Post partum perineal swelling (cross posted in Jan DDC)

[Mama2-4]

Hello, Just wondering if anyone has tried this stuff.
http://www.wellinhand.com/newmama/index.html

I have a tendency to swell something horrible after having a baby or any trauma to my perineum. It is to the point where I can not pee and have to have a catheter in for a couple days post partum until the swelling goes away. I have already talked this over with my midwife and she is going to put a cath in right after the placenta comes so I do not have to go through the pain of a swollen bottom and not being able to pee thus having a terribly distended bladder.

Anyway, if anyone has any further advice on reducing the swelling I would love to hear it!

[celynen]

Yikes, I hope it goes better for you this time around.

I sat on a frozen Depends pad for the first 24 hours, which seemed to help.

[sarahn4639]

I'm sure you've looked at the basics, but I made a 1 part alcohol to 2 parts water mix and filled condoms with it, double bagged. The alcohol keeps it flexible so it's more comfy than an ice pack and the shape is good for not freezing your legs and all that too. Perhaps something like that right after birth could keep it in check? Also, I'd get and take homeopathic Arnica immedicately after birth to help with swelling and healing. Best of luck. I had a very difficult recovery with DD too and I'm doing everything I can to avoid it this time! Oh, another thing I'm doing is comfrey leaf, I'm putting it in my pp bath and I also made tea with it and soaked 4x4s to put next to my perineum. Comfrey leaf is supposed to aid in healing as well and I froze them so that could help with swelling.

[lilyblossom]

I haven't gone through it but I've been told a menstral pad soaked in witch hazel and frozen is supposed to be great for that.

Good luck!

[sarahn4639]

Oh yeah, I have those in the freezer too! I'm seriously planning for PP way more than the birth this time around!! I just hope none of us needs it!

[StrawberryFields]

Oh gosh, that sounds terrible!! But a good reminder for the rest of us to stock up on some frozen pads. I am going to make some tonight out of newborn diapers and crushed ice. I wish I had some words of wisdom, but I don't think that I had too much trouble with swelling last time.

[Mama2-4]

: Thank you so much for all the great tips! Any more? Keep em coming!

[applecore]

We take postpartum herbs with us to births that simmer during labor. I know there is comfrey, plantain and calendula, and possibly one more in there. Then we use it to fill a peri bottle, and also soak some pads with it and put them in the freezer for mom. I second the arnica suggestion, too. I'd even take it every 15 minutes for the first few hours if you know you have that tendency.