Afterpains...yowch, guys. « Back to Group Discussions

[rudhaen]

Are they really worse with subsequent births?  Because I do not remember this degree of hurt from last time.  Every time my adorable tiny baby nurses I brace myself for a world of hurt in the form of INTENSE uterine contractions. It is sadly sucking out a lot of the joy, at least of early nursing cuddles.

How are you all feeling who have just given birth?  What about ladies who have already had multiple births?  Any advice on how to deal with them?

Thanks!

[seaheroine]

OUCH is right!  Mine were incredibly, awfully worse after number two compared to my first.  I don't know if they worsen with each baby, but it is what I've heard.  After last time, I was saying someone would need to bring me some prescription motrin or something if I had another baby.  I thought the afterpains were worse than giving birth.  I think last time I took ibuprofen, but it didn't do much.  Maybe a heating pad would help?

Wish I could help!  I'll be right there with you soon. 
 

[Tbutton]

I'm right there with you. It's been five days, and I can tell they're getting much better now. The first few days were the worst- nursing the baby, smelling the baby, looking at the baby, etc sent me into wicked cramping. I don't remember anything like this from the last time. I don't have any tried and true advice, unfortunately. I read that keeping your uterus balled up tight at all times would lessen the pain and that you should just massage your uterus as often as possible by pushing down on your fundus. I tried and couldn't get the hang of it. Every time I did it, I just sent myself into the pain I was trying to avoid. Maybe I wasn't doing it often enough? I think red raspberry leaf tea is supposed to help too, but I don't have any on hand to try, and I'm not ready to venture out yet . Hopefully someone else can help, but I just wanted to say I feel your pain!!

[2sweetgrrls]

Oh yes. I didn't have them at all with #1, with #2 I was trying to be brave, but by the next morning I was asking for motrin...with #3, I was in tears when she nursed around 2 hours old and I didn't hesitate to get the motrin and take it as needed for the first few days. I won't be avoiding it this go-round either, that's for sure. I did a lot of uterine massage with #3 at the advice of my midwife but like Tbutton said, it just seemed to make the cramping worse instead of better. I wish I had better advice!

[newbie_mary]

Yikes!!  I had them pretty bad with my FIRST child...now I'm worried what it will be like this time!!

[broodymama]

Ouch!  The afterpains got worse for me each time, I'm not looking forward to them this time around!  I have Afterease tincture and ibuprofen on hand again, that's what got me through them the last few times.

[aruss]

I found that massaging my uterus really helped. I've got the belly binding thing this time and I'm hoping it will provide the pressure for me. Also, lots of pain killers! It only lasts a few days.

[AnahataChakra]

Ok I have been thinking about this and my plan since I found out I was pregnant with number 3, with 1 they were annoying, with two I felt like I was in labor for the two days after the birth waking in the middle of the night with them, sweating profusely, crying...umm it sucked and I was taking lots of ibuprofen and cramp bark tincture and placenta...this time I am going to try motrin(is that any different?) and cal mag liquid(someone told me it helped).   I am still a little scared and bracing myself for torture...I would love more tips...
 

[birthjunkiemom]

Oh, yes.  Considering that I have pretty easy labors until the last few contractions- with the last 3 children the afterpains were FAR worse than the labors- and it did get worse each time.  I asked my midwife today what meds I would be taking home for them.  LOL.  She said they'll give me percocet in the hospital and a prescription for percocet and high strenth motrin to go home with me. 

[PatchChild]

#2 is here and ouch! They rock me much more this time around. I'd also conveniently forgotten that initial latch pain that happens when they nurse a lot. Youch! I know she's latching we'll but oh my, that first minute combining nipple pain and uterine pain is violent.

[rudhaen]

Originally Posted by PatchChild 

#2 is here and ouch! They rock me much more this time around. I'd also conveniently forgotten that initial latch pain that happens when they nurse a lot. Youch! I know she's latching we'll but oh my, that first minute combining nipple pain and uterine pain is violent.

I hear you!  That tiny mouth can really bring the pain!  I think I must have some of the most sensitive nipples on the planet, but both this time and last time I have been left almost incapacitated by the nipple pain of the first few days.

Thanks to everyone for their suggestions and experience!

I ended up taking a bit of ibuprofen, but it didn't really do anything.  It hardly ever does unless I take a LOT and I'm not sure I want to be doing that right now.  I'm trying to just tough it out with lots of hot showers and a belly band that i keep really tight.  It definitely does help my back, especially when I have to be upright.  The uterine contractions are definitely lessening now, and my bleeding seems to be slowing wayyy down as well, so there is light and hope and ends of tunnels and rainbows.  Plus babies are really cute, so when I get too down I try to spend some time kissing those chubby little cheeks!

[itsajenism]

I don't know how I forgot about the after pains! Especially with this being baby #3. Ack... 

[autumngrey]

The nurses kept asking me if I needed pain medication and I couldn't figure out why but now I'm beginning to understand. I did have a shot of pitocin, and every 15 mins to 2 hours for the first half day they mashed on my fundus. I assumed to check for bleeding but maybe it had some beneficial side effects. At first THAT hurt but after a few times, no pain.

Initial latch nipple pain on the other hand, even though it's only a quick shot of pain, isn't so fun. No discomfort otherwise, so I'm counting my blessings.

I don't know if we'll have another child but now I'm nervous for these afterbirth pains! Mama amnesia doesn't erase what I've *read*!

[Ms Rabbit]

Ugh... afterpains! I fear them more than actual labour. I remember lying in bed the first few nights pp with DS2, curling up my toes, rolling into the fetal position and crying like a baby they hurt so bad! I am *so* not a pill popper for anything, but I think I might end up taking something after this baby. I also bought a hot water bottle, hopefully that might bring relief.

[venusthrow]

yep they really hampered breastfeeding my odd because it just  hurt so much. Subsequent deliveries I took as much medication to take the edge off the pain

[organicviolin]

Arnica baby! That's what I'll be taking. That's what I did last time and it helped a lot

[birthjunkiemom]

I never would've thought about Arnica. I bought some for perineal swelling, but I'll try it along with my Percocet.

[birthjunkiemom]

I never would've thought about Arnica. I bought some for perineal swelling, but I'll try it along with my Percocet.

[itsajenism]

Originally Posted by organicviolin 

Arnica baby! That's what I'll be taking. That's what I did last time and it helped a lot

Oh, good call! Forgot all about Arnica. 

[AnahataChakra]

Does arnica help?  Hmm I have taken it with both but didn't think it was for my uterus and I guess it didn't help me...hmm maybe more this time! 

Also I want to know if you guys think motrin worked better than ibuprofin?  Trying to decide if I should go buy some motrin or just use what we have at home.