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It’s important that you know what to expect as your body returns to
normal after the birth of your baby. Understanding the physical and
emotional changes and knowing what is normal will help you relax during
the weeks following delivery and allow you to enjoy time with your
newborn. If you have any questions or problems that persist, please be
sure to discuss them with your healthcare provider.
- Physical Changes
The first six weeks following delivery is called the postpartum
period. During this time you will notice your body slowly returning
to normal. For some new mothers that time may be even longer than
six weeks.
- Emotional Changes
An overwhelming sense of responsibility, lack of sleep, and
changes to your body can have a huge emotional effect on new
mothers. Give yourself at least 2-3 months to establish some sense
of routine and return to normalcy. And if you feel overwhelmed or
discouraged at any time, don’t hesitate to ask a family member or
healthcare provider for help.
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Taking Care of Yourself After Delivery and When You Return Home
It is up to you to take Care of yourself as well as your baby.
We know you will often feel tired and fatigued, but good hygiene,
nutrition and rest habits are important to your physical and
emotional well being.
- Sexual Intercourse
Sexual intercourse should not be resumed until 4-6 weeks
following delivery or whenever your doctor says it’s ok. Make sure
that your partner understands, so there is no frustration or
misunderstanding between you. This time is needed for your
episiotomy or cesarean incision, as well as pelvic muscles, to heal
properly. You will most likely experience vaginal dryness, which can
be resolved with a lubricant jelly or soluble cream. It will take
time for sexual activity to feel comfortable again. Talk openly with
your partner about how you feel and be sure and see your doctor if
problems persist.
PHYSICAL CHANGES
The Uterus
After birth, your uterus will be about the size of a grapefruit.
It can take weeks for it to return to its normal size and weight. You
will experience some pain or contractions as the uterus begins to
shrink. The pain will be the most noticeable the first few days
following delivery, but may continue during breastfeeding. This is
completely normal and should only cause concern if the pain is severe.
Vaginal Discharge
You can expect the drainage from the birth canal, also known as
lochia, to be much like your menstrual flow. It will change to a watery
and pale discharge 3-4 days after birth and will become thicker and more
yellow by the end of two weeks. You may have some vainal discharge
Normally, there is an odor associated with lochia, however, it is not
offensive. You will also pass blood clots and experience cramping as the
uterus heals. Call a healthcare professional if you experience heavy and
persistent bleeding that fills more than one pad per hour, or if you
pass a clot larger than a fifty cent piece. A foul odor is also a sign
that there may be a problem.
Menstrual Cycle
You should experience your first menstrual period within 7-9
weeks after having your baby. If you are breastfeeding, your first
menstrual period following delivery will be delayed longer. Some
breastfeeding moms do not even have a period until they quit
breastfeeding completely. Be sure and take precautions if you are trying
to prevent pregnancy, even when breastfeeding.
Bladder After Delivery
Your bladder may not empty completely and a urinary catheter may
be used. While in the hospital, you should try to empty your bladder
every 3-4 hours, especially right after delivery. You will notice a
large volume of urine the first few days after delivery. This is normal
and is your body’s way of getting rid of extra fluid caused by
pregnancy.
Bowels
You can expect your first bowel movement after delivery to be on
the second to third day. It may feel different and cause a feeling of
fullness like gas. Constipation is also normal. A laxative or stool
softener can help with constipation or hemorrhoids, but be sure and
speak with a healthcare professional about taking these medications if
you are breastfeeding.
Eating plenty of fiber, drinking extra water and walking are the best
ways to prevent constipation. Drinking 6-8 glasses of water extra each
day will help maintain normal bowel function. Fiber is also an excellent
natural laxative found in fruits, vegetables, breads, pastas and
cereals.
Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids can cause pain, itchiness and irritation following
pregnancy. The best treatments include cold compresses, ointments and
pain medications. Stool softeners will also help. If pain or irritation
persists, be sure and speak with your healthcare provider.
Weight Loss
Don’t expect to lose your pregnancy weight right away. Most of
the weight is due to the placenta, the baby, and the amniotic fluid
which can weight as much as 12 pounds. As your body loses the extra
fluid caused by pregnancy and IVs given during labor & delivery, you
should notice your weight return to normal. If you still have a few
pounds that you cannot shed, we recommend exercise and a healthy eating
program.
Muscle Aches & Fatigue
Labor can be very strenuous on the body, and therefore you may
feel some aches and pains following delivery. Shoulder, neck and arm
pain are completely normal. You may also notice stiffness in the hands.
Muscles of the abdominal wall may get softer, weaker and flabbier than
before pregnancy. Don’t be discouraged if this is the case. Ask your
healthcare provider when your can begin exercises to help tighten
sagging muscles.
Skin Changes
Your hormone level increases greatly during pregnancy and can
cause splotchy marks on your face and a dark line on your abdomen. This
discoloration along with any rashes or red veins should disappear over
time, usually within several months after childbirth. Stretch marks
might remain however.
