Postpartum Pain: Common Struggles & What To Do For Pain Relief

Pregnancy is tough, but the challenges don’t stop after giving birth. The postpartum period is filled with as much as discomforts and pains. In this article, we’re helping mamas with a simple guide on relieving postpartum pain. Keep reading, mama!

Whether you gave birth via vaginal delivery or a caesarian section, went all-natural, or opted for an epidural, pain is common after childbirth.

The whole recovery period doesn’t happen in a few days or weeks. While some mamas seem to bounce back in around a month or two, some can take months to feel like themselves again.

Don’t feel bad if you belong to the latter. Your body went through the wringer, and you deserve to recover the best way possible!

If you’ve just given birth and wondering what to do about the postpartum pain you’re dealing with or are just about to pop, you came to the right place. Keep reading as we’re sharing some of the most common issues mamas deal with after giving birth and how to relieve postpartum pain.

Top Tips On How To Relieve Postpartum Pain

Pain #1: Breast Engorgement

After giving birth, it’s common for your breasts to get bigger as your body starts producing breast milk. Usually, it takes 24 to 72 hours for lactation to begin. And together with the increase in your cup size will be tenderness that is often uncomfortable.

In addition, new mamas may often experience breast engorgement when there’s too much milk in the breast.

How To Manage: Keep on breastfeeding your newborn. It’s important to remove milk from your breasts to prevent engorgement, which can lead to more serious concerns like clogged ducts or worse, mastitis.

Pain #2: Sore Nipples

There are many reasons behind sore nipples. However, during the first few days after giving birth, sore nipples are particularly common because you and your little one are still learning the art of breastfeeding. The perfect latch isn’t achieved in one go, so painfully sore nipples are inevitable.

How To Manage: To soothe sore nipples, apply Mama’s Choice Intensive Nipple Cream after nursing to help with the healing process and relieve any pain. If soreness continues, you may want to look into your little one’s latch too, but continue to breastfeed.

Also Read: How To Relieve Breastfeeding Pain

Pain #3: Abdominal Pain

Feeling contractions postpartum is common. The pain often felt on the lower belly is usually called “after pain.” Although the pain is generally dull, mamas may feel some sharpness from time to time.

In some cases, breastfeeding may trigger this pain. This is because nursing triggers contractions that help the uterus return to its usual size.

How To Manage: You may put a hot compress on the abdomen to ease the pain. The American Academy of Pediatrics also recommends emptying your bladder before you start to nurse because “a full bladder will make the cramps more intense.” In addition, they recommend sitting with your legs folded in front of you to relieve pressure. Consider wearing a postpartum corset like our Mama’s Choice Postpartum Adjustable Corset, which can compress the abdomen and provide some relief. In addition, a corset may also help in returning your uterus to its normal size.

Pain #4: Perineum Soreness

During childbirth, the perineum may tear or be cut by your doctor. This often means the area will be sore, swollen, and uncomfortable after birth. But sometimes, even if your perineum wasn’t torn or cut, there is still some tenderness in the area.

How To Manage: Some experts recommend placing or sitting on an ice pack for relief. It’s best to steer clear of tight clothing and strenuous activities.

Pain #5: Constipation

Mamas are often given medication and anesthesia during childbirth that leads to constipation. In addition, such medications often slow down bowels. In some cases, constipation is also because mamas are afraid of their stitches.

How To Manage: Drink plenty of fluids and fiber-rich foods. Alternatively, you may consult your doctor for a stool softener.

Pain #6: Headaches

Did you know that up to 39% of women experience headaches in the first week after childbirth? According to Healthline, these headaches can be due to changes in estrogen levels, stress, lack of sleep, fatigue, and dehydration.

How To Manage: If you experience headaches at home, get some sleep and try some relaxation techniques. Apply cold packs and limit your intake of caffeine. However, if your headache is accompanied by blurry vision, numbness, and weakness, head to the hospital right away as these could be symptoms of preeclampsia, eclampsia or meningitis.

Pain #7: C-section Pain and Itch

For mamas who underwent C-section, you may experience discomfort, fatigue, and itching. You may also experience some soreness on the incision site.

How To Manage: Take it easy and rest as much as you can. Avoid carrying heavy things. If your incision itches, don’t scratch it as it may lead to infection. You may place an ice pack on the wound as well. A belly band or wrap just like our Mama’s Choice Postpartum Adjustable Corset may also work to support the muscles while you are recovering.

The Postpartum Recovery Is Tough, But Mama’s Choice Is Here

Every mama’s postpartum recovery journey is different, but one thing is sure: all mamas need the support of their loved ones and the right products to address these postpartum pains and aches.

Get a 20% Discount on Mama’s Choice Postpartum Adjustable Corset | ~~$19.90~~ $15.90

Let Mama’s Choice Postpartum Adjustable Corset support your abdominal area to hasten your healing. With its targeted yet customizable compression and comfortable yet durable material, mamas can count on our postpartum corset to relieve abdominal pains and backaches and even promote a better postpartum posture.

Meanwhile, there’s Mama’s Choice Intensive Nipple Cream for your breastfeeding journey to soothe sore, dry, and cracked nipples. Our innovative formula combines the best of nature and innovation to create a formula that works without all the harmful chemicals that may harm you and your baby.

Discover a wide range of pregnancy, breastfeeding, and postpartum must-haves that are safe, halal, and natural only at Mama’s Choice. Visit our official Shopee store today!