After your child is born, your body is healing, your emotions are all over the place, and your baby needs you constantly. But don’t worry —our guide here will explain how to take care of yourself, so you may feel stronger and more in control as you go through a new chapter of motherhood.
The postpartum period is a time of healing and adjustment. After giving birth, whether through vaginal delivery or cesarean delivery, your body goes through a lot of changes. The changes are normal, but they could be overwhelming.
What Happens in the First Few Weeks?
During the first few weeks postpartum, your body begins to heal. Whether you birthed vaginally or via cesarean, you experience vaginal bleeding as your body sheds the lining of the uterus. For most women, that may feel like a very heavy period, and you might need to use more than one pad in the first few days. The bleeding reduces but may last about six to eight weeks.
Vaginal discharge, called lochia, is also part of postpartum recovery. The discharge is how your body clears the uterus after delivery. It starts heavy and red and gradually becomes lighter. Postpartum bleeding may sometimes be heavy, but if you’re soaking through pads too quickly, it could be a sign of postpartum hemorrhage, so be sure to call your doctor if you’re concerned.
Managing Postpartum Symptoms
It’s normal to feel some perineal postpartum pain, especially if you had a vaginal birth. Many women experience perineal pain or soreness in the area between the vagina and anus. That’s particularly true if you got stitches after delivery.
Applying a cooling pad in the first 24 to 48 hours after childbirth, and switch to a heating pad about a week later to ease the discomfort. You might also find relief using witch hazel pads or spraying warm water over the area during bathroom breaks. C-section pain is usually limited to your C-section surgical area.
Postpartum recovery isn’t about the physical aspects only. Postpartum depression and the baby blues are very real for many moms. The first few weeks often come with mood swings, sadness, or feelings of being overwhelmed. Many of the highlighted symptoms often resolve on their own, but if they persist or worsen, don’t hesitate to talk to your doctor. Your mental health is just as important as your physical healing.
Getting Through the Six to Eight Week Mark
As you move further into your postpartum recovery timeline, your body will continue healing. By six to eight weeks, most of the bleeding and discharge should have stopped, and your uterus will return to its pre-pregnancy size. For many women, that is also when you’ll have a postpartum checkup with your healthcare provider. The visit is to check if you’re healing well and to address any lingering concerns, whether it’s about vaginal pain, blood pressure, or breastfeeding challenges like cracked nipples.
You might also notice that you’re not back to your pre-pregnancy size. Don’t overthink or stress yourself over that. Weight loss after pregnancy varies from mom to mom, and it’s important to be patient with yourself. Other pregnancy changes may take more than the six to eight weeks to recover to pre-pregnancy state.
The Emotional Side of Recovery
Taking care of your emotional well-being is just as important as physical healing. Many new moms feel anxious or sad after giving birth, and it’s completely normal. However, if feelings of sadness last longer than a few weeks or start to interfere with your daily life, it might be a sign of postpartum depression. It’s more than just the baby blues. Talk to your healthcare provider if you feel persistently down, so they may help you through it.
In the weeks after delivery, focus on getting as much rest as possible. The postpartum recovery process requires patience, and being kind to yourself is key to healing. Surround yourself with supportive people, and remember—you’re not alone.
Healing Your Body: Practical Tips for Faster Postpartum Recovery
Your body has gone through an incredible process, and now it’s time to focus on healing. Here are some practical tips to help speed up the postpartum recovery process and keep you feeling as comfortable as possible during the first few weeks postpartum.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day. It helps with your body’s natural healing process and could even aid in managing vaginal discharge. It’s also important for milk production if you’re breastfeeding.
- Use a Stool Softener: After giving birth, many women struggle with the first bowel movement. A stool softener can help ease the process and help prevent straining, which is especially important if you had a vaginal delivery and are experiencing perineal soreness or stitches.
- Rest As Often As Possible: It might feel impossible with a newborn, but getting as much rest as possible is key to recovery. It’ll help your body heal faster and manage the fatigue that often comes with the postpartum period. Engage with a nanny or postpartum doula to help during this time if it’s affordable. If friends and family can help care for your baby from time to time, accept this help and get some well-deserved rest!
- Warm Water and Sitz Baths: After a vaginal delivery, a warm water sitz bath will help soothe the perineal area and speed healing. It could also ease vaginal pain and reduce swelling. Use witch hazel pads afterward for extra relief.
- Apply Ice Packs: For the first few days postpartum, using ice packs on the perineal area should provide much-needed relief. It reduces swelling and eases discomfort, especially if you have irritating torn skin from delivery. You can use cooling packs on your c-section scar in the first few days post-op too. This works similarly to applying cooling packs on the perineum; the aim is to reduce the immediate swelling after a major surgery.
