I'm not sure you really want to hear what I have to say. I didn't get them until AFTER I had my daughter. I lost so much blood that I had 4 units of blood transfusion, and had to take iron (constipation here I came). So, after my c-section, I ended up getting them. The thing you can do is eat lots of fiber, take any fiber filled chewable, fiber bars, activia, etc. to keep your stool from hardening. Also, pop two stool softener pills at bed time will help. However, once you get them, they are there, waiting for anytime you push again. So, you want to avoid pushing hard at any cost, even though that's impossible. My daughter is 18 months old and mine still pop out once or twice a week. It only last for a few hours before they pop back in, but they are annoying. I'm pregnant again, and I will have them removed after I deliver my next child (so annoying). I hope this helps...and you are NOT alone!!!!!!!!!
Good luck,
B.