when you pee.
Use a squeeze bottle to pour warm (not hot) water over the area while you urinate.
This will flush the area and help to alleviate stinging and soreness., It’s natural to experience menstrual cramp-like contractions for a few days after delivery.
Talk to your doctor about taking OTC pain medicine to alleviate these.
Some non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen (Advil), Aspirin, or acetaminophen (Tylenol) can improve mild pain.
Be sure to discuss this with your doctor or OB/GYN first, and let them know if you’re breastfeeding or if you have any medical conditions.Do not take aspirin if you are breastfeeding.
About the Author
Lori Morgan
Enthusiastic about teaching hobbies techniques through clear, step-by-step guides.
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