Do you have a post about what someone should expect soon after delivery?
Hi!I don’t have a post about postpartum changes, but here it goes! I hope this helps.
DischargeAfter the baby and the placenta are born the uterus starts to clean itself. The discharge after childbirth is called lochia, and it consists of blood, blood clots, mucus, tissue. The color and the consistency of lochia change with time, going from bright red to dark red, then to brown, yellow and white in the end. It usually lasts for about 3 weeks, but it can last for up to 6 weeks. When is it time to see a doctor? Whenever you think your bleeding is excessive, you have a fever or the discharge has a foul smell, it’s time to let your health care provider about it.
CrampingThe non pregnant uterus is small, about the size of your fist. A pregnant uterus slowly expands to a much bigger size to hold the baby (or babies). After the delivery it will start returning back to it’s pre-pregnancy size and unfortunately, that can hurt. The uterus is a muscle and the only way for it to shrink is to contract. These after birth contractions are called after pains and can be stronger when you breastfeed. Breastfeeding causes the production of oxytocin, the hormone that contracts the uterus. Mostly the after pains are gone within a week, but they can last for up to 6 weeks. Make sure you visit your health care provider if you think the pain is too strong.
Perineal pain and sorenessWhether you have stitches or not, the perineum might be sore. The perineum stretches a lot during the delivery and sometimes tears (or it’s cut, but let’s hope it isn’t). Take your time while sitting down. Using an inflatable swimming ring instead of a cushion on the chair might release the pressure of the perineum suring sitting. Applying witch hazel or ice packs might help with pain, and using a squirt bottle with warm water instead of toilet paper after peeing might also help.
Soreness after the C-sectionC-section is a major abdominal surgery. I like saying this, because it’s true and a lot of people seem to forget it. Recovery after it is not easy. You will likely feel pain around the incision, some nausea as a side effect form anesthesia, feel tired and sleepy. Make sure you get enough rest, use proper techniques for standing up and listen to your body. Your health care provider might prescribe you something for the pain. I couldn’t find any pictures about the techniques for standing up, but you will probably be taught how to stand up in the hospital.
The incisionDuring the C-section the incision is made through many layers of skin, fat and muscle. After the surgery the incision can feel sore or tight and it might even itch. Do not scratch it! Support your belly and hold it near the incision when standing up, coughing, sneezing or laughing. If you notice redness, swelling or any discharge from the incision, have a fever or increasing pain around your incision, contact your doctor.
ConstipationConstipation can be a problem if you had a C-section or you vaginally delivered. You are tired, your body is tired and changing, you lost some fluids, you have hemorrhoids, you are sore. Your bowel movements can be uncomfortable. The best way to help it is to drink a lot of fluids and eat high-fiber foods.
Breast changesThe first milk your breasts will produce is called colostrum. It comes in very small quantities, just a few mililitres. But it’s enough for your baby, because the baby’s stomach is very small too. As you are learning how to breastfeed, so is the baby! The baby is learning how to properly latch, and that can be a bit hard on your nipples. If you feel pain and your nipples are very tender, make sure you get help from a consultant that will check how the baby is latching and help you breastfeed. Breastfeeding , cuddling with your baby and spending time with them will increase the milk production too. After a few days the milk will come in. Your breasts might feel tender, full and swollen. Use heat pads or take a warm shower before you breastfeed to help release the milk from the milk ducts. Work on different positions to see which suits you the most.
If you chose not to breastfeed, that is okay. Make sure you wear a firm and supporting bra – but not a too tight one, and don’t express milk. Applying cold compresses and ice packs might help you stop the milk production, some recommend using cold cabbage leafs too. It might take a week or so for your body to figure things out. If your breasts hurt and you feel the need to express milk, express a small quantitiy, but not too much. The more you express, the more your body will produce. In certain cases your doctor can even prescribe medications for stopping the lactation. Make sure you talk to a lactation consultant – they can help you a lot with stopping milk.
Mood swingsChildbirth is a hormonal cocktail, and a hormonal cocktail means different emotions, all mixed up in your body. You might feel happy, excited, but you might also feel sad, anxious, irritated. Make sure you take care of yourself, listen to yourself. Share what you feel with your partner, your friend, a family member, someone you trust. If you feel depressed and feel that you are getting worse, make sure you contact your health care provider.
Send me a message (or a chat message) if you have more questions.- HSM
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