Choices Matter: Non-Opioid Pain-Relieving Options for C-Sections

I received this information from momsmeet.com to facilitate this post. All opinions are my own. Thank you.

 

As new mothers, there are so many things that go through your mind each day. And when it comes to bringing a new life into this world, a healthy pain management plan should be one of your main concerns.

Because if you are pregnant, planning, or in the process of trying to conceive, now is the time to speak to your physician about non-opioid, pain relieving options for C-sections.

Non-Opioid Pain Relieving Options for C-Sections

Did you know, women are prescribed nearly twice as many opioids prescriptions medicine as men for post-surgical pain? Especially after C-sections. Making the time spent giving birth and the precious hours thereafter one of the scariest time frames for new moms when you are facing the side effects of opioid usage during birth.

Which is why it is so important to have a plan in place with your doctor or midwife prior to going into birth.

As mothers, we want what is best for our children. Especially our newborns and preemies. Never considering the effect that pain medicine can have on our bodies and babies. Especially if you are breastfeeding your child.

After C-Section Recovery Tips:

Whether you’re heading to the hospital for any number of procedures or a C-Section, you’ll want to give consideration to your pain management plan. Opioids, or prescription painkillers, are narcotics often associated with pain control after surgery. But these potent medications can also cause unwanted side effects like nausea, constipation, and vomiting.

They also carry the risk of dependence and addiction. Did you know that 1:10 patients become dependent on opioids after surgery? Which is why for all patients, especially new moms, you must know the right questions to ask your doctor, like for which non-opioid options will be available for you post procedure.

Here are a few questions you need to discuss with your doctor when planning your C-section:

• Discomfort: How much discomfort is usually associated with this procedure? As well as this will how your procedure is performed (in-patient or outpatient procedures) and as well as how your body responds to prescribed pain medications. Without knowing how you can anticipate feeling you won’t know the level of main management appropriate for your procedure.
• Pain Management: Your surgeon may give you a variety of different medications before, during, and after surgery to minimize or eliminate the need for opioids. You should ask your doctor what type of non-opioid options are available.
• Proper Disclosures: Does your surgeon understand the types of allergies, breathing issues, stomach issues, history of substance abuse, and your current medications?. As the aforementioned can affect how your body will accept except pain management options post procedure.
• Post-Op Care: It’s essential for you to discuss with your physician the types of medications you will receive at home and what happens when the medications from your surgery wear off. This will help you understand what type of pain you can expect to have at home and how best to manage it in the weeks to come.
• Insurance: You will also need to contact your insurance providers to see what non-opioid pain management options will be available to you as well.
• Recovery: Speak to your doctor about the dos and don’ts after C-section to help with your pain management and recovery. Including how much bed rest you’ll need, housework to avoid, and time frames for extended recovery.

Once you’re home, you’ll need to plan your recovery at home. Including stocking up on post-op care products, having ready-made meals in the freezer for Instant Pot and Crock Pot meals for your family. Overall, it will take time to recover.

Remember, don’t be a hero. Accept help from friends and family and put your recovery first!

With all this information in mind, also remember that there are a lot of national organizations ready to help you put a non-opioid pain management plan in order by providing you with all the necessary information you need to get started.

Choices Matter

Choices Matter is a national campaign designed to educate and empower patients on non-opioid pain management options before, during, and after surgery. More than 1:3 women have had C-section deliveries, with 1:5 being unscheduled and unplanned.

Choices Matter knows it’s important to have a birthing plan in place prior to going into labor, to allow your safe pain management choices to be considered and in place for you.

Choices Matter knows that it’s important to have open communications with your doctors and midwives throughout your overall healing process. A process that makes the experience better for everyone for mother and child alike.

For more information about Choices Matter and non-opioid pain-relief after a C-section, visit them on the web at planagainstpain.com.

Remember that pain management is your choice. So make the best decision for you and your recovery by educating yourself on your non-opioid choices for post-birth pain management options in your current season of life.

Friends, now I want to ask, did you have non-opioid pain management plans in place as part of your birthing plan? Let me know about your experiences below!