“Having a baby is one of the most amazing, miraculous, and life-altering moments of life. Yet with all the focus on the baby, it can be easy to forget that your body has just undergone a very physical+emotional experience and that it takes a while to recover+feel “normal” again” 
“Most new moms are unaware about the toll of pregnancy on the body and the process of postpartum recovery leaves a lot of moms surprised by how intensive and lengthy the healing process can be.”
Are you an expectant mom? This thread will be helpful in your preparation.
Are you an expectant mom? This thread will be helpful in your preparation.
Week 1 and 2
“The first week postpartum is the most intensive in terms of adjustment and recovery. You have just given birth, are taking care of a newborn, and may have experienced vaginal or perineum tearing (and stitches) or other delivery complications.
“The first week postpartum is the most intensive in terms of adjustment and recovery. You have just given birth, are taking care of a newborn, and may have experienced vaginal or perineum tearing (and stitches) or other delivery complications.
Your vagina and entire pelvic region will be uncomfortable, swollen, and possibly, abraded. Your breasts, nipples, and areola are likely sore. If you had a c-section, you are also recovering from major surgery. All of your organs need to shift back into place.
Your hormone levels are changing rapidly, and your body is preparing (and learning) to breastfeed.”
Parenthood: adjusting to a new addition to the family can be challenging; feeding, sleep patterns, diaper changing and coming up with a suitable routine can be challenging.
Parenthood: adjusting to a new addition to the family can be challenging; feeding, sleep patterns, diaper changing and coming up with a suitable routine can be challenging.
Breastfeeding: This experience can be very painful for some, and it will be uncomfortable for most during the first few weeks. Learn about good latch, breast massages, releasing some of the milk if you experience engorgement and so on.
Postpartum bleeding: “In the first week or so, you can expect to experience some heavy postpartum bleeding, including the passage of large blood clots. This is the case whether you delivered vaginally or by c-section.
“Your vaginal discharge (called lochia) isn’t just blood; it also consists of the mucous membrane that lined your uterus during pregnancy. Expect to wear pads for a few weeks. Do not use tampons during this period as they can cause infection.”
“Uterine Cramping: Afterbirth pains can bring you tears, But they actually have a very good purpose—to shrink your uterus back down to its normal, pre-pregnancy size. After giving birth, your uterus weighs about 2.5 lbs; by 6 weeks postpartum, it will have shrunk to only 2 oz”
Vaginal+Perineum Healing:
Whether or not you experienced vaginal or perineum tearing, this area is going to feel engorged, stretched out, banged up, and not quite right for a while. You may also feel sore, stinging sensations if you have any broken skin, as well as general aches
Whether or not you experienced vaginal or perineum tearing, this area is going to feel engorged, stretched out, banged up, and not quite right for a while. You may also feel sore, stinging sensations if you have any broken skin, as well as general aches
You can soothe your vaginal area by taking warm baths, using ice packs and witch hazel, sitting on a donut pillow, and squeezing warm water over your vaginal and perineum areas after (or while) urinating.”
Hospitals often give new moms a squirt bottle—take it home with you—to gently clean the vaginal area with warm water after using the bathroom. Speak to your healthcare provider if your vaginal pain is worsening or if you develop a fever, as these could be signs of infection.”
C-Section Recovery: Though common, don't forget that its a major abdominal surgery. It’s important to get as much rest as possible, and follow doctor’s orders in terms of wound care, including staying off your feet, keeping the incision clean, and not putting pressure on incision
First Bowel Movement:
Many women fear passing their first stool after giving birth. But it’s worse to hold things in—you risk worsening any hemorrhoids (a normal side effect of bearing down in delivery), and making that first bowel movement even more uncomfortable.
Many women fear passing their first stool after giving birth. But it’s worse to hold things in—you risk worsening any hemorrhoids (a normal side effect of bearing down in delivery), and making that first bowel movement even more uncomfortable.
truth is that nothing is going to “fall out” when you pass your first stool; you will do just fine. Constipation is often an issue, as pain mediations and the toll of the birth on your body often lead to harder stool. If you are feeling backed up, consider taking a stool softener
Mood changes: The body experiences rapid hormonal shifts right after you give birth, which can make you feel extra weepy, moody, elated, and/or irritable. You are also adjusting to motherhood, feeding a baby, running on very little sleep, and likely feeling overwhelmed.
Make sure to open up about how you are feeling with those you love and trust, stay hydrated, and well-nourished, and rest whenever possible. Be compassionate and patient with yourself, your healing process, and your (sometimes) erratic or overwhelming moods.
Know that postpartum depression is common and be on the lookout for its symptoms, including excessive worrying about the baby, a lack of interest in the baby, feeling overly sad, restless, guilty, or worthless, and/or having trouble sleeping, focusing, remembering, or eating.
Night sweats: About a 1/3 of all women experience night sweats or hot flashes in the first month. Its due to hormonal shifts as well as your body’s need to shed excess pregnancy fluids. Hot flashes and night sweats can be very uncomfortable, but they are normal, and should pass
3 to 6 Weeks Postpartum:
You may be starting to feel a bit more and more like yourself at this point, which is awesome. You're likely exhausted from caring from your newborn but are starting to get on a schedule. Remember you’re still healing.
You may be starting to feel a bit more and more like yourself at this point, which is awesome. You're likely exhausted from caring from your newborn but are starting to get on a schedule. Remember you’re still healing.
Postpartum Bleeding: should be very light now and will end during this phase. If it comes back or if you are bleeding heavily, you should contact your doctor. Making sure to rest and not exert yourself too heavily will keep the bleeding to a minimum and help you heal faster
General Body Recovery:
By now, your vaginal area shouldn’t be very sore, although you likely won't feel recovered enough for sex quite yet. Your c-section scar may be somewhat tender or even numb, but your pain should be on the milder side.
By now, your vaginal area shouldn’t be very sore, although you likely won't feel recovered enough for sex quite yet. Your c-section scar may be somewhat tender or even numb, but your pain should be on the milder side.
Mood Changes+Postpartum Depression
“The baby blues” are experienced by many moms in the first two weeks postpartum, and these feelings can extend for multiple weeks. It’s common to feel weepy, cry over the littlest things, and go from feeling elated one minute to sad the next.
“The baby blues” are experienced by many moms in the first two weeks postpartum, and these feelings can extend for multiple weeks. It’s common to feel weepy, cry over the littlest things, and go from feeling elated one minute to sad the next.
Your hormone levels are going through a huge adjustment, as is your body and lifestyle, so it's very normal to feel overwhelmed or stressed. Sometimes, the emotional fallout can turn into postpartum depression. If you are struggling emotionally, seek help by talking to someone”
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