Postpartum care: Your body after baby.

Bringing a child into the world is a joyful occasion. It can also feel stressful and overwhelming. We’re here to help you take care of your physical, emotional and mental health so you can care for your newborn. Learn what you can expect and how you can heal after baby.

 

Physical stress on your body.

There is a good reason why experts use the term "the fourth trimester" for those first few months after giving birth.

Childbirth can be really hard on the body. Right now, you’re likely experiencing many of the following symptoms. Here’s how to handle each and every one of them.

Vaginal bleeding and discharge

For the first few days, you will probably shed heavy red discharge—it will seem as if you have your period. Over the next several days, the discharge should lighten in color and become more watery.

• What to do: Wear a maxi pad. If you continue to bleed heavily after the first few days or your discharge has a foul odor, give your doctor a call.

Full tender breasts

A couple of days after giving birth, your breasts will likely swell up with milk, which can be uncomfortable.

• What to do: To release the pressure, nurse or pump from both breasts often. Before nursing, place warm washcloths on your breasts or take a warm shower. Between feedings, apply cold washcloths to your breasts.

Mastitis

If your breasts are red, swollen and painful and you experience flu-like symptoms, you could have mastitis. When milk ducts become clogged, they can cause this type of breast infection.

• What to do: Continue nursing and make an appointment with your doctor as soon as you can. You might need an antibiotic.

Sore nipples from nursing

You might be dealing with discomfort as your baby learns to latch on.

• What to do: Try covering your nipples with nipple shields and using nipple cream. If you’re having difficulty nursing, reach out to a lactation consultant. They can help you learn how to breastfeed more comfortably. And remember that fed is best, so if you don't feel breastfeeding is working for you or your baby, consider switching to formula.

Pain in your abdomen after a C-section

You’ve been through major surgery and are likely feeling discomfort around the incision site. For the first few days post-delivery, you might also be having contractions, or afterpains.

• What to do: Ask your doctor about taking an over-the-counter pain reliever To make sure that your incision site heals well, look out for signs of infection, like a fever, foul-smelling discharge or excessive pain. Call your doctor if the site is red, swollen or leaking discharge.

Pain in your vagina, perineum or rectum if you had a vaginal delivery

Whether you were given an episiotomy or tore during delivery, you could be experiencing discomfort each time you have a bowel movement or sit down.

• What to do: Wear cooling pads with your maxi pad, place a cold pack on the area that’s bothering you and soak in a warm bath. Also ask your doctor about taking an over-the-counter pain reliever. To ease any pain when sitting, use a pillow or donut-shaped cushion. To make bowel movements more comfortable, drink lots of water and try taking a stool softener. To clean the area afterwards, use a squirt bottle. Pat the area dry with toilet paper, wiping from front to back.

Fatigue

Your body has just been through a taxing experience and needs to rest and recover. At the same time, your new baby needs to eat — around the clock. Unfortunately, your body and your baby are at odds.

• What to do: Sleep and rest as much as you can. Don’t have more than a few visitors for the first two weeks. Ask trusted friends or family members to help you. For the first couple of weeks, don’t lift anything heavier than your baby and limit climbing stairs, especially if you had a C-section. Get your doctor’s clearance before having sexual intercourse.

Weakness

You’re probably feeling depleted from childbirth and nursing. Breastfeeding women burn about an extra 450 to 500 calories per day.

• What to do: Replenish yourself by eating meals that include protein, carbohydrates and fat. Drink lots of water and consider limiting caffeine. To rebuild your strength, ask your doctor when you can safely begin an exercise program.

 

Emotional and mental health challenges.

The days after childbirth can feel like an emotional rollercoaster.

Natural mood swings and high emotions sometimes lead to a more serious mental health issue. Read more about what you may be feeling and learn when to get help.

Symptom: Mood swings: After childbirth, your mood can turn from joyfulness one moment to sadness the next. You’re probably feeling exhausted and completely overwhelmed —especially if this was your first delivery.

Know that these “baby blues,” as they’re often called, are completely normal—and largely due to shifting hormone levels. Expect to feel out of sorts for about two weeks.

What to do: Know that what you’re feeling is completely normal. Rest often. The less fatigued you are, the more relaxed and in-control you will likely feel. Confide in trusted friends and family members. Ask for help.

Symptom: Postpartum depression: The “baby blues” are extremely common, and not a cause for concern. Postpartum depression is different. It is a potentially serious mental health condition that doesn’t go away on its own.

Symptoms include:

• Intense sadness
• Severe anxiety and feeling inadequate
• Sleeping too much or too little
• Thoughts of harming yourself or the baby

What to do: Reach out to your doctor as soon as you can. They might suggest medication or a few visits with a mental health professional.

If you feel a desire to hurt yourself or your baby, pick up the phone immediately and call 911 for help. You can feel better —you just need some support to do so. We're here for you.

 

You’re not alone.

It truly does take a village to raise a child. In the days and weeks after giving birth, get the support you need. Rely on others to help you recover and transition into your role as a mother of one, two or more. Here's who can help you build your village:

• Your doctor: Before you leave the hospital, ask your healthcare provider when they’d like you to come in for follow-up appointments. Bring a list of questions to those appointments and don't be afraid to ask them.
• Your child’s pediatrician: Your new baby has a doctor, too. Our pediatricians will help you learn how to take care of your newborn. Feel free to ask all the questions you'd like.
• Your lactation consultant: These newborn experts help you learn to breastfeed and deal with any nursing challenges.
• Your friends and family: Don’t be shy about asking trusted loved ones for help, whether they chip in to watch your baby or help you with cooking, laundry or other household chores.