I would like to address the discussion of afterpains by saying that isn't
variation wonderful and let us not forget that personal experiences can be
very different and still be real.  Especially with pain, as many factors can
influence the perception of its intensity. I.E. fatigue, stress, depression
and grief. I am under the impression that the uterus is a very effective
muscle , becoming more effective when exercised( with increasing delivery
experience). Therefore making after pains potentially more intense for
multips... Does it or does it not take the uterus 4-6 weeks to completely
involute after Delivery. I think as long as other causes are sufficienty
ruled out this patient needs reassurance and concrete/practical methods of
pain relief. I personally suffer from endometriosis and have used everything
under the sun for control of gut wrenching , menstrual cramping pain. I have
found warm packs , efflurage (like during labor), raspberry tea and evening
primose oil supps to be the most effective, as well as ca/mag supps. By the
way, is evening primose oil safe for the breastfeeding infant?

Lisa Mooney, RN, BSN

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