An introduction to post birth physical discomforts and what to do about them. 

Post Birth Physical discomforts Cheat Sheet;

• Perineum pain from tears or an episiotomy - rest, keep your legs close together, take small steps, use peri spray, herb bath, salt water wash on your wounds.
• Pain and discomfort from a cesarean wound - ensure you have appropriate pain relief, talk to your health care provide, gently massage your scar when it has healed.
• After birth cramps as your uterus contracts - use a hot water bottle on your lower belly when you're breastfeeding.
• Engorgement of breasts as your milk comes in - alternate hot or cold packs, try cold cabbage leaves.
• Sore and bleeding nipples as you and your baby learn to breastfeed - use a nipple care cream I like the Weleda brand but there are lots of different ones. You can also use coconut oil or make your own calendula oil or balm.
• Mastitis - look out for flu-like symptoms which may be accompanied by red hot painful lumpy breasts. Mastitis can sometimes be a sign that you’re doing too much and need to prioritise rest.
• Uterine bleeding can last for up to six weeks - an increase in blood loss can indicate you’re doing too much and need to prioritise more rest.
• Aching, heaviness or dragging feelings in the perineum, especially if you’re not resting enough - sit down or lie down as soon as you feel heaviness or aching to take the load off your pelvic floor.
• Leaking urine in the first few days after birth is not uncommon - if you're still leaking at six weeks postpartum please see a Women's Health Physiotherapist for assessment, diagnosis and a treatment plan.
• Crying - both from your baby and all the adults both happy and sad! If you feel like you're sad and exhausted more often than not then please see a counsellor to help you support your mental and emotional health.
• Baby vomit is expected - have plenty of flannels, cloths or wipes around.
• Milk leakage -  have plenty of breast pads, cloths, wipes and flannels to hand.
• Book a postnatal doula to help you care so much better for your self during the early months of motherhood. I'm in inner North Melbourne, have a look at my postpartum packages here.  Or try the Doula Network Australia directory here.
• A Comparison of Cabbage Leaves vs. Hot and Cold Compresses in the Treatment of Breast Engorgement - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2763679/