Postpartum Care: What to Expect & How to Recover

For ages, a lot of emphasis has been given to postpartum care because delivering a healthy baby successfully is quite an achievement for both mother and her baby. The entire process of pregnancy and delivery makes the immune system of women quite vulnerable and weak. A new mom needs ample time to let her body heal, replenish and rejuvenate from the entire process of childbirth.

In this article, we will discuss about the importance of postpartum care for mother, what changes can be expected and how to recover from childbirth.

What is postpartum care?

The postpartum period refers to the first six weeks after delivery or childbirth. While it is a time to celebrate the arrival of your little one, it is also a period of changes, recovery and healing for mothers. Postpartum care is all about adjusting to the physical and emotional changes that occur after childbirth and allowing the body to heal and get used to motherhood.

Why is postpartum care important?

Postpartum care for mother is essential because she will experience a myriad of changes in the first six weeks after childbirth. Devoting all your attention to your baby, resuming normal activities and not getting enough rest can set you back in recovery. It’s vital for all mothers to focus on nourishing their bodies with a good diet, taking plenty of rest and caring for themselves to have a full and speedy postpartum recovery.

What to expect after delivery?

Your body will experience a plethora of physical and emotional changes after childbirth. To cope with these changes and recover fully, knowing what to expect is important:

1. Vaginal soreness

During childbirth, the vaginal area or perineum area (area between your vagina and anus) may tear or be cut to make the area wider. This may result in soreness and swelling postpartum. Sitting on an icepack or rinsing the area with warm water may provide relief.

2. Vaginal discharge

For up to 2-4 weeks after giving birth, you may notice vaginal discharge. This is nothing but the uterus eliminating any blood or residue tissue from your body. You can wear sanitary napkins until the discharge stops. Avoid using tampons or douching until your doctor approves.

3. Abdominal pain

As your uterus shrinks back to its normal size, you may experience cramping or pain in the lower abdomen. Applying a heating pad or hot water bottle can help relieve the pain.

4. Baby blues

It’s normal to experience baby blues after delivery. These are caused by hormonal changes and include symptoms like unexplained crying, sadness, restlessness, irritability and insomnia. Baby blues should pass within 2 weeks but if the symptoms last longer and are accompanied by feelings of guilt and worthlessness, consult your doctor about postpartum depression.

5. Constipation

It’s extremely common to experience constipation following childbirth. It can be caused by pain-relieving drugs or fear of tearing your stitches. Try eating fibrous foods and drinking plenty of water to stimulate bowel activity.

6. Hemorrhoids

Some women develop hemorrhoids (painful swelling of veins in the rectum) during pregnancy. Others can develop them during childbirth from the strain and pushing. They may cause pain and bleeding after bowel movements along with itching. Hemorrhoids should shrink over time. You should consult your doctor for pain relief.

7. Hormonal changes

Thanks to all the hormonal changes taking place inside your body, you may experience nighttime sweating, hair loss or mood swings after delivery. But don’t worry these are only temporary and will pass over time.

8. Hair loss and skin changes

It’s time for the elevated hormones to come back to normal levels, which means goodbye to pregnancy glow and hair. You may experience postpartum hair loss for a few months. Your stretch marks will start to fade to silver and pigmented skin and dark patches will also slowly fade.

9. Sore nipples and breasts

During the first few days of breastfeeding, it’s normal to experience sore nipples and breasts because of improper latching. Try changing positions or seek help from a latching expert. Warm compresses or a nipple cream may help soothe the pain.

10. Water retention

The swelling you experienced during pregnancy may not go away so soon. Also known as postpartum edema, you may experience water retention because of increased progesterone levels. This should go away within a week as hormones return to normal levels.

11. Mood swings

Childbirth can trigger a gush of powerful emotions. You may experience irritability, sudden crying, anxiety, sleeping troubles and mood swings during the postpartum phase. Try sharing your feelings with loved ones and focus on your postpartum care.

12. Weight loss

Sorry for the disappointment if you were hoping to lose all your pregnancy weight instantly after childbirth. Although you must have lost around 6 kg weight after birth and will continue to lose more weight over the next few weeks, returning to your pre-pregnancy weight is a long road.

Getting used to motherhood

Motherhood comes with its fair share of changes and challenges. To cope with these changes and adjust to motherhood, you should devote the first six weeks after childbirth to postpartum care.

Here are a few things you can do to speed up your postpartum recovery and transition to your new role as a mother:

1. Take rest

Nothing will heal your body more than sleep and rest. Follow the golden rule of sleeping when your baby sleeps and try get in as much rest as possible.

2. Ask for help

Feel free and entitled to ask for help from your partner, family and friends as you focus on your postpartum care. Allow your body the time it needs to heal while loved ones help you with baby care and household responsibilities.

3. Eat healthy

Consuming a healthy and balanced diet will promote your healing. Increase your daily intake of whole grains, proteins, fresh fruits and vegetables and fluid for the postpartum period.

4. Exercise

Start exercising after receiving the nod from your doctor. Until then you can go for a walk and enjoy the change of scenery.

To get more information about postpartum care and recovery, you can check Mylo Postpartum Care Plan that takes care of the new mother's needs and holistic well-being. It can help you with postpartum recovery, increased breast milk secretion, weight loss, improved gut health and constipation relief and postpartum depression.

Final Thoughts

Giving birth not only changes your body but also your life. Postpartum care is essential to allow your body to heal, adjust to the new life and help you excel in your new role as a mother. Enjoy this time with your baby and focus on your postpartum care.