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POSTPARTUM AFTER-PAINS
After the baby is born and the placenta is expelled, the uterus continues to contract as it returns to its normal, non-pregnant size. If you have had two or more births, you may experience intense pain, sometimes worse than labor, with these after-birth contractions. It is unusual to have after-pains with the first birth, but it can happen.
Menstrual cramp pain medication may be used to relieve the pain.
To prevent after-pains, a daily dose of 5 drops of Liferoot (Senecio aureus) tincture in water for two to four weeks preceding the birth can be used. It relieves even the most intense menstrual cramping if taken two weeks before the flow.
Resting in bed for several days after the birth and making frequent trips to the bathroom to urinate, keeping the bladder empty, keeps the uterus firm and low in the pelvis. This helps prevent blood clots and pooling blood - both of which increase after-pains.
Breastfeeding produces a rhythmic nipple stimulation by your newborn baby, even before the milk comes in, that is soothing and reassuring to both of you, and helps your uterus to contract smoothly and quickly. Breastfeeding lessens the duration of the after-pains, but may increase the intensity.
One or two cups of Ground Ivy leaf infusion daily eases after-pains and promotes good uterine tone.
Catnip leaves (Nepeta cataria) is a well known menstrual cramp reliever. It relieves cramps and spasms of the uterus and keeps the after-flow moving out easily and clot free, relaxes tension, and acts as a very effective pain killer. Several different preparations are successful: tea, tincture, or even catnip cigarettes. The tea is pleasant tasting and may be drunk freely. The effect of catnip tincture is cumulative, second and subsequent doses may make you sleepy or non-functional. 10-30 drops is the usual dose. Catnip cigarettes act quickly if you inhale deeply.
An after-pain combination infusion is another option: 1 ounce dried Cramp Bark or Black Haw Root Bark
1/2 ounce dried Blue Cohosh Root
1/4 ounce dried Hops Flowers
Infuse herbs in a one quart jar filled with boiling water and sealed well. After 8 hours, strain out herbs and refrigerate liquid.
Cramp Bark or Black Haw is specific for relieving the pain of uterine contractions after the birth or during menstrual flow. Blue Cohosh helps the uterus regain its pre-pregnancy condition quickly and reduces pain. Hops is soothing, sleeping-inducing, milk producing pain killer.
Reheat the brew and sip it throughout the day and night, or as needed, to ease pain and encourage rest. A little salt is recommended to improve the taste.
Motherwort herb (Leonurus cardiaca) helps to relieve after-pains and tones the uterus and eases the nervous system. Preparation and dosage is quite variable. Tincture or tea may be used. The tincture dosage is 5-20 drops in a glass of water. Begin with low dosage and see if it works before trying the higher dosage for noticeable effects. One cup of the tea is all that is tolerable since the taste is quite bitter. You may decide the cramps are not so bad after tasting the remedy.
OTHER SUGGESTIONS FOR AFTER-PAIN RELIEF
(Since not any one thing will work for every birthing mom.)
30c Homeopathic Arnica works for most but when it doesn't, a strong tea out of valerian, chamomile, and shepherds purse that seems to work great.
Homeopathic Mag. Phos. for afterpains with good results.
Chamomile is quite amazing for helping with afterbirth pains and menstrual cramps. The results are almost immediate. It is also useful for cranky babies. Caution: Don't use too soon after birth as it relaxes the uterus and can cause an increase in bleeding. Don't give chamomile until about 8 to 12 hours after the birth, depending on need and bleeding.
Motherwort tincture for after-birth pains. The mothers think it really helps better than the drugs.
St. John's Wort tincture or tea for after pains has good results. Dosage varies,Some women may want to drink the tea, 1/2 cup just about every hour or as needed. Mix it with raspberry leaf tea (a uterine toner).
Afterease tincture or calcium, hot water bottles or heating pads, and have the mom lay on her stomach with a pillow underneath her lying in the fetal position.
Over the counter medications such as Aleve (anaprox sodium), Advil (ibuprofen) or Tylenol (acetaminophen). Ibuprofen, 800 mg every 4-6 hours or 2 extra strength Tylenol and 2 ibuprofen (Advil) at the same time, then reduce dosage. Lay the mom on her tummy, maybe with hot water bottle under tummy. Keep that bladder empty.
