Your Guide to Postpartum Care
Having a baby is an exciting and sometimes overwhelming experience. Adjusting to life with a new baby who is dependent upon you will take much of your time and attention. Your own body has gone through significant changes during and after pregnancy. It鈥檚 important to recognize your body needs to heal. Caring for yourself is important during this time.
As a new mother, some common postpartum issues you may encounter include:
- Postpartum discharge
- Vaginal discomfort
- C-section recovery
- Sore breasts
- Constipation or hemorrhoids
- Bladder leakage
- Fatigue
- Baby blues or postpartum depression
How Long Will It Take to Heal?
In general, for both vaginal delivery and a C-section, your body will need six weeks to recover. Because every birth experience is different, your symptoms and recovery timeline will be unique. Many symptoms will decrease over the first 1鈥2 weeks postpartum, but other symptoms may continue for weeks or months.
At your six week postpartum visit, your doctor will discuss any issues you are continuing to experience and will help with treatment options if needed.
Find an OB/GYN
Identifying & Treating Postpartum Issues
Postpartum Discharge
Postpartum discharge (lochia) is similar to a heavy period and may last up to six weeks. Typically, postpartum bleeding is heavy for the first 3鈥10 days, then slowly decreases. You may notice a change in the color of your discharge as the bleeding tapers from red to brown to a yellow-white color.
During this time, use pads, not tampons. If you are bleeding through more than one pad per hour or notice large clots, contact your doctor.
Vaginal Discomfort
Your vaginal area has been through enormous stress and strain. While it will return (almost) to normal, this takes some time. It鈥檚 not unusual for lacerations or tears to occur with delivery. The sutures used for repair will dissolve on their own by six weeks.
Women may also experience some uterine cramping, especially with nursing, in the first 1鈥2 weeks.
To assist with healing, it's important to let the area rest. Avoid vaginal intercourse and tampons for the first six weeks. You may use ice the first several days after delivery.
Spraying warm water over the area before and after urinating may help reduce irritation. Sitz baths, which are shallow bath bowls for soaking the vaginal area, may also be helpful. Kits are available in most pharmacies or online.
C-Section Recovery
It鈥檚 important your body gets the rest it needs after a C-section. Expect that it will take six weeks to heal. You will have a two-week and six-week postpartum visit to ensure the healing process is on track.
During the first six weeks, you should not lift anything heavier than your baby in a car seat. If needed, over-the-counter ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help reduce pain and discomfort.
Sore Breasts
Whether you鈥檙e nursing or not, sore breasts are common after childbirth. If you鈥檙e not nursing, your production of milk will stop over time. You may notice some pain and discomfort from breast engorgement in the interim as well as milk leakage.
To help ease the pain:
- Apply warm compresses or ice packs
- Wear a tight-fitting sports bra or ace bandage to help decrease symptoms of engorgement
- Take over-the-counter pain medicine, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, which may help decrease swelling or pain
If you鈥檙e breastfeeding:
- Apply warm compresses or ice packs
- Apply a lanolin cream to prevent or treat cracked nipples
- Wear a comfortable nursing bra
If you develop a fever higher than 100 degrees or note increasing redness and pain, contact your physician for evaluation of possible mastitis, which is an inflammation of breast tissue that sometimes causes an infection.
Constipation or Hemorrhoids
It may take several days to have your first bowel movement after delivery. Constipation is common during the first few weeks as your body adjusts back to normal. Over-the-counter stool softeners, fiber-rich foods, and drinking plenty of fluids will help.
You may also use over the counter hemorrhoid medications to help unless you had a fourth-degree laceration (involving the rectum).
Bladder Leakage
Postpartum bladder leakage is quite common for many women. By your six-week check-up, you should see some improvement. However, most bladder conditions improve slowly over time as your muscles and nerves recover. Expect it may take 6鈥12 months to see significant improvement.
If you don鈥檛 notice an improvement, a referral to see a pelvic floor physical therapist may be helpful.
