PARENTHOOD.IE

You probably have a good idea of the pain during child birth, but few consider the afters. Hormones will kick in and you will have your baby in your arms, for most the aches and pains that come along with that are hardly worth considering.

Pains in breasts and nipples

After about three to four days your breasts will feel full and engorged. They will be very tender and your nipples contracting can be very painful. It will happen even if you choose to bottle feed, since the milk producing hormones kick in automatically after birth.

If you are breastfeeding just keep at it, the tenderness will ease up after a few weeks or less. If you choose to bottle feed, watch out for severe pain, ask your GP what to take for the pain and use a good and soft bra.

Heavy bleeding

Any hospital bag packing list will tell you to pack extra absorbent pads for the bleeding after birth, which will happen even if you had a caesarian. This is a discharge called Lochia, which contains blood, placenta tissue and mucus, and will continue for about four to six weeks.

The first few days the bleeding will be very heavy, compared to a heavy period. After about seven to ten days, the discharge will be more pink or brown, even yellowy in colour. If there are any drastic changes, such as more bleeding, strong smells or clots in the discharge, contact your GP to rule out a possible infection.

Abdomen cramps

Because the uterus starts shrinking after birth, you might experience cramping similar to your period pains. Particularly in relation to a caesarian, the cramping could be quite painful and you might need painkillers. As with period pains, rest and warmth will also help.

Stitches after labour

If you had any tearing or had to have episiotomy, a cut by the doctor, you will get stitches immediately after labour. Depending on where the tearing occurred your discomfort will vary. Something cool, like a bag of frozen peas, bag with crushed ice or a gel pad can be used for some relief. Wrap the cold item in a clean towel and hold it to your stitches.

In most cases the stitches heal quickly, but might feel itchy and tight while they heal. Keep the area of the stitches clean, but avoid cleaning it with scented soaps or shower creams.

The stitches should be heal within three to four weeks. If you don't feel your stitches or the torn area healing properly, contact your GP to rule out an infection.

Toilet fear and constipation

Gong to the toilet after birth can be a bit traumatic, particularly if you had a vaginal birth. Your vaginal area can feel swollen and bruised after birth, and you might fear having more pain. If you had a episiotomy, tore naturally during birth or had stitches your fear will probably increase.

Your biggest fear will probably getting your stitches dirty or that they burst. A bottle of water that you pour down between your legs as you go to the toilet, will relieve and soothe the swelling and the sting of urine on your stitches. You can also press a sanitary towel or wet and clean facecloth against the stitches for support, while you go to the toilet.

An important precaution is to talk to your GP about constipation that often follows giving birth. You can get supplements or just keep an eye on your diet and liquid intake. Get started with your pelvic floor exercises as soon as possible, to shape up the muscles in your vagina and avoid incontinence.