This question is for a dear friend of mine who just gave birth to a singleton. Her coccix bone was broken during labor. She was told that it will take a year to repair itself, and she is in a lot of pain whenever she sits down. She is having trouble nursing and has resorted to nursing, even in the middle of the night, standing up. She was told to take Motrin, which she said does not help. Does anyone have any advice for her? She has another small child and a husband in medical school and is in need of a quick solution!!
Thanks in advance for your help.
Joan (mom to Nissim, Ahuva, and Rena b. 9/8/99 and three big kids 11, 13, and 16)

You can buy something called a "Doughnut", that is an inflateable ring that she can sit on. I don't know why they would say a year, though; don't most bones heal in 6-12 weeks?

How much Motrin is she taking? Is she taking it regularly, every 6-8hrs? That might be the key, rather than waiting to take it until the pain is severe, at least for the first week.

I hope she feels better soon!

Mom of a princess, age six, and two princes, age 4

She tried the doughnut, but it didn't help. She is afraid to keep taking Motrin because she's nursing. I'm not sure if this is actually a problem or not. As far as the long healing time, I know that this takes a long time. I've known others who've broken that bone (not through childbirth) and it's taken a long time to heal.
Joan

Oh, the poor thing!

Mom of a princess, age six, and two princes, age 4

I broke my tailbone roller-blading (don't ask!) 8 years ago. It was horrible! There is absolutely nothing that can be done to help with the healing.

I missed an entire week of work. When I went back to work I was miserable. I did lots of work standing up using my filing cabinet as a desk. I did use a blow up swim ring to sit on which helped a little bit.

I would say that it was an entire year or more before it stopped bothering me. It got much better after the first few weeks but I had some pain for quite a long time.

I know that's not the best of news but that's my experience...

Lori --
Mom to Zac (9/91) and triplets Noah, Karissa & Jazmine (5/98 at 27 weeks)

Lori --
Mom to Zac (9/91) and triplets Noah, Karissa & Jazmine (5/98 at 27 weeks)

My first son was 9 lb 1 oz and he broke my tailbone when I pushed him out!! That was very painful. I sat on the donut and used rubber gloves filled with ice on it as I sat (also useful for a sore perinum after vaginal birth) for a few weeks and motrin. The doctors also said I could do percoset (minimally crosses into bm) which I did when it got really bad but had to stop because I just slept a lot. What really helped was a chiropracter (sp?) after a few months of recovery she really helped my pain. Try it and see if it helps. My theory is that you need to get rid of the pain, no matter what, because you can't be a mom in that much pain. Hope this helps.

Liz
Zac 8.6.01
Matthew, Ian and Seth 12.19.02 at 27 weeks

Liz
B 8/01
BBB 12/19/02

BELIEVE

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