Patients in the Postpartum and Breast-feeding Period

Abstract

Pain after childbirth is common. The incidence of chronic postpartum pain is rising and has been shown to have a negative impact on the mother, the baby, and the rest of the family. Estrogen heightens pain sensitivity in women, and high levels of estrogen are normally seen during pregnancy. In patients who have had a cesarean section, postpartum pain can be caused by several different factors, including pain at the point of incision, infection at the incision site, suture breakdown, tape burn, or collection of fluid under the skin. In addition to complications during a cesarean section, other complications can arise during childbirth that require the use of pain medications, and this can cause concern for mothers who are breast-feeding. This review outlines the types of complications that can occur in mothers after the delivery of a baby and the types of medications they are prescribed. Additionally, this review outlines which drugs are safe for the breast-feeding mother and baby as well as medications that should be used with caution.