Afterpains

[AlwaysByMySide]

Nobody warned me that with baby #3, my nonexistant afterpains from births 1 & 2 would hit me so hard!

In the hospital, the nurses kept telling me that they were handing out Percocets all day and night...mine certainly weren't bad enough to be asking for Percocet! They DO hurt though, but only when I'm nursing, which is obviously causing my uterus to contract.

Is there a natural "remedy" that will help this along, or do I just need to tough it out? Those who have been there, done that, how long can I expect them to last?

[sarahn4639]

Mine were terrible this time. I had one that lasted more than 5 minutes and made me cry! My MW recommended ibuprofen 600mg every 6 hours. She said it helped with the pain but it also works with prostiglandins and what not to make them not as strong or something. Anyway, I was desparate enough to use it for the first 2ish days. They were better after that but weren't gone until until probably the 4th or 5th day. A heating pad helped too as well as movign through them like I did in labor. I hope they don't last too long for you, they sure do suck!

[sarahn4639]

Oh, there is a tincture called After Ease, I don't remember who it's through right now and don't know anyone who's used it but I'm getting some for my next birth so I'm prepared!

[camille76]

Oh man, I hear ya!!! I remember being surprised with #3 and how they hurt! I never had that with #1 or #2. It was really shocking! I can't say how long it lasted... maybe a 2-3 days. I don't really remember, but I DO remember how much it hurt and thinking how ridiculous it was especially since I don't get an epidural & felt jipped because I already felt contractions! I thought my work was done!! :

I hope yours go away soon. This will be #4 for me, so I am dreading it. I know it will happen again... I just hope it won't be even worse this time! Last time i declined the pain meds (I think tylenol or something basic) they offered after the fact just because the nurses kept trying to push pills on me after the birth. But this time, I may take something for the afterpains, we'll see.