Postpartum Care

Postpartum is the period of time following the birth of the baby. It is the time the mother's body is changing back to the non- pregnant state. It lasts approximately 6 weeks or until the reproductive organs return to their normal size.

Following delivery, a new mother needs extra rest. However, with caring for and feeding a new baby, there is not much time to rest. Assistance with household chores allows the new mother to focus on caring for her baby and herself.

Because the new mother must feed the baby around the clock, it may be necessary to change her own sleeping patterns to get enough rest. New mothers should sleep or nap while their baby sleeps. Morning and afternoon naps can be very helpful.

There are few limitations for new mothers who have had a normal delivery without any complications. However, there may be some required limitations, such as limiting heavy lifting, vacuuming, and stair climbing for the first couple of weeks.

Exercise is one of the best ways to lose post-pregnancy weight, regain your energy level, relieve stress, and restore your muscle strength. Unless you have had a cesarean delivery, difficult birth or pregnancy complication, you can usually resume moderate exercise once you feel up to it.

For women who delivered vaginally, pain in the perineum (the area between the rectum and vagina) is quite common. Sitz baths, cold packs or warm water applied to the area with a squirt bottle or sponge can help avoid infection and reduce tenderness. It is also important to wipe yourself from the front to back after a bowel movement to avoid infecting the perineum with germs from the rectum. If sitting is uncomfortable, you may want to purchase a doughnut-shaped pillow at your local drugstore to help ease the pressure on your perineum. A prescription or over-the-counter pain reliever (non-aspirin, if you are breastfeeding) also can help.

It is common in postpartum women to be constipated or have discomfort from their hemorrhoids. Over-the-counter ointments and spray, accompanied by a diet rich in fiber and fluids, usually can help reduce constipation and swelling of hemorrhoids. Do not use laxatives, suppositories, or enemas without asking your doctor, especially if you have had an episiotomy or have stitches in the perineal area.

When your milk comes in, about 2 to 4 days after delivery, your breasts may become very large, hard, and sore. This will ease once you start a breastfeeding routine. You can also ease the breast discomfort by wearing a well-fitting support bra and applying ice packs to your breasts.

Sexual relations may be resumed after a healthcare provider confirms that proper healing from the delivery has occurred and all bleeding has stopped. At first, vaginal secretions during sexual arousal may be less than normal. A lubricant, such as K-Y jelly may be used. It is normal to feel uncomfortable when retuning to sex after childbirth. This is usually a temporary feeling. It is normal not to have as strong a sexual desire as before pregnancy. If the sexual desire does not return to normal after several months, it is time to consult your provider.

During the postpartum period, it is important to contact your provider if any of the following conditions develop:

• temperature of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Centigrade) or greater
• unusual abdominal or perineal pain
• increased pain, swelling, redness, or discharge from the episiotomy or C-section incision
• bleeding through more than one pad per hour
• a foul smelling vaginal discharge
• blood clots the size of a plum
• breast symptoms such as tenderness, redness, warmth, or unusual discharge
• burning when urinating or unable to empty the bladder
• leg tenderness or redness or
• feeling depressed or blue for more than 2 to 3 days

Your provider determines when it is necessary for you to return for an after-delivery visit. For a normal delivery, it is usually 4 to 6 weeks. For a C-section, it is usually within 1 to 2 weeks. A follow up appointment may be scheduled sooner if there were any medical problems during the pregnancy, such as high blood pressure or gestational diabetes.

Last Reviewed 2005

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

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