Recovering from a vaginal delivery can be far more painful than some people think. This is especially true if you’ve had a traumatic delivery: a third degree tear, for example. Thankfully, there are a few things you can do to ease your discomfort and speed your postpartum recovery.
Peri bottles and softeners
Going to the bathroom after delivering a baby is painful. Hospitals will usually provide you with a peri bottle to use during such occasions and to take home with you. A peri bottle is simply a plastic bottle with a squirt cap. You use it to squirt warm water on yourself while urinating. This simple tactic is surprisingly effective at easing the discomfort.
You should, after a day or two postpartum also have your first bowel movement. To ease the unpleasantness, it is wise to take a stool softener sometime during your second day postpartum. Softeners are not laxatives, they will not make you go. They simply make it easier to go when you have to.
Easing the swelling
Now that your cervix has not only dilated to 10cm, but pushed out a baby, things are going to be a little uncomfortable down there for a while. There is a good chance you will experience swelling in that area. There are very two simple things that are rather effective in reducing that.
The first is frozen pads. Most hospitals keep a healthy stock in their freezers, but when you are at home, here’s what to do. Buy the super, overnight pads, get them slightly wet and put them in the freezer for a few hours. Once they are sufficiently frozen, place one in your undies as you would normally. This is handy since you’ll need to wear a pad anyway, only now it will help to ease the swelling as well.
The second thing you can do is use Red Rose tea bags. As strange as it sounds, it works. Use them within a few hours after delivery to get the full effect. Simply soak four to six red rose tea bags in water, it doesn’t have to be boiling. Once they are thoroughly soaked, gently place them in your underwear so that they are touching the entire swollen area. The best time to do this is when you sleep, since you won’t be moving around. Take them out after a few hours, either when you wake up or go to the bathroom next. This will typically reduce the swelling by at least half and usually does not need to be repeated.
Stretching sore muscles used during pushing
You may not have realized it before, but delivering a baby is one heck of an exercise. Afterwards all kinds of muscles ache. Some of the most commonly sore muscles are in your back, hips, arms, and legs, depending what position you used to push. There are a few simple stretches you can do, even in a hospital bed that will help ease the tension:
sitting with your back straight and doing shoulder rolls
stretching each arm across your chest and holding for ten seconds
pelvic tilts in bed
when you do stand up, bend over for five to ten seconds to loosen your back muscles, then stand straight and try pulling your shoulders back for ten seconds
You can also use a heating pad on your back and hips while you are in bed. Just be sure to take breaks, since you do not want to overheat.
Don’t forget about your perineum too. Continue doing Kegels postpartum. This will help to rebuild your perineum and reduce incontinence.
Water, water and more water
Water is liquid gold; the miracle fluid. Water may not seem very appealing, since it means you’ll have to get up more often to pee, but it is what your body needs. You need water to keep you hydrated, help with milk production and return your body to its functioning self. The more you drink, the better. klik logistics
The best part of the postpartum period is spending it with your baby. While you are in recovery make sure you spend a good amount of time resting. This includes cuddling your baby. Holding your precious little one will help release endorphens, making you feel better despite the pain.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be used for diagnosis or to guide treatment without the opinion of a health professional. Any reader who is concerned about his or her health should contact a doctor for advice.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be used for diagnosis or to guide treatment without the opinion of a health professional. Any reader who is concerned about his or her health should contact a doctor for advice.