You experience changes after delivery, breast engorgement, discomfort in the perineal area. Reading this article, you will get to know about the tips for dealing with changes.
What Happens After Pregnancy?
Several things are happening in your body after having a baby. During pregnancy, your body worked hard to keep your baby healthy. Now that your baby has come to this world, your body is changing also. Some of the changes like the breasts getting milk. Let’s discuss the important changes that happens after birth of baby in mothers:
Lochia
Lochia is the vaginal discharge after a vaginal delivery with a musty smell resembling menstrual discharge. Lochia for 3 days after delivery has a red color. Small blood clots are normal. Through the tenth day after delivery, the lochia will be pinkish to brownish. Through the fourteenth day after delivery, the lochia has yellowish color. You may notice lochia in the morning, or while breastfeeding. Moms who have C- sections have less lochia after 24 hours. The bleeding stops within 6 weeks after you have delivered the baby.
Incision Drainage
You had a C-section, it is normal to have pinkish drainage from the incision. Keep the incision dry. Wash the incision with warm water. You can bathe, but sometimes the drainage doesn’t stop. In this case, you must consult a gynecologists’.
Breast Discharge
You are breastfeeding and your breasts release fluid. If you are unable to feed your baby, the leaking will stop within 2 weeks after delivery. Wear Breast pads inside your bra, to help keep you clean.
Breast Engorgement
Breast engorgement is swelling with sensations of heaviness in the breasts. It is caused by excessive circulation to the breasts. It happens if you miss a feeding, when feeding. In case you are bottle-feeding your baby, you can relieve the discomfort by taking pain medication. You can also put ice packs and wear a bra. When feeding your baby, prevent engorgement by frequently feeding him. You can also pump your breasts. Relieve the discomfort by using warm compresses to help the milk let down . Do not repeat this if pain never goes, as it may prevent the milk from flowing.
Discomfort in the Perineal area
Sometimes the area of skin between the vagina and anus becomes sore. Try warm sitz baths, which gives ease to your affected area. Sit in a tub filled with water and you must not add bubbles to the bath. You can buy a basin that fits on the toilet.
Perineal Care
Keeping the perineum clean increases comfort. After every time you use the bathroom, fill the bottle with warm water that your doctor has provided you. Squirt the water between the vagina and rectum. Pat the area dry and never rub the area. Apply a clean pad to maintain cleanliness for 1 week after delivery.
Uterine Contractions
Few hours after birth, the upper portion of the uterus is at the level of your navel and remains there for 24 hours. Now, it descends each day. This occurs more rapidly for women who are breastfeeding. Your uterus will return to its non-pregnant women’s’ size after six weeks. Uterine contractions may cause cramps that stop the bleeding from placenta. These pains are common in women and women with more than one pregnancy. The discomfort increases at times when you’re breastfeeding. After 5 minutes, pain will lessen.
To relieve discomfort, you may try these methods:
- Lie on your stomach with a pillow and after 10 minutes, take a walk.
- Take pain medication allowed by a healthcare provider.
- Make sure you are having a sitz bath
- Gently apply a heating pad on your stomach.
Constipation
After delivery, the first bowel movement is delayed up to the fourth day. Your healthcare provider may recommend medicine to soften the stool. Increase fruits in your diet to maintain the bowel movements normal. Make sure you are drinking 12 glasses of water each day. Never take narcotic pain relievers. Over-the-counter creams help hemorrhoid discomfort, but if constipation persists, call your healthcare provider.
When Should I See the Doctor After Having a Baby?
The recommendation is for women having a postnatal check 6 weeks after birth of baby. Your maternity care provider will check your perineum, if you had a caesarean. They will ask how you’re feeling and any problems regarding feeding. They may prescribe blood tests to determine how you are really feeling. Your care provider will discuss with you whether to prescribe hormone-based contraception. Remember — If you’re worried, your 6-week postnatal check, see your maternity care provider, which is important.
