When Too Much Pain Isn't Normal: A Post-Partum Guide for New Mothers

After giving birth, most women experience some level of pain. It may be from the fatigue of pushing a long time or the exhaustion from labor. You may have pain at the incision site of your c-section or from your episiotomy. After one week of postpartum time when should you worry about your pain?  The short answer is: always. 

 

However,  I can be more detailed to help patients navigate when it's time to call their acupuncturist, midwife or doctor. There are many factors to consider in this decision: was it a vaginal, all natural birth? A vaginal, medicated birth where medication was administered via the spine? Was there vaginal tearing or an episiotomy?  Was it a planned cesarean or an emergency cesarean birth? Was there trauma involved with pain, unexpected events or did your baby experience complications? 

 

During your hospital stay your pain levels should be completely controlled. Once you return home, try to wean off your pain medication as quickly as possible, typically one to two weeks maximum. At that point, depending on how you answered the above birthing questions, you can expect soreness and discomfort for several weeks postpartum. If you have sharp, shooting, burning or stabbing pain you should call your care provider immediately but most likely it's an Acupuncturist who will be able to help you the most.

Some women find that a traumatic birth adds to the psychosomatic aspect of pain,  intensifying it everywhere. First, I'd like to address the word psychosomatic. The definition is: 1 : of, relating to, concerned with, or involving both mind and body ... 2 : of, relating to, involving, or concerned with bodily symptoms caused by mental or emotional disturbance. However, our society tends to interpret psychosomatic as "it's all in your head" or "it's your fault" or "it's not real". Emotionally traumatic birth experiences affect our emotions and make it harder not only to care for your child alone at first, but also make it harder to heal both emotionally and physically. Any compounded, negative emotion that is unresolved will heighten your pain response and need to be addressed either during your acupuncture sessions or with a therapist in talk therapy. 

Chronic pain after giving birth is more common than one would think but it manifests differently in each woman. You want to take the birth itself into consideration, per-existing conditions that also may cause pain, blood loss and emotional support during and after giving birth. Some have pain with intercourse, others have lingering pain in the external genitalia area. Others find they have muscle pain or joint pain. Some women have pain at the site of injections in their spine with an epidural or spinal block. If this doesn't resolve within three weeks on it's own, seek medical attention. If at any time, you have a fever, or a very stiff neck,  call your doctor immediately and be seen.

If you have pain that doesn't resolve within two weeks of birthing or prohibits you from caring for yourself or your baby, get treatment right away. 

First Try Acupuncture: The best form of medicine for pain relief by far is acupuncture. Acupuncture can release naturally occurring endorphins and enkephalins.  Both improve pain tolerance and lift your mood. Acupuncture,  when combined with traditional Chinese herbal medicine, can also repair nerve damage that may have occurred during the birth.  It is most common at site where the needle was inserted for an epidural or a spinal block. Muscle damage and ligament damage is also a possibility.

Try Icing or heating  the area: 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off. If it doesn't feel better try heating the area for the same amount of time.

Baths: As soon as your doctor or midwife gives you the ok, try a warm bath.

Changing posture and supporting with pillows. Women have a lot of changes going on post partum and one thing is for sure, holding, nursing and carrying a baby can put a lot of pressure on your back, neck and arms. Breast feeding adds to postural challenges so be sure to have a supportive chair and bed with props and pillows to help support your body, however you find comfortable.

Massage: Some patients find massage helps relax tight muscles and can alleviate muscular pain.

Herbal Medicine recommended by an Acupuncturist: Ask your Acupuncturist for herbal recommendations based on what type of pain, where your pain is and how long you have had it. Also, be sure to mention if you are breast feeding or not. Traditional Chinese medicine has treated billions of women so their natural medicine tends to be the most efficient and effective herbal medicine available. Herbal medicine can help heal nerve pain (shooting or burning), muscle pain, joint pain or bone pain.

Medication: As a very last resort, sometimes you will need medication to help with post partum pain. Find a doctor who trusts you and work closely with them. The shorter amount of time you are on pain medication, the better due to the high risk of becoming addicted.

 As a partner, friend, husband or relative:  believe her. Comparing your experience with hers, especially if you didn't experience any pain at all, is not helpful right now. Help care for the baby: when the baby cries, you go get the baby and bring it to her. Help her stay mostly in bed for one month. Draw her a bath, and cook all of her meals. Make sure she has water at all times, especially if she is breast feeding since she will most likely be thirsty and it will help keep her milk supply. Reach out to her friends to make more meals. Ask a family member to come and help so she can take naps, and they can do laundry for her. If it feels good to her, rub her back, scalp and feet. Do the grocery shopping or have it delivered. Most of all, tell her you love her and she is doing an amazing job. Be sure you let her know she is not alone, and you will help her get to the bottom of what is causing her pain. Help her schedule doctors appointments and find her the best acupuncturist in town. Be sure you find an L.Ac., as they have over 3,000-4,000 hours of training compared healthcare providers who also do acupuncture only may have 100 hours. 

Need an herbal consult for postpartum pain or other health problems. Just give us a call and we can help you. We have over 20 years and thousands of treatment success stories.