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Home › Articles › Mom's Physical Health › Healing "Down There" After Delivery

Healing "Down There" After Delivery

Recovering After C-section and Episiotomy

By Katherine Bontrager

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A Pain in the Rear
A final pain for moms who've had both C-section and vaginal deliveries is hemorrhoids. Because of this, stool softeners should be a routine part of postpartum care for all deliveries, Dr. Wilcox says. Topical creams, wipes, suppositories and Sitz baths can also bring relief.

"Trying to reduce the pressure placed on the rectum by lying on one's side, avoiding sitting upright for extended periods of time (as opposed to lying in a recumbent position), using a donut pillow and even lying on one's stomach may also help to relieve the pain caused by hemorrhoids," Dr. Wilcox says.

And even if hemorrhoids weren't present right after giving birth, they can show up in the weeks following delivery. So while the body is slowly healing itself, new moms need to make sure they're not straining too much when going to the bathroom.

"Keeping the stool soft and avoiding constipation is very important," Dr. Wilcox says. "Stool softeners, milk of magnesia, natural fiber supplements and other natural substances such as prunes, apples and fish oil tablets may all aid in promoting regularity. It's very important to remember that pain medications, including ibuprofen, may slow the bowel function so paying attention to what one eats is very important. Avoiding fatty foods and increasing water and fiber are all helpful."

So be it warm baths, creams, pads, sprays or pain pills, all moms need to do whatever it takes to help themselves heal. After all, your little one needs you to be at your best to tackle this brand-new adventure!

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