Afterbirth pains, in fact any fixed, stabbing pain, is characterized in Chinese medicine as blood stasis. There is a saying in Chinese that translates as "Where there is pain there is no free flow, where there is no free flow there is pain." The cause of afterbirth pains is the blocked flow of lochia (even though you see some). Other symptoms will include dark purplish-red or clotted discharge, and a purplish hue to the tongue body, often in the center only. These women may be the ones that have heavy lochia a few days with clots, and then it stops before 10 days and you think it's normal. It's blood stasis. The menses may also have exhibited some signs of stasis. The herbs valerian, shepherd's purse, chamomile, all might lend symptomatic pain relief, but they do nothing to correct the pattern by resolving stasis. Therefore, they are only symptomatic and not curative. Red raspberry and St. John's Wort have secondary properties that likely move blood a little, and are therefore more effective, but are still not directly curative. Most of the herbs, even St. John's Wort, have sedative effects as their primary action. While this is helpful symptomatically, the mother doesn't need sedating; this does not correct the flow. What is called for are techniques described as moving blood to breaking blood stasis. The herb midwives know for this condition is motherwort. It is a moving blood herb, and it is guaranteed that drinking 1/2 cup of motherwort as a tea will stop afterbirth contractions 95% of the time. For severe cases, a few days doses may have to be given. To make two days worth, simmer 15 grams of motherwort in about 3 cups water. Simmer down by 1/2 (about 45 minutes). Take 3 ounces, 2 times a day. It is really vile. Other herbs that move along these lines are safflower (also vile), peach seed, calendula, and for very intense cases, frankincense and myrrh. (These latter two seem poetically like just the right thing, but again, are vile tasting, and should be used for only the most severe cases, and then only for perhaps one dose or so. They are very dispersing, and not exactly the kind of action you want to promote postpartum.) Often the herbs that are best for fixed stabbing pain are the ones with emmenagogue properties. And you are thinking, "promote flow after the blood loss of birth?" to which the answer is "Yes!! The pain is CAUSED by stasis, and until you remove the cause, you have not effected a cure, and may be setting the woman up for more pain next time. Where there is pain... there is stasis, and it is appropriate to move stasis where there is pain. Motherwort is one of the safest of these emmenagogues (Western parlance)/ blood movers (Asian parlance). Try the motherwort, although it tastes really vile, but it really works).
Along with keeping the bladder empty, do not rule out a retained clot. Severe after birth contractions may be caused by a retained blood clot. Have the woman massage her uterus when sitting on the toilet, gravity and massage may help her to pass it. Tell her not to be shocked if it is good size.
Homeopathic Sabina is very good for some. Also the herb liferoot.
Hot compresses to abdomen combined with Ibuprophen 800 mg every 6 hours, Blue cohosh or black cohosh, tea or tincture, Raspberry leaf tea, St. John's wort tincture - 1 dropper every 1/2 hour, as needed. May be combined with skullcap. This is very short term but works well and fast while waiting for other measures. Have mother lay on her tummy with a rolled up towel or blanket underneath. This sometimes hurts worse at the very start but is one of the most effective means as it keeps the uterus contracted firmly. Obviously, make sure that mom has an empty bladder, and make sure that mom is not retaining clots which can cause severe cramping. If all else really fails, tylenol 3 combined with other measures. Also consider using either Toradol (an NSAID which is equivalent to 12.5 mg morphine in pain relieving ability or Durac, a new NSAID, which is an excellent analgesic) for one time use for very severe pain as occasionally seen in grand multips (women who have had five or more babies). These drugs are not recommended other than brief use for breastfeeding moms as there are safer NSAIDs out there for repeated use, but have been with a few women who experienced after birth pains that were worse than labor for whom almost nothing worked. Some of these medications may have to be prescribed by a health care provider.
A good calcium supplement can make a world of difference. Arnica and an afterbirth tincture can be used for afterpains.
An ice pack on the fundus helps to keep it well contracted and may relieve pain.
