Care for Your Health after Delivery
It is a period of adjustment and recovery in the weeks following childbirth. You will need to be careful with your health during the first few weeks, regardless of whether you had a C-section or vaginal birth. This new phase of your life is all about getting enough rest, limiting your visitors, and setting up a routine with your baby.
How
can I take care of myself at home after a delivery?
You
may feel like you can just get back to normal after delivery. This time is
a period of adjustment and recovery for you as you adjust to your newborn. Your
body will have to heal from childbirth over time. Your body will require
time to heal, regardless of whether you have a vaginal or C-section delivery.
It
can be difficult to adjust to the first month after having a baby. It can
feel overwhelming to be able to focus all your attention on your baby. But
remember to take care of you too. It's common to hear the expression
"if you don’t take care yourself, you won't be able to take care your
baby", and it's true. To take care of yourself, there are several
things that you need to do immediately after giving birth.
Here
are some physical tips:
- Rest: Having a baby is difficult work. You probably didn't get much
sleep in the hospital. You should take the time to relax in the first
few weeks following delivery. You can sleep when your baby is
sleeping or you can rest whenever possible. You will recover from
this rest.
- You should
not lift anything heavier than your baby while you are recovering. This
is particularly important if your baby was born via C-section.
- Hand
washing: after
you go to the toilet, before changing your baby's diaper, and before you
feed your baby, wash your hands.
- You should
limit your stair climbing: during the first week. While you heal, limit
how many times you climb and descend stairs daily.
- Keep your
baby's care simple. It's hard enough to learn your
baby’s schedule and needs within the first few weeks. Don't add more to
your to-do-list when it comes to baby's needs. Baby doesn't require a
bath every single day. Instead, wet wipes can be used to clean your
baby's diaper, face, and hands daily.
Here
are some social tips:
- Restricting
visitor: People
will be eager to meet your new family member. This is not the time to
host guests. For the first few weeks, it is okay to restrict visitors
or say no to all company. This is a time when you will adjust to your
new life and heal from the birth. You will also need to establish
feeding habits if you decide to breastfeed.
- Asking for
assistance: Do not be afraid to ask. Tell
your family and friends how they can help. You could help cook meals,
do laundry, take care of household chores, look after siblings or stop by
the grocery store to get food and supplies.
- Don't
strive for perfection: If you have visitors, don't worry
about small messes. You are inviting people to your home to meet you
and your baby. Do not try to make your home perfect at this time.
What
is postpartum depression?
Many
new parents are affected by postpartum depression. You may feel depressed
because of the complex combination of emotional, behavioral, and physical
changes that can occur after childbirth. Sometimes, you might hear the
term "baby blues" to describe a change in someone's emotions after
giving birth. Postpartum depression can include feelings of sadness,
anxiety and hopelessness as well as guilt, shame, guilt, and fatigue.
You
should immediately contact your healthcare provider if you have any of these
feelings or thoughts.
- For two
weeks, a depressed mood that lasts most of the day.
- It is
difficult to do everyday tasks around the home for yourself or your baby.
- You may
think about harming your baby or yourself. These thoughts include
thoughts of suicide.
- Feelings
of helplessness, despair, anxiety, guilt or panic.
Talking
to others is important if you feel upset or have changed your feelings after
birth. It can be hard to reach out to family, friends, or your healthcare
provider after a delivery, but it is worth it.
How
can I maintain my physical health after I have given birth?
You
don't have to stop receiving medical care once you have your baby. Your
healthcare provider will continue to see you and help you recover. You
should make an appointment with your obstetrician for a follow up visit one
week after you give birth. This appointment is usually scheduled within
four to six weeks of delivery. This appointment may be made a few weeks
earlier in some cases.
Your
healthcare provider will also recommend that you take care of your perineal
health. After giving birth, you will receive detailed instructions
regarding your perineal care. These instructions will be followed until
you see your doctor.
You
should also remember the following things as part of your after-delivery
treatment:
- You should
wait until your first appointment to have intercourse. After giving
birth, your body takes time to heal. It is normal to wait a few weeks
before you can have sex again. Your provider will advise you that it
is okay to have sex again once your perineum heals (or your abdominal scar
from your C section has healed), and your postpartum bleeding has stopped.
- Talk about
birth control. You might find it strange that you can get pregnant
again very soon after giving birth, especially if your period isn't yet
back. You can. Your provider may be able to talk with you about
birth control options even before your baby is born. Talk to your
provider about birth control options if you haven't. You can still
get pregnant even though you don't have to breastfeed.
- Do not
douch or use tampons within the first few weeks of birth. In the
first four to six week after birth, you shouldn't use a tampon. The
safest way to catch blood or discharge is to use pads.
- Keep
taking your prenatal vitamins each day. You can also take iron-rich
multivitamins if you run out prenatal vitamins.
- Healthy
meals are important. In the first few weeks following delivery, it's
a good idea for you to eat lots of healthy food. Healthy eating
habits will aid in recovery. You should avoid caffeine and alcohol
during this period.
- Eight
large glasses of fluid are recommended daily. You have many options
when it comes to achieving this goal.
- Go for a walk. It is good to get out of the house for a walk. Walking is an easy way to get back into exercise after a baby. Talk to your healthcare provider about when and how often you can start an exercise program.
Expectant mothers can get all the care they need before,
during, and after delivery from the UrgentWay doctors for women health. We have
provided the highest quality care to women for over a decade. Our
highly-skilled healthcare providers provide compassionate care to women with
routine pregnancies, customizing prenatal care to their unique health needs,
personal philosophies, and preferences. Our renowned maternal-fetal medicine
program is led by academic leaders who have advanced knowledge of pregnancy
complications.
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