No matter how you have delivered your baby, your nurse will likely start you on our Self-Medication program before you go home. This consists of acetaminophen (Tylenol), naproxen (Aleve), and docusate sodium (Colace). The acetaminophen and naproxen are used for pain relief as directed, and the Colace is a stool softener to keep you from straining to move your bowels. If you run out of the medications your nurse has provided to you, your local pharmacy will carry all of these medications.

If you have had a cesarean section or a severe tear, your obstetrician may have also prescribed an opiate for pain relief. Take this medication as directed, and speak to your nurse if you have any questions.