Breast Pain
The production of breast milk begins following childbirth, which can lead to sensations of warmth, fullness, and tingling in the breasts. Breastfeeding is considered the most effective way to alleviate discomfort and inflammation in this area. It is recommended to apply warm compresses to the breasts and avoid using a bottle to express milk unless the infant is unable to breastfeed directly. Expressing milk can stimulate the body to produce more, potentially increasing pain; whereas breastfeeding helps to regulate the amount of milk produced throughout the day.
Vaginal Pain
Pain from vaginal tearing or episiotomy during delivery can last for several weeks, depending on the degree of injury. To alleviate this pain, the following measures can be beneficial:
- Sitting on a cushion.
- Using a bottle to apply warm water to the perineum during urination.
- Taking over-the-counter pain relief medications.
- Soaking in a warm bath for several minutes.
- Applying cold packs to the affected area.
Persistent Contractions
Women may continue to experience contractions in the days immediately following labor, akin to menstrual cramps. These contractions play a role in reducing postpartum bleeding by compressing blood vessels in the uterus and are more frequently noted during breastfeeding due to the release of the hormone oxytocin.
Muscle Pain
While the lower body is often thought to be the only area affected by muscle pain, it is important to note that muscle discomfort can occur throughout the entire body during the postpartum period. This can include pelvic and leg pain, often due to prolonged leg positioning during labor, as well as back pain in women who received epidurals or if pressure was applied to the back during delivery. There are several strategies to alleviate this pain, including:
- Taking warm baths.
- Massaging the body.
- Engaging in stretching and gentle movement exercises.
- Consulting a physician for possible pain relief medications.
Additional Postpartum Symptoms
Along with postpartum pain, women may encounter various issues such as:
- constipation, which can be managed by drinking plenty of fluids and consuming fiber-rich foods. Some laxatives may be used under a doctor’s supervision.
- diarrhea, occurring due to muscle relaxation during childbirth; treatment depends on the underlying cause.
- skin and hair changes, including thinning hair in the first three months post-delivery due to hormonal fluctuations.
- vaginal discharge, which is more common in the weeks following childbirth.
References
- ^ Robin Elise Weiss (March 15, 2019). “How to Get Relief for Postpartum Pain”. www.verywellfamily.com. Retrieved April 3, 2019.
- ^ “Labor and delivery, postpartum care”. www.mayoclinic.org. November 5, 2018. Retrieved April 6, 2019.
- ^ “Labor and Delivery Recovery After Vaginal Birth”. www.webmd.com. November 21, 2017. Retrieved April 3, 2019.