Postpartum Body Aches and Pains

First, congratulations on the birth of your baby. I'm sorry you're not feeling well. Keep checking your temperature a few times a day. It sounds like you might be heading into a breast infection. Do you have a sore spot, in addition the the muscular aches and pains you're feeling in your body? If so, call your OB/ PCP about it now. A baby with a tongue tie often can't empty the breast well. So you'd be at an increased risk for mastitis. Instead of going to see the LC next week, you might want to call her this week and ask her for the name of the Dr or dentist who can assess it and take care of it quickly. It'll save you time and discomfort. You could also ask your baby's doctor to refer you to someone who will clip the tie in the next few days. As for taking Motrin, it is compatible with breastfeeding. But I totally understand how you feel about taking medication. It might be warranted here though. I hope you're feeling better soon. S.

I had two c-sections, so I can't really relate regarding the body aches. I would check with your doctor before you take any more Motrin or Advil (ibuprofen). I think Tylenol was the only OTC drug that I was allowed to take while breastfeeding.

Hi -
I know exactly what you mean! I had this too after my daughter was born, it was so weird and strange that I actually went to the ER for it because even my elbows ached! I remember thinking, something must be wrong for every joint in my body to ache so bad. I also breast fed and my daughter drank a lot! When I went to the ER, I was lucky enough to see a woman dr who had a good head on her shoulders. She said even though this isn't talked about, these types of aches are normal. They have to do with a combination of hormone loss (as your body starts its journey to healing) and dehydration. She gave me some motrin and sent me home with the instructions to drink more water and wait it out. Mine only lasted a few days then the aches went away. I mention the woman dr because at first a young male dr saw me and wanted to run some tests, but she was overseeing things that night and overruled him because as she said (normally I would agree with him, but this happened to me too after she gave birth). So I would say give it a week, get some Gatorade in you and see how you do. Good luck!!

Hi,

I remember have a few aches and pains after my second was born, but not to the extent of flu like symptoms. I would call your OB/GYN today and let them know. They may want you to come in soon.

It's normal not to bounce back as fast after the 2nd baby. :( Breastfeeding contracts your uterus back to it's normal size. It's usually not noticed as much on your first baby but has alot more "work" to do after another. The contractions can be painful. You have 2 to look after now and it takes alot more out of you. I think giving birth is way more exhausting than we think and sometimes we "pooh-pooh" the recovery needed. Rest whenever you can, eat well and be kind to yourself! Congrats on your new sweetie!

Breastfeeding causes uterine contractions. You did a lot of exercise pushing him out, so it is normal to feel achy. Also the fact that your internal organs were pushed all over for months and now they're migrating back to their original home as well. The bleeding is also normal, however it should be like a heavy period. If you're passing a lot of large clots, get in to see your doctor quickly.

I'd try to avoid medication as much as possible as you're breastfeeding! Take some hot baths, or use a heating pad on the sore areas. Also, see if you could get a good massage! That should help your body to relax as well.

If you have mastitis, likely your breasts will be red and hot to the touch. A home remedy for that is using a raw cabbage leaf. Place inside your bra next to your breast. There is something in the cabbage leaf that helps with mastitis. It will "cook" in there, so change it once it starts to get limp.

Best wishes! Hope you get back to feeling like yourself soon! Congratulations on your baby boy!

I had that too. It's all those hormones that your body needed for the baby and they are shutting down. It takes a little while, but it goes away. However, it never hurts to call your dr and ask about it.

I had mastitis with my second and I did not have a fever. With my third, I thought I had mastitis but it turned out to be a breast yeast infection. Both conditions were achy and painful. I would see your Dr so you can be treated.