Hemorrhoids: Tips for Finding Relief
Hemorrhoids can rear their little head at many times during pregnancy, postpartum, and beyond. While they can be uncomfortable and painful, there are a lot of things that can help you find relief and heal them.
How to Get Rid of Hemorrhoids
DO’s
Take your time. This is SO important. So many people strain or push to get it done FAST, but that extra pressure from straining is actually a big part of the problem. You should try and be free of distractions - meaning no phone, and as a much as you can have a quiet peaceful environment. , can rub their sacrum - massaging in circles to ease tension on the muscles that release poop and can spray warm water on their bottom - should be all soothing
Relax your pelvic floor when pooping. Your rectum is a part of your pelvic floor, so relaxing your entire pelvic floor is a must with hemorrhoids. Check out our blog on relaxing your pelvic floor to learn how this should feel. It might take a little practice, but it’ll be worth it.
Get a squatty potty! This is easy, cheap, and will help reduce strain with bowel movements.
Use warm water. You can use a peri bottle to spray warm water on your perineum
Fix your breathing. If you are constantly gripping or clenching your upper abdominals, you’re putting a lot of downward pressure on your pelvic floor. This downward pressure creates and perpetuates hemorrhoids. Make sure that your upper belly expands on your inhale rather than sucking in. Check out our blog on breathing to learn more.
Deal with any tailbone issues. Tailbone pain can make pooping painful, so it’s important to fix any tailbone problems if you’re also dealing with hemorrhoids. Our blog on tailbone pain can help get you started.
Check your fiber intake. Adding more fiber into your diet (or taking a fiber supplement) can help soften your stool, which makes it easier to pass bowel movements without needing to strain.
Hydrate. This is a huge one. The more water you drink, the softer your stool will be. But don’t drink too much, or else it can become too soft.
Seek out a pelvic floor PT. A trained physical therapist can help with diaphragm mobility, rib cage mobility, visceral restrictions, soft-tissue restrictions, or high-tone (tight) pelvic floor. Fixing these issues can help take pressure off of your pelvic floor and rectum.
DONT’s
Don’t hold your breath or strain while pooping. Instead, use your breath to help relax your pelvic floor.
Don’t slouch on the toilet. Good pooping posture is knees wide with elbows on your knees so you are leaned forward. (Like we said, a squatty potty can help!).
For further reading: Painful Bowel Movements
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