Laying on the belly with a hot rice sock feels wonderful. Also a nice warm tub bath was great comfort too. (Avoid hot baths in the first 12 hours or so postpartum so they don't increase the bleeding!)
A prescription for voltarol (100 mg -per rectal is probably more effective than the 50 mg per oral). She'll probably find she needs to use it for at least 3 or 4 days after the birth. She might need to top up with oral analgesia shortly before a breast feed (if she gets enough notice that the baby's about to feed!).
TENS post-natally, so that might be worth looking into.
(The above "other" recommendations where from midwives and birthing moms and were obtained from Ronnie's Midwife Archives, Postpartum Issues.)
See Mountain Rose Herbs below for links to organically grown and harvested bulk herbs and aromatherapy oils to make your own postpartum herbal products.
POSTPARTUM BLEEDING
Postpartum vaginal bleeding (known as lochia) will occur for 2 to 6 weeks following delivery. Usually it is over within 2 to 3 weeks, depending on the woman. It is common for postpartum bleeding to stop and start again or to be characterized by intermittent spotting or bleeding. Return of menses is rate among fully breastfeeding women in the first 8 weeks postpartum. Lochia is leftover blood, mucus, and tissue from the uterus. The flow is bright red, heavy and may contain clots at first, then turns pink to brown and decreases in amount. Use sanitary pads or incontinence pads to absorb lochia and not tampons.
About 25% of non-fully-breastfeeding women report a sort of mini-period right around 6 weeks postpartum. They say that the bleeding seemed to have stopped a few weeks earlier, but then they have had a period that was sort of 1/2 to 2/3 of a regular period for them, the bleeding had a sudden onset and was continuous for a few days, and then stopped completely. WHO references this mini-period as an "end-of-puerperium" bleeding episode.
If you do not nurse your baby, you can expect to menstruate again within 4 to 8 weeks. The first menstrual flow tends to be heavy and contains clots. It may start, stop, start again. The second period should be more or less normal. As long as you are nursing, the flow will not ordinarily appear. But if it does, don't worry, it will not interfere with breastfeeding your baby.
Postpartum bleeding can increase in intensity if you are too active after the baby is born. It will appear to be bright red and will increase in intensity. If this happens, slow down, rest, and take it easy. It is nature's way of telling you that you are overdoing it.
Postpartum hemorrhage can occur anytime within the first 24 hours postpartum (this is the most critical time for the mother and she needs to be watched. In a homebirth setting, midwives encourage mothers to breastfeed their newborns and breastfeed often. The contractions caused by the breastfeeding will help to keep the uterus firm. Immediately postpartum, the uterus will contract into a ball about the size of a grapefruit. It needs to be checked regularly by the midwife or by any other member of the birthing party that will remain with the mother after the midwife and her assistants leave the home. There should be someone with the birthing mom for the first 24 to 48 hours after the birth that can provide help and let the midwife know if something is happening. Uterine massage is done by massaging deeply, but gently, the lower belly beneath the mother's belly button until you can feel the uterine "ball". This is not comfortable for the mother, but it is a necessary function. A first time mother will have less problems with a "soft" uterus than one that has given birth several times. Your midwife should instruct you on uterine massage before she leaves the birth. If the midwife feels it necessary, you may take one of these postpartum hemorrhage formulas as a herbal aid in preventing or stopping postpartum hemorrhage. If you make your own tinctures, be sure to obtain quality organic herbs from a reliable source.
See Mountain Rose Herbs below for links to organically grown and harvested bulk herbs and aromatherapy oils to make your own postpartum herbal products.Anti-Hemorrhage Tincture #1
1 part fresh (1/4 part dried roots) Blue Cohosh roots
1 part fresh (leaf, flowers, stalk, seeds) Shepherd's Purse herb
1 part fresh Motherwort leaves (and stalk)
100 proof vodka or grain alcohol
Chop the herbs coarsely and fill a jar to the top with the herbs. Cover completely with vodka. Cap securely and label with the date and contents. The tincture will be ready in 6 weeks.
