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.