Physical and Psychological Changes After Baby’s Birth (Postpartum)

Physical Changes

Vaginal Discharge
You will have vaginal discharge after birth for several weeks. It is a combination of the uterine lining and blood called “lochia. It is common for the drainage to stop and start, and in the early days on may contain small blood clots. The drainage will gradually decrease and become pale pink and finally white. Use sanitary pads rather than tampons. If you have a bright red, heavy bleeding, using more than one sanitary pad in less than an hour or have a large clots, call your doctor or nurse practitioner immediately.

Perineum
Having your perineum (tissue between the vagina and rectum) clean and dry to promote healing. Wash your hands before changing the pads. Always wipe from front to back. Wash daily with soap and water. Change sanitary pads when using the rest room. If you had the episiotomy stitches used to repair incision will dissolve in about two weeks. Use ice pack for comfort. You May also use Portable Sitz Bath or sit in the shallow warm water quantity bather. Alternating heat and cold May be helpful. Again, it is important that the area clean and dry.

Breastfeeding

Your milk supply will “come” in 48 to 72 hours after delivery. Your breasts will become firm and tender. This is called “breast engorgement.” If you are breastfeeding, frequent nursing will help prevent engorgement. You can call a lactation consultant if you have questions or problems.

If you are not breastfeeding, a comfortable fitting bra will help reduce the breast engorgement. Avoid nipple stimulation and milk expression. Apply ice packs to reduce swelling. Think mild pain reliever such as Tylenol. Avoid hot water directly on your breasts when you shower.

Constipation

Avoid constipation by adding fruits, vegetables and whole grains to your diet. Drink plenty of fluids You May try Metamucil ® or stool softener as Colac ® to avoid straining with bowel movements and cause pressure on the stitches.

Hemorrhoids

Many of the women during pregnancy to develop hemorrhoids. Avoid constipation by drinking lots of fluids, fruits and vegetables. Using ice packs and cold pads contain witch hazel May ease the pain of hemorrhoids.

After the birth pains

As the uterus returns to its pre-pregnancy size, May you notice cramping pain is called “pain after the birth.” Immediately after delivery, while in the hospital, nurses will be applied to deep massage helps the uterus contract. Having the uterus firm in this way also helps to prevent excessive vaginal bleeding. Cramping sometimes be more painful for women who have had other pregnancies, the uterus must compensate for the previous stretching to return to pre-pregnancy size.

Lack of energy

All mothers feel fatigue in the early period of recovery. This feeling tired May last weeks or even months. Your body needs time to recover and adjust to parenthood. Treat yourself well. Lower expectations for you and your partner. Cancel as many household responsibilities as you can for now. Consider hiring help. On May take months recovers from pregnancy and delivery. In the meantime, you must devote the baby needs that occur at all hours of day and night. Avoid dieting in the early recovery period, especially if you are breastfeeding. Your body needs a healthy, sensible diet to help healing. Drinking plenty of fluids and getting exercise every day will also help manage fatigue, and reduction of tension and frustration.

Sex

Sex May be resumed only after he has taken the place of healing, and vaginal discharge has stopped, usually in three to four weeks. Do not be surprised if the sex was uncomfortable the first few times. May your vagina to be dry and tender. You will be fatigued and May be disturbed by the child. Rest assured that your sexual relations with your partner will be back to normal. If you do not want to become pregnant again immediately, you must use some kind of birth control. Breastfeeding will not you become pregnant again.

May you try using a water soluble lubricant, such as Kentucky or want Astro Glide, especially for breastfeeding moms. When breastfeeding, maternal estrogen levels are very low and constant dryness and discomfort can be a problem.

Psychological Changes

Many mothers feel postpartum blues in the weeks after delivery. May you feel won with care responsibilities for a small child, changes in your relationship with your partner and exhaustion. Feelings are also influenced by the hormonal changes going through your body. It is normal to experience insomnia, tearfulness, mild anxiety, sadness and irritability. These feelings are normal and usually subside as you and your family adjust. If, after two to three weeks, do not feel better, please contact your health care provider.