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Dealing with Afterpains

post #1 of 16
3/1/10 at 7:43pm
Thread Starter 
Well, I'm due pretty soon here, and have been having some cramps and such and it reminded me of the after-pains last time. They were at *least* as bad had the labor! Sooooo... anyone have suggestions on how to deal with them herbally or homeopathically or something? Last time I ended up taking ibuprofen or something, but I hate taking that kind of thing. Are there other options or ways to make them less severe?
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post #2 of 16
3/1/10 at 7:50pm
I'm a big fan of ibuprofen + hydration + heat packs. A couple of premade rice packs will suit nicely for labor and do a good job post partum as well.
post #3 of 16
3/1/10 at 8:34pm
I'm sure there has to be a better way. I used some Afterease for my last baby and that seemed to help some in the first few hours - but the next day I tried belly binding and WOWZERS - nothing could touch the pain with my stomach bound. I ripped the bandage off my abdomen in tears and took some ibuprofen. I honestly think after pains are WAY worse than labor. I do think they're more manageable with heat - and I'm going to overdo the Afterease with this next baby (#5).

Good luck!
post #4 of 16
3/1/10 at 9:30pm
I had DD au naturel but I caved with ibuprofen for the afterbirth pains. I braved it out during the first few days but just could not take it anymore. That was the first time in a loooooong while (years) that I had Ibuprofen.
post #5 of 16
3/1/10 at 9:35pm
Thread Starter 
LOL this is *not* encouraging, ladies.

I agree - it's worse than labor... or at least as bad, but you don't get the good (baby) at the end...
post #6 of 16
3/1/10 at 9:39pm
LOL. Sorry for being a negative nellie.
Maybe mine was partly because I was so not expecting it. I did not have much for after birth pains with DS so the ones I had with DD caught me off guard. It actually took me a while to realize that they were afterbirth pains.
post #7 of 16
3/1/10 at 9:51pm
Stuff hurts worse when you're tired - you just aren't on your game the way you would be when you're rested. Also, when you're out and about and distracted, stuff hurts less. Post partum is pretty much baby-enforced sittin' around + exhaustion. I can't think of a better recipe for irritating levels of pain from something that wouldn't phase you otherwise.

I recommend ibuprofen for the pain killing effects AND the anti inflammatory effects. Some post partum pain is from perineal swelling in excess of the helpful type. Plus muscle soreness from pushing. It's a 3-in-1 tool that is safe for mom and babe. I am interested in other tips, tho!
post #8 of 16
3/1/10 at 10:27pm
Thread Starter 
I found these:

http://www.brighthub.com/health/alte...les/29438.aspx
http://www.ehow.com/how_2303563_ease...th-pains-.html

Anyone tried that stuff?
post #9 of 16
3/1/10 at 10:41pm
I have crampbark and motherwort on hand to use. However, I'm planning on using them in ADDITION to the ibuprofen.
post #10 of 16
3/1/10 at 10:43pm
Thread Starter 
hmm... I guess I should probably make sure we have some ibuprofen in the house, eh? Just in case...
post #11 of 16
3/1/10 at 10:46pm
Consider it your $2 insurance policy.
post #12 of 16
3/1/10 at 10:53pm
Can anyone suggest anything for someone who *can't* take ibuprofen? I can't take any kind of NSAID, so am up the creek if there's nothing that works even close to it.

Is Afterease worth looking into?
post #13 of 16
3/1/10 at 10:56pm
My preceptor uses crampbark tincture, dosed every 2 hours.
post #14 of 16
3/2/10 at 1:38pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by JorgieGirl View Post
Can anyone suggest anything for someone who *can't* take ibuprofen? I can't take any kind of NSAID, so am up the creek if there's nothing that works even close to it.

Is Afterease worth looking into?
Definitely try the Afterease. I was only diligent about taking it for the immediate post-partum and honestly I DID sleep well the first night. It was the next day when I tried to tough it on my own that the pains were more than I could handle.

Baby #5 is due in July and I will be stocking up and using Afterease more consistently.
post #15 of 16
3/3/10 at 2:08pm
I just read something about Secale 200c???
post #16 of 16
3/3/10 at 3:00pm
With certain things I will jump right to the strongest thing in my arsenal. With my first, I had after pains, for the most part, I managed it without medication. With my second, it was as bad as the labour. I took about 1000mg of Advil and curled up in bed fetal position for a few hours. I wasn't going through labour twice in two days. lol I've only given birth in hospitals, but they bring you the Tylenol and Advil right after delivery and tell you to switch every two hours if needed. First child, I didn't think that was necessary, second child, I saw the logic.

Really, I agree with the PP who mentioned that you're tired, your body has already been through the ringer, even moreso if you've given birth without pain meds. In my way of thinking, I've been strong, I've delivered this baby, I have to rest as much as possible to make milk and feed around the clock, I'm going to be wiping noses, cleaning wounds, making cookies, helping with projects and doing laundry for the next 18 years or so, I'm giving myself this pain relief. *G*
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