The Blue Cohosh promotes release of oxytocin and makes the uterus clamp down. The Shepherd's Purse is a fast-acting hemostatic and vasoconstrictor. It also encourages the uterus to clamp down. The Motherwort adds a calming influence to help forestall shock and relieves pain. The usual dosage is a dropperful under the tongue, repeated in a minute if necessary.
Anti-Hemorrhage Tincture #2
1 ounce dried Blue Cohosh roots
1 ounce dried Witch Hazel bark
1/2 ounce dried Valerian or Lady Slipper root
1 1/2 cups (12 ounces) 100 proof Vodka
Place the dried herbs in a pint jar, add vodka and cap tightly. Label with date and contents. Let sit for six weeks or longer at room temperature. Decant by pouring off liquid, then putting wet plant material through a centrifugal juicer to thoroughly extract remaining liquid. Store in well-labeled brown glass in a cool place away from direct light.
Blue Cohosh stimulates the uterus to contract and close down rapidly. Witch Hazel is one of the most powerful and fast-acting hemostatics known. Valerian or Lady Slipper checks spasms and relieves pain and tension. The usual dosage is two dropperfuls, about 50 drops, under the tongue. This may be repeated in a minute if needed, and again, 10 minutes later, if desired.
POSTPARTUM INFECTIONS (CHILDBED FEVER)
Echinacea root (Echinacea augustifolia) is a well known herbal remedy used for all kinds of infections including blood poisoning, mastitis, strep & staph infections, pneumonia, and other systemic infections. It works in not only clearing up infections, but as a great preventive measure if your body is run down or malnourished by working in building and supporting the body's immune system. If clean conditions were impossible to maintain for any reason and infection is a concern, a week's use of Echinacea will decrease the possibility of infection. If infection is present, use Echinacea for at least a week and expect response within 48 hours after beginning use. As a preventive, use 10-15 drops of Echinacea tincture in a glass of water twice a day for a minimum of five days. As a curative, use two cups of Echinacea infusion daily for five days, then one cup of infusion daily for another five days. It is important to continue for the full ten days, even after a fever has disappeared after the third to fifth day. If you have only tincture available, use 1/2 drip per pound of body weight as a measure for a dose. Repeat the dose three or four times a day until the fever abates, then twice a day for another week.
Fever Formula can be used in addition to Echinacea. This formula contains the herbs Yarrow and Peppermint that will help sweat the fever out of the body. Prepare the infusion using one ounce of each of the two herbs in a half gallon jar filled with hot water. Begin drinking the hot infusion after two hours of steeping. Leave the herbs in the water to steep as you continue to drink the formula. Caution: Do not use it you are in a weakened condition. Do not use Yarrow alone if your fever is over 102°F as it may temporarily increase the fever.
See Mountain Rose Herbs below for links to organically grown and harvested bulk herbs and aromatherapy oils to make your own postpartum herbal products.
MoonDragon's PostPartum Care - Bathing
POSTPARTUM CARE INFORMATION
Postpartum Care: Index
Postpartum Care: Weight
Postpartum Care: Diet
Postpartum Care: Bowel Movements & Urination
Postpartum Care: Bathing
Postpartum Care: Breasts & Breastfeeding
Postpartum Care: Perineal Care
Postpartum Care: Vaginal Bleeding (Lochia) & Menstruation
Postpartum Care: Exercise & Back Care
Postpartum Care: Sexual Intercourse
Postpartum Care: Contraception
POSTPARTUM VISITS
PostPartum Visit: Day One
PostPartum Visit: Day Three
PostPartum Visit: Day Seven
PostPartum Visit: 4 to 6 Week Visit
POSTPARTUM CONCERNS
Baby Care & Concerns
Fatigue & Exhaustion
Postpartum Depression (The "Baby Blues")
NOTIFY YOUR MIDWIFE OR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER IF...
You or your family member has questions about postpartum care.
You or a family member develops any unexpected and/or unusual symptoms.
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Mountain Rose Herbs, Aromatherapy Oils C-E
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Mountain Rose Herbs, Aromatherapy Oils M-P
Mountain Rose Herbs, Aromatherapy Oils Q-Z
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Herbal formulas obtained from Susun Weed's Herbal for the Childbearing Year
