ROFL!!! ahahahahhaha (Chloe's comment)

I was prepared for this issue this third time around: started taking FyboGel sachets the day before my induction and for the following week after birth. They really helped even though I eat a high fibre diet.

After labour I had a moderate sized one... at least i could still sit down... a midwife gave me a 'roid cream to apply but it didn't seem to make it feel any better, glad i didn't waste money buying it... think it was called Rectinol. I found having a bath was the best way to 'recover' after an uncomfortable spell in the smallest room. Adding lavendar oil to the water was lovely plus it's an anticeptic (important when you feel unclean down there because the pain prevents thorough wiping... sorry that's TMI).

However! I'm pleased to report that mine has totally shrunk back inside and causes no discomfort (this took about 2 weeks after birth). I know from previous experience that I might get an occassional painful 'stab' if I get constipated or an occassional itch and bleed... but if I look after my diet I'm sure the worst is now over... there is hope fellow sufferers! BTW nearly every woman I have spoken to about the intimate nature of birth etc has reported having haemmeroids... women should have more realistic expectations about all this, instead of the "maybe" scenario presented in books etc.