Elisheva wrote of a G2P2 mom
+AD4-This time -- baby a week old -- she has utererine cramping with every
feeding
+AD4-so severe that she had to let go of the baby to clutch her belly and double
+AD4-over +AD4-


This seems unusually severe a week postpartum.  First time moms may barely
notice them and they are typically more uncomfortable with each additional
pregnancy, or in the case of a multiple pregnancy.  Fut they generally
diminish in intensity each day until barely perceptible.  The intensity of
the pain 7 days into it seriously concerns me....perhaps she has some
retained placental fragments which her uterus is attempting to discharge.
At what point did she see or discuss this with the midwife?  I'd suggest a
call now followed by a visit to her midwife or physician to explain the
intensity and explore this possibility.

+AD4-Anyone have any ideas for diminishing this pain+AD4-

Usually a mild analgesic would handle any discomfort at this point.  Hers is
beyond this level from what you describe......

+AD4-Or is there a benefit from these cramps important enough to
+AD4-make it worth suffering gracefully?+AD4-

The purpose of the contractions is to involute the uterus.  To enable it
return to close to prepregnant size.  But worth suffering gracefully?  No,
she should not have to suffer at all IMO, gracefully or not.  Please urge
her to follow up on discovering the cause of this level of discomfort now.
Joyce Blangiardo RN, LCCE, FACCE, IBCLC
on boiling hot and humid Long Island, NY
LamazeLady+AEA-msn.com

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