Congratulations on your new addition! Unfortunately, along with your growing miracle grew another problem – hemorrhoids. Now that you have given birth, you are ready to take back your body and the good news is there are ways of treating postpartum hemorrhoids that are safe and effective.

During pregnancy the body undergoes many changes, some of those changes make your body more susceptible to hemorrhoids. The uterus growing puts pressure on the pelvic veins as well as another large vein, and the result is the veins below your uterus become swollen. Straining and pushing because of constipation or while giving birth are also common reasons why pregnant women are more prone to hemorrhoids.

Your bottom area may still be sore, so try alternating a softly covered (like with a towel) ice pack soaked in witch hazel, with a warm sitz bath. A sitz bath is a small plastic basin that you fill with water and place over your toilet so you can submerge only your bottom.

Watch what you eat! Hemorrhoids are negatively affected by processed foods, so eat foods in their whole state as much as possible, fresh fruit and vegetables. Add more fiber to your diet, such as oatmeal. A higher fiber diet means a softer stool, which equates to less straining when you go.

If you decide to use an over the counter aid, Desitin works well to soothe the affected area. And you probably already have this!

Avoid seating or standing for long periods of time. Get up and move around as much as possible during the day.