Revisiting afterpains thread...

[RainCoastMama]

Cuz I'm very sleep deprived and can't find it

I didn't have ANYTHING with birth #1, but didn't know that subsequent births produced some WICKED afterpains! They actually give out Tylenol 3s at the hospital - I can't have them as I'm allergic to codeine - but was on a dose cocktail of 2 acetominophen (sp) and 2 ibuprofins. The pains feel like contractions all over again, especially since DD is vigorously BFing.

What are people using effectively?

Thanks

Dee

[BensMom]

I bought some Afterease tincture on the recommendation of my MWs and this site. Maybe you can find some at a health food store nearby?

Good luck, I didnt have any with DS, and I hear the 2nd time is a doozy!

[MamaFern]

i was just going to have advil extra strength for it.. i hope thats enuff! i didnt have any afterpains with elwynn but ive been hearing a LOT about them with the 2nd.. i hope you feel better soon!

[Queen of Cups]

After my first I had intense afterpains so I'm expecting them in full force this time. Just try to "stay ahead" of the pain - take any pain medications regularly, not once you already are in pain because then its too late. As I told the nurses last time, "I do natural childbirth - I don't do natural cramps."

I hope you feel better soon!

[zjande]

I had them terribly last time, too, & what worked best for me was the hot water bottle. I would *not* sit down to breastfeed without filling it up with fresh hot water 1st, for like 2 weeks. I even just bought a new one a few days ago since the old one was leaking & I plan on using the same method again this time. In allll my early PP pictures there is that darn red, hot water bottle against my belly. I felt like it worked better for me than the pain meds I was given.

[Gunter]

I am having some pretty intense ones...more so yesterday than today though...and using AfterEase by Wish Garden which is like instant help! I ordered it with my birth kit. Thank god!

200mg Advil but haven't taken as much today as I did right after the birth, plus I had stiches b/c I tore a little.

Rescue Remedy helps with the intensity from BFing causing the pains.

[SoggyGranolaMomma]

Gosh, at least your hospital is HUMANE and offered APAP#3, I didn't even get the option!!

I just alternated ESAPAP and Motrin and I just endured. I agree, they hurt as bad as some labor pains and yes, even moreso when she was nursing!

Congrats to you! I'm just getting a few minutes to check in with everyone!!

[gratefulbambina]

I ordered Afterease also. You can take up to 800 mg of Motrin/Ibuprofin. Thats what the prescribed amt is

[SoggyGranolaMomma]

You can take up to 800 mg of Motrin/Ibuprofin

Ayup! I always take 4 of those bad boys. Psssssshh to those crazy providers who suggest "200mg".

[kel]

My midwife recommended Tylenol, instead of Ibuprofen, because of it's anti-inflammatory qualities. This being my 4th I am also having horrible afterpains when she nurses. For me I don't think the Tylenol helps much, but my midwife gave me some Crampbark tincture to try today and I took 5 drops in water right before I nursed and it really did seem to make an immediate difference in the intensity of the pain. I also second the hot water bottle.