Fatigue
Fatigue is a normal part of the postpartum experience. Your baby will likely wake up every two to three hours for feeding, making it difficult to get enough sleep. It鈥檚 important to try and sleep while your baby sleeps, even during the day. If possible, ask others to watch your baby for a few hours so you can rest.
If your fatigue feels more significant than expected for sleep deprivation or is significantly impacting your mood, talk to your provider.
Baby Blues and Postpartum Depression
It鈥檚 normal for new mothers to experience mood swings and negative feelings after giving birth. These emotions occur due to hormonal changes, exhaustion and fatigue, and adapting to a new lifestyle.
You may experience symptoms such as:
- Irritability
- Insomnia
- Unexplained or frequent crying
- Sadness
- Mood changes
- Restlessness
Mild symptoms that improve over time are normal. However, postpartum depression may be present if you are unable to perform daily activities because you are so overwhelmed, have thoughts of hurting yourself or your baby, or if symptoms persist or worsen over 2鈥4 weeks.
Postpartum depression may develop up to one year after giving birth and requires medical treatment. It鈥檚 important to speak to your doctor if your symptoms persist or are severe.
For the Love of Mothers
Learn how U of U Health researchers, a team of community partners, and Utah mothers across the state are working together to build new programs that address postpartum mental health disorders.
Self-Care after Birth
As a new mother, much of your energy and attention will focus on caring for your baby. However, it is essential to remember to care for yourself. You will best be able to care for your baby when you are physically and emotionally well.
Eat Healthy Meals
Maintaining a well-balanced, healthy diet will help your body heal and combat fatigue. Be sure to eat a balance of whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and protein. You should also drink plenty of water, especially if you are breastfeeding or constipated.
Exercise after Pregnancy
It's generally fine to begin light exercise five to seven days after an uncomplicated delivery. Start slowly with walks. As your body recovers and heals, you may increase the amount and intensity of exercise.
If you had a complicated birth or C-section talk to your health care provider before exercising.
Weight Loss after Pregnancy
Most new moms are eager to lose their 鈥渂aby fat.鈥 However, it鈥檚 important to approach weight loss after pregnancy in a healthy and accepting manner. Weight loss is different for every woman.
Here are some suggestions to help:
- Set realistic weight-loss goals. It may take six to 12 months to return to your pre-pregnancy weight.
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle. Eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly are the best ways to promote weight loss.
- Factor in breastfeeding. Breastfeeding may help you lose weight as breastfeeding uses fat cells stored in your body during pregnancy. The production of breast milk also uses calories.
Learn More About Taking Care of Your Mental During & After Pregnancy
Postpartum Body Care & Follow-Up
To ensure that your body is healing appropriately, it is important to contact your OBGYN to set up your six-week postpartum visit soon after you give birth. If you had a C-section, you should set up a two-week and a six-week visit with your OBGYN.
Resources for Our Patients
When to See a Pelvic Floor Specialist After Birth
If you鈥檙e experiencing bothersome pelvic floor symptoms three to six months or more after giving birth, you should consider seeing a pelvic floor specialist. Treatment from our pelvic floor specialists will help significantly improve your postpartum symptoms and quality of life.
Schedule a Well-Child Visit
We offer care for your child from infancy to adulthood. Keep your child healthy with regular well-child visits. View our locations all along the Wasatch Front and into Utah Valley. Find the best pediatrician for you.
Donate Your Breast Milk to Babies in Need
Breast milk is the healthiest food option for newborn babies. But thousands of babies can't get access to the breast milk they need. If you'd like to donate your extra breast milk to babies in need, learn more about our local milk bank: Mountain West Mothers鈥 Milk Bank.
YoMingo庐: Prenatal & Postnatal Education on the Go
U of U Health offers anytime, anywhere education for expectant mothers through YoMingo庐, with all the tools and support you need at every stage of your pregnancy. Find information on prenatal care, labor & birth, postpartum, breastfeeding, and newborn care.