Varicose Veins
Some women who have never had a problem with varicose veins may
develop them during pregnancy. If you experience darker, bulging veins,
you should keep your legs elevated as much as possible and wear support
hose whenever walking or standing for the first six weeks after
delivery. Surgery is also an option for bothersome varicose veins, but
is not recommended within the first six months of recovery.
Eye Hemorrhages
You may notice broken blood vessels in your eye(s) after labor &
delivery. This is caused by the strain of pushing during delivery. It is
completely normal and should clear up on its own within a few weeks.
Hair Loss
Hair loss, even large clumps, following delivery is normal. Your
hair growth cycle should return to normal in several months and the hair
loss should disappear.
EMOTIONAL CHANGES
Postpartum Depression
After the birth of your child, you will feel many emotions.
Feelings of joy, fear, exhaustion, excitement and confusion can all be
expected. Many women experience “the blues” or what is known as
postpartum depression. Excessive impatience, crying or irritability can
all be signs. And they may show up as early as a few days following
delivery or not until months afterward.
Postpartum depression is a serious illness that needs to be treated.
It is important that you realize these symptoms are not a sign of
weakness or inadequacy, but rather the result of physical and emotional
adjustments to having a baby. Medication, counseling or a combination of
the both can help you recover completely. Just be sure that if you are
experiencing any of the signs or symptoms, you talk to your healthcare
provider about it immediately. Other signs of postpartum depression
include: · Sleeplessness or excessive sleepiness · Lack of appetite ·
Little or no concern about your baby · Not caring about yourself or your
appearance · Crying spells that persist over time · Hopelessness or loss
of control · Fear of touching your baby · Excessive impatience or
irritability
 The Father’s Feelings
The adjustment for the father after baby comes home is often
overlooked. He may feel neglected or lonely as mommy and baby get all
the attention. He may even feel like a servant in his own home. It’s
important for dads to know that in time, the mother will have more time
and energy to share with him. The key is for both parents to communicate
their feelings to each other. The mother can also help by making an
extra effort to spend alone time with dad talking, dining or even
walking with baby in the stroller. A healthy relationship between mom
and dad is important for your baby’s emotional well being, as well as
your own.
Taking Care of Yourself After Delivery and When You Return Home
Getting Up and Moving Around
Research shows that the sooner you get up and move around after
delivery, the sooner you will feel better and the quicker you will heal.
Walking and moving around also reduces the risk of blood clots in your
legs and pelvis area, as well as improves bladder and bowel function. Of
course if you’ve had an epidural you might not be able to get up right
away.
Episiotomy Care
To avoid infection, you must change sanitary pads frequently.
Your nurse will also instruct you on how to clean the perineum area.
This is usually done with lukewarm water 2-3 times a day and following
urination and bowel movements. For an episiotomy, use a hand held
shower, squeeze bottle or sitz bath.
The quickest way to heal an episiotomy is to keep it clean and dry.
Your doctor may recommend an antiseptic spray or antibiotic cream to
provide relief for any discomfort caused by the episiotomy. Be sure and
pat the perineum dry with toilet paper or moist antiseptic towelettes
rather than wiping. And always pat from front to back to prevent
infection of the birth canal and episiotomy area.
Cesarean Section
You will be instructed on how to care for your incision before
you leave the hospital. Keeping your incision dry and clean is
important. Should you notice any swelling, redness, tenderness or
drainage from your incision, contact your healthcare provider
immediately.
Bathing Showers are recommended as soon as you are able to walk and
move around. Sitz or tub baths are an option after the second day
following delivery. In fact, a sitz or tub bath may be preferable if
you’ve had an episiotomy because it is more soothing and helpful in
healing the incision. Please do not douche until after you’ve had your
postpartum check up.
Resting and Sleeping
When you get home, you will need to make an added effort to
establish healthy sleep or rest patterns for yourself. Ask for dad or a
family member to help care for your infant’s needs while you tend to
your own. Following are some other helpful tips: · Get help with
shopping and cooking. · Don’t be afraid to tell friends you are not up
to visitors so you can rest. · Be flexible with meals and meal times. ·
Avoid caffeine in tea, candy and colas. · Most importantly, don’t be
afraid to ask for help in any way. If you are having trouble sleeping,
try relaxing by lying quietly and alternately tightening and relaxing
the muscles of your neck, shoulder, arms, legs and feet. This may be
what your body needs to keep going. Lack of rest and sleep can add to
frustration, irritability, and ultimately postpartum depression.
Eating Right
Good nutrition is as important for you after delivery as it was
for you and baby during pregnancy. It’s recommended that women have
2,200 calories each day, with breastfeeding mothers requiring an
additional 500 to ensure a good milk supply.
Breastfeeding mothers need additional calories, calcium, fluids and
protein found in milk and other dairy products. And of course you should
avoid smoking and alcohol, as well as non-prescribed medications unless
approved by your healthcare provider. |