3 Ways to Relieve Hemorrhoids
Updated: Feb 27, 2021
There are so many parts of pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum that no one talks about. Sometimes, you’ll meet someone who tells it to you straight- but even then we tend to think, “oh, miz for them- that won’t be me...”
It’s only after we experience it ourselves, and likely feel isolated, surprised, and frankly, shocked, that we WISH more people would speak honestly about their experiences so it didn’t feel like cautionary tales, but more like common knowledge.
One topic, among many, that feels super hush-hush is the formidable, Hemorrhoids. Even though at least half of us experience them in Pregnancy and/or Postpartum, it’s unlikely that we’re going around chatting about them with anyone who will listen... until now that is!
Hemorrhoids are swollen and inflamed veins in your rectum and anus. They can cause a lot of discomfort, itchiness,and bleeding during bowel movements and while sitting. They’re caused by straining during bowel movements, pregnancy, or intense pushing. Ok- great. So now what? We need to relieve the itching and discomfort. We always say “We’re off struggling!” Here are some favorite comfort measures for Hemorrhoids:
Preparation H Cooling Gel. Tried and true. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Order this stuff and thank us later.
Sitz Bath or Regular Bath. A sitz bath is a shallow basin you can set in your toilet. You can fill it with warm water, or a tea made with Postpartum Herbs (or ask your local herbalist for a good herbal mix for your hemorrhoids!!) and sit and let your anus soak. (A Postpartum Doula can set all this up for you!!)
You can take oral pain relief medication if that’s safe for you, along with a stool softener like Colace. Confirm with your provider first!
There are also plenty of “old wives tales” of ways to relieve Hemorrhoids. If you try any you like, write us to let us know!!
Small hemorrhoids can heal on their own, in time. And some larger hemorrhoids may need to be seen by a doctor. Regardless, both are common and treatable.
If/when you are feeling exhausted from childbirth and new/early parenthood, and your tush is angry and sore, please remember that you’re not alone. Even if none of your friends warned you about them, or you’ve never heard of anyone’s Hemorrhoid Saga, trust us, we all have one. (Hemorrhoids AND a saga)
Reach out to your provider and Postpartum Doula for support!
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