Giving birth is transformative, but it’s also physically demanding. In the days and weeks after labour, it’s completely normal to experience a range of physical symptoms as your body recovers.
While many of these postpartum discomforts are expected, they can still catch you off guard - especially when you're juggling sleepless nights, feeding schedules, and emotional changes.
This guide explores the most common discomforts after birth, what causes them, and how to safely relieve them at home - so you can feel more comfortable and supported as your body heals.
1. Afterpains (Postpartum Cramps)
What they are:
Mild to strong uterine contractions that help your womb shrink back to its pre-pregnancy size. Often felt more strongly during breastfeeding, as oxytocin triggers cramping.
When they happen:
Typically in the first 3–7 days postpartum, sometimes longer with subsequent births.
How to relieve them:
- Apply a warm compress to your lower abdomen – our Cold & Warm Post Birth Relief Pad is great for this
- Use gentle breathing techniques
- Take paracetamol or ibuprofen, as advised by your GP or midwife
- Rest when possible - overexertion can intensify cramps
2. Perineal Pain or Stitches
What it is:
Soreness, swelling, or burning around the vaginal area, especially if you’ve had a tear or episiotomy.
Common symptoms:
- Pain when sitting or weeing
- Itching or tightness as stitches dissolve
- Swelling, bruising, or general tenderness
How to soothe:
- Use Postpartum Padsicles – cooling pads that deliver instant cooling relief
- Rinse with warm water after going to the loo
- Avoid soaps or perfumed products near the area
- Pat dry gently or use a Peri Bottle
3. C-Section Scar Discomfort
What it is:
Tenderness, tightness, or itching around your C-section incision.
When it happens:
Most noticeable in the first 2–6 weeks postpartum, but some people feel numbness or sensitivity for longer.
How to relieve it:
- Rest frequently - avoid lifting or twisting
- Keep the scar clean and dry
- Wear high-waisted underwear to avoid rubbing
- Apply Lansinoh® C-Section Hydrogel Pads to soothe irritation and protect your healing wound from 10 days postpartum
4. Breast Engorgement and Tenderness
What it is:
Full, tight, or swollen breasts as your milk comes in – this is common around day 3–5 postpartum.
Signs:
- Breasts feel hard, warm, or lumpy
- Pain or difficulty latching (if breastfeeding)
Relief tips:
- Apply cold compresses between feeds to ease pain
- Use warm compresses before feeding to help milk flow
- Gently massage while expressing milk
- Use reverse pressure softening and lymphatic breast drainage techniques to help resolve the fullness in your breasts
- Wear a supportive, non-wired bra
If pain persists or is accompanied by red marks on the breast area, and/or flu-like symptoms, speak to your GP or midwife as this may be mastitis which may need expert support and even medication.
5. Back Pain
What it is:
Aching or stiffness in the lower back, often due to weakened abdominal muscles, posture changes, or lifting the baby.
How to manage:
- Focus on posture; keep your spine neutral when feeding or holding the baby
- Try gentle postnatal stretching or postpartum yoga
- Use a heat pack on sore areas
- Consider seeing a health physio if pain persists beyond 6 weeks
6. Haemorrhoids and Constipation
What they are:
Swollen veins around the rectum (haemorrhoids) and difficulty passing stools - both common postpartum, especially after vaginal birth.
Relief tips:
- Eat a high-fibre diet (fruit, vegetables, whole grains)
- Drink plenty of water
- Use a footstool when on the loo to aid bowel movement
- Speak to your pharmacist about safe stool softeners or creams if needed
7. Pelvic Floor Weakness or Pressure
What it is:
A feeling of heaviness, instability, or leaking urine when coughing, laughing, or sneezing - common after both vaginal and C-section births.
How to strengthen:
- Begin pelvic floor exercises as soon as you feel able
- Avoid lifting heavy items
- Stay hydrated and avoid straining on the toilet
If you’re worried about your recovery – speak to a midwife to see what your next steps are.
8. Night Sweats and Temperature Swings
What it is:
Postnatal hormones can cause your body to shed excess fluid through sweating, especially at night.
What helps:
- Sleep in breathable clothing
- Change bedding regularly
- Stay hydrated
- Know it’s temporary and usually resolves within the first month
When to Seek Medical Advice
Call your GP or midwife if you notice:
- Heavy or sudden bleeding
- Fever or chills
- Persistent headaches
- Signs of wound infection (pain, pus, redness)
- Severe or worsening pain
- Signs of postnatal depression or anxiety
You’re never wasting anyone’s time by asking for reassurance.
Midwife’s Top Tips
- Discomfort is common - but not something you have to put up with
- Use Lansinoh Postpartum Range to help relieve discomfort
- Keep a recovery kit in your bathroom for easy access: Maternity Pads and Post Birth Wash Bottles are a must
- Gentle movement can help with circulation, digestion, and healing
- If something doesn’t feel right—trust your gut and ask for help
Your postpartum body is doing hard, invisible work every day. While some discomforts are completely normal, that doesn’t mean you have to suffer in silence.
From soothing relief pads to pelvic floor exercises, there are ways to make this period more manageable - and even empowering. Be patient, be kind, and most importantly - listen to your body.
