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By Hemorrhoid.com | September 6, 2025
If you are looking for ways how to soothe hemorrhoids after birth, the best approach combines gentle care, smart habits, and targeted relief. It all comes down to reducing pressure and inflammation with simple tools like sitz baths, witch hazel pads, and avoiding constipation.
Dealing with hemorrhoids after giving birth is an incredibly common… and uncomfortable… part of the postpartum experience. You are definitely not alone. These swollen veins in your rectal area are often a direct result of the immense physical changes your body just went through.
Knowing the "why" can help normalize what you are feeling and pave the way for finding gentle, effective solutions.
For months, your growing uterus placed significant pressure on the veins in your pelvis. This slows down blood flow from your lower body, causing the veins to swell. On top of that, pregnancy hormones like progesterone relax your vein walls, making them more likely to bulge.
Then came childbirth. The intense pushing during labor puts an enormous amount of strain on your entire perineal area. This effort can easily cause existing hemorrhoids to flare up or new ones to form. You can learn more in our article on hemorrhoids during pregnancy and postpartum.
Several things can make you more likely to get hemorrhoids after birth. It is helpful to know what they are, as it confirms this is a physiological response, not something you did wrong.
Key contributors include:
Research confirms just how widespread this is. Studies show that hemorrhoids affect as many as 40% of pregnant and postpartum women, with symptoms often peaking in the first few days after delivery.
Knowing these causes is the first step toward relief. By understanding the mechanical and hormonal reasons behind your discomfort, you can better appreciate why the soothing strategies we will discuss next are so effective.
When you are raw and sore from postpartum hemorrhoids, you need relief now. The key is to be incredibly gentle. You want to calm the inflammation and keep the area clean without making things worse.
These at-home tricks are a cornerstone of postpartum recovery. They will not just bring comfort; they will help your body heal.
A sitz bath is not just a warm soak; it is a genuine therapeutic tool. Dipping your bottom into shallow, warm water boosts blood flow to the area, which is exactly what you need for healing. Plus, it provides instant relief from itching and burning.
To get the full benefits, consistency is key.
Once you are done, gently pat the area dry with a super-soft towel. Do not rub.
Cold is your friend when it comes to swelling and pain. It helps numb the area and provides a cooling sensation that feels like a blessing. A great way to do this is with pads soaked in witch hazel, a natural astringent known for shrinking swollen tissues.
This is where "padsicles" come in… a lifesaver many new moms swear by.
To make your own, just unwrap a sanitary pad and spread on a layer of alcohol-free witch hazel and a little pure aloe vera gel. Fold it back up, pop it in a freezer bag, and keep a stash in your freezer for instant relief.
Use one for 15 to 20 minutes at a time, a few times throughout the day. The combination of cold and witch hazel is a powerhouse for calming down angry hemorrhoids.
Postpartum hygiene is a whole new world. There is bleeding, stitches, and soreness. The last thing you need is scratchy, dry toilet paper aggravating your hemorrhoids.
That is why a peri bottle is non-negotiable.
This little squirt bottle is your new best friend. Fill it with warm water and use it to gently rinse yourself clean after you use the toilet. No wiping needed.
Just squirt, rinse, and gently pat dry with a soft cloth or the softest, unscented toilet paper you can find. This simple habit prevents a world of pain and irritation.
Soothing hemorrhoids after birth is not just about what creams you use… it is also about how you move and rest. Simple shifts in your posture can take pressure off your sensitive rectal area, giving your body the space it needs to heal.
These physical strategies work hand-in-hand with other treatments to give you around-the-clock comfort. These small adjustments can make a huge difference in your daily pain levels.
Sitting down can feel like a nightmare when you are tender and sore postpartum. This is where a donut cushion becomes your best friend. It is designed with a hole in the center to suspend your perineum, so you can sit without putting direct weight on your hemorrhoids.
Position the cushion so the open space is directly under your bottom, ensuring the hemorrhoids are essentially floating. This simple tool makes feeding your baby or sitting down for a meal so much more bearable.
Beyond sitting, your resting position matters. Lying on your side instead of your back takes pressure off your rectum. Try tucking a pillow between your knees to keep your hips aligned for even more comfort.
Everyday movements can either help or hinder your healing. The goal is to avoid long stretches of sitting or standing, as both can cause blood to pool in your pelvic region and make swelling worse.
Try to weave these small changes into your daily routine:
It might seem counterintuitive to exercise the area, but gentle Kegels are incredibly helpful. These small contractions of your pelvic floor muscles do not strain the hemorrhoids. Instead, they help improve blood circulation to the entire area.
Better blood flow is exactly what you need for healing. It helps reduce swelling and repairs damaged tissues faster. Start slowly with just a few repetitions a day, focusing on a gentle squeeze-and-release motion.
There is a direct connection between what you eat and drink and how your body heals after giving birth. When you are trying to soothe hemorrhoids after birth, your most important goal is keeping constipation at bay.
Soft, easy-to-pass stools mean less straining, which gives inflamed tissues a chance to recover. Straining puts a ton of pressure on your rectal veins, making existing hemorrhoids feel worse. A gentle diet is the cornerstone of effective postpartum care.
As a new mom, you need food that is nourishing but also fast. The good news is that many high-fiber options fit perfectly into a hectic schedule. Aim for about 25 to 35 grams of fiber each day to keep things moving smoothly.
