Coping with Pain & Discomfort

Pain and discomfort can occur after giving birth, but every mother’s experience is unique. There are a number of issues common to all new mothers. Your uterus contracts after delivery during the healing process, so you may experience some cramping. You may also have pain from your episiotomy stitches or C-section incision. Medicine prescribed by your doctor should relieve your pain and using other comfort measures such as relaxation, rest and sleep are also helpful. Call your doctor if medicine and rest do not relieve pain.

Taking Care of Your Perineum

You may have stitches in the perineum (the area between your vagina and anus) to heal from your delivery. Perform this daily care for this area until the discomfort goes away, usually in 7-10 days:

• Use sanitary pads and change them frequently. DO NOT USE TAMPONS.
• Fill a "squeeze bottle" with warm water and rinse the area every time you go to the bathroom.
• Soak in a tub of warm water for about 15 minutes two or three times a day.
• Ask your doctor for medicated ointment for the area.

Vaginal Discharge (Lochia)

After delivery, you may experience a bloody discharge called lochia that lasts for a few weeks. As you continue to heal, the discharge will lighten in color to a creamy tone and then clear. If you are too active, it will return to a bright red color and become heavy. Limit your activity until your vaginal discharge clears.

Post-Cesarean Delivery (C-Section) Care

Following a Cesarean delivery, it is likely you will experience pain or discomfort from your incision in addition to the other common physical and emotional postpartum changes. To ensure fast and complete healing, avoid strenuous activities until the stitches are removed or dissolved. Walking is fine but keep the pace slow and avoid steep inclines and stairs if possible. Also, take showers instead of soaking or bathing, and pat the incision dry. DO NOT RUB THE INCISION.

Do not wear tight clothing and be sure the area around your incision stays dry and has air circulating around it.

Report any redness, swelling, bleeding, odor, drainage or increasing pain to your doctor.