Here are some simple, high-fiber foods to add to your meals and snacks:
A study on postpartum hemorrhoid risk factors on PMC found that delivering a baby weighing over 3,380 grams (about 7.4 lbs) increased the risk more than fourfold. This highlights the impact of physical strain.
Drinking enough water is just as critical as eating fiber. Water helps fiber do its job. It softens your stool, making it much easier to pass without effort. Dehydration is your enemy here… it leads to hard, dry stools that require straining.
If you are breastfeeding, your hydration needs are even higher. Your body needs extra fluid to produce breast milk, so sip water consistently. A good rule of thumb is to drink a glass of water every time you sit down to nurse or pump.
Most of us do not get enough fiber or water. But do not let that discourage you. Small, consistent changes can close this gap and make a huge difference in your recovery.
Just as some foods can be your best friend during recovery, others can sabotage your efforts. It is all about making smart swaps to keep your digestive system happy.
| Foods to Eat Freely (High Fiber) | Foods to Consume in Moderation |
|---|---|
| Whole-wheat bread, brown rice, oatmeal, quinoa | White bread, white rice, pasta |
| Berries, apples (with skin), pears, oranges | Bananas (especially if under-ripe) |
| Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, carrots, leafy greens | Fried foods, fast food |
| Black beans, lentils, chickpeas, kidney beans | Large amounts of cheese and dairy |
| Almonds, chia seeds, flaxseeds, sunflower seeds | Sugary snacks, pastries, processed foods |
You do not need to completely eliminate the foods in the right-hand column, but being mindful of them can really help. Focusing on whole, unprocessed foods supports your overall digestive health and postpartum recovery.
When a sitz bath is not enough, the pharmacy aisle is the next stop. But figuring out which over-the-counter (OTC) cream, ointment, or wipe will actually soothe postpartum hemorrhoids can feel overwhelming.
Let's break down what works and how to use these products safely. While they are not a one-size-fits-all fix, the right one can make a world of difference for itching, burning, and swelling.
When you are scanning the boxes, you will notice a few key ingredients. Knowing what they do will help you grab the best product for your specific symptoms.
Common active ingredients include:
Pregnancy and childbirth are notorious for causing this problem. One international survey detailed in this article about the long-term trends of hemorrhoidal disease on Becaris Publishing found that among women with the condition, 81% had been pregnant. This stat drives home why good relief is a crucial part of postpartum recovery.
How you use a product is just as important as which one you pick. Always start by gently cleaning and patting the area dry. Applying cream to an irritated or damp spot will only make things worse.
Use a small, pea-sized amount and apply it gently with a clean finger or the provided applicator.
If you are breastfeeding, it is absolutely essential to speak with your doctor or pharmacist before using any medicated product. Some active ingredients can be absorbed into the bloodstream, and you need to ensure they are safe for your baby.
Most of these treatments are for short-term relief, usually no more than a week. Learn more about picking the right option in our guide to soothing topical creams for hemorrhoid pain relief.
Most of the time, postpartum hemorrhoids get better with consistent at-home care. With a routine of sitz baths, witch hazel pads, and a fiber-rich diet, you should feel relief within a week or so.
But it is just as important to know when to stop the DIY approach and call your doctor or midwife. Trust your gut… if something feels off, it is always best to get a professional opinion.
While some discomfort is normal, a few symptoms are red flags that mean it is time to pick up the phone. Reach out if you are dealing with any of these:
Remember, your postpartum check-up is the perfect time to bring this up, even if symptoms are mild. There is absolutely no reason to feel embarrassed.
Knowing how to soothe hemorrhoids after birth also means knowing when to ask for backup. If home remedies are not working, your doctor has more tools available.
They can prescribe stronger topical creams to help you manage your symptoms with ease.
In rare cases where hemorrhoids are persistent, a specialist might recommend a minimally invasive procedure. But for most new moms, a simple conversation with their doctor leads to a better treatment plan and lasting relief.
Navigating postpartum recovery is a lot to handle. When you add uncomfortable hemorrhoids into the mix, questions are bound to pop up. Let's tackle some of the most common concerns.
For most women, postpartum hemorrhoids start to shrink and feel better within a few days to a week after delivery, especially with consistent at-home care.
That said, it is not unusual for them to hang around for several weeks before they are completely gone. The key is to look for slow and steady improvement. If they stick around longer without getting better, check in with your doctor.
Yes, seeing a small amount of bright red blood is very common, especially after a bowel movement. This usually happens when a hard stool irritates the sensitive surface of the hemorrhoid.
If you notice heavy bleeding, blood clots, or dark-colored blood, you should contact your doctor right away. This could signal a different issue.
Absolutely… in fact, gentle movement is a great idea. A light activity like walking can do wonders for your circulation, which is a huge part of healing. Better blood flow helps reduce swelling and can also prevent constipation.
Just be sure to avoid any strenuous activities that put pressure on your abdomen or pelvic floor until you get the green light from your healthcare provider.
If at-home remedies are not cutting it, do not just suffer through it. Severe pain is your body's way of telling you that you might need a stronger treatment.
Your doctor can recommend or prescribe more effective options to help you manage the discomfort. These might include prescription-strength creams, stool softeners, or pain relievers that are safe to take while breastfeeding.
Learning how to soothe hemorrhoids after birth is also about knowing when to ask for professional help. Your comfort is a huge part of your postpartum recovery journey.