Embrace Your Postpartum Body
It’s easy to feel pressure to “bounce back” quickly after having a baby, but postpartum recovery is about so much more than returning to your pre-pregnancy size. Your body has just done something amazing, and it needs time to heal. Focus on nourishing your body with healthy foods, staying active when you feel ready, and being patient with yourself.
Weight loss will happen naturally over time. For some, it comes quickly; for others, it takes longer. Every mother’s recovery is unique, and that’s okay.
Common Postpartum Health Concerns
As your body heals, it’s important to recognize when something might not be normal. Here are some postpartum symptoms to keep an eye on:
- Heavy Vaginal Bleeding: It’s common to have vaginal bleeding for a few weeks after delivery, but if you’re soaking more than one pad an hour, or passing large blood clots, it could be a sign of postpartum hemorrhage. Don’t hesitate to call your doctor if that happens.
- Chest Pain or Shortness of Breath: They could be symptoms of blood clots or other serious conditions. If you experience either, contact your healthcare provider immediately.
- Pain That Doesn’t Improve: Whether it’s vaginal pain, perineal area soreness, or postpartum pain from a cesarean incision, the pain should lessen over time. If it doesn’t, or if it worsens, it could be a sign of infection. Call your doctor to rule out any complications.
- Postpartum Depression: Emotional shifts are normal in the early weeks postpartum, but if you’re feeling persistently down, anxious, or overwhelmed, you might be dealing with postpartum depression. Reach out to your healthcare provider if the feelings last longer than a few weeks. Support and treatment are available.
When to Call Your Doctor
Always trust your instincts. If something doesn’t feel right, call your doctor. Here are a few situations when it’s especially important to reach out:
- If you’re experiencing severe vaginal pain or heavy vaginal bleeding
- If you notice signs of infection, like a fever or pus around a cesarean incision
- If your mood isn’t improving after a few weeks postpartum, and you suspect you may have postpartum depression
- If you’re experiencing chest pain or heaviness, shortness of breath, or any other unusual symptoms
Your healthcare provider is there to support you through the entire postpartum recovery process. Don’t hesitate to ask questions or seek advice. Your health is just as important now as it was during pregnancy.
Postpartum Recovery: It Takes Time, but You’ve Got This!
The postpartum period is unique for every mom, and recovery may take time. Be patient with yourself as you deal with physical and emotional changes. From vaginal discharge to postpartum bleeding, the road to healing may have its ups and downs. But with the right care and support, you’ll come through it stronger. Trust your body, and don’t hesitate to call your doctor if anything feels off. You deserve the best care—after all, you just gave birth to an amazing new life!
Thriving, Not Merely Surviving: Let Dr. Kristal Lau Guide Your Postpartum Process
Motherhood is a beautiful, messy, and sometimes exhausting experience, but you’re not alone. Dr. Kristal Lau understands firsthand what it’s like to juggle the demands of motherhood while healing after giving birth.
As a mom of two, she’s been right where you are. With her compassionate, mother-centered care and 10 years of experience, she’s here to help you feel a lot more than ok— she wants you to feel amazing!
You don’t have to figure it all out alone—book your free call with Dr. Lau today and take your first step toward a happier, healthier postpartum period.
FAQs
1. When should I start exercising again after giving birth?
While light activity like walking may start as soon as you feel up to it, most doctors recommend waiting about six weeks postpartum for more intensive exercise. If you’ve been regularly exercising before and during your pregnancy, you’d likely be able to return to your usual activity quicker than someone who didn’t do much exercise before. Check with your healthcare provider if you’re unsure. There are also physical therapists and physiotherapists who specialize in postpartum care whom you can refer to about exercising after childbirth.
2. How long does postpartum bleeding typically last?
Postpartum bleeding, also called lochia, can last about six to eight weeks. It will gradually decrease in intensity, starting with heavier bleeding and tapering off to light spotting. The duration varies for every person.
3. What should I do to prevent or ease postpartum hemorrhoids?
Some mothers get hemorrhoids while pushing during active labor. To ease postpartum hemorrhoids, use ice packs, warm sitz baths, and witch hazel pads. Prevent constipation by staying hydrated, eating fiber-rich foods, and using a stool softener if necessary. Avoid sitting or standing for long periods of time as this can aggravate the hemorrhoids.
4. Should I take pain medication while breastfeeding?
Yes, certain pain medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen are generally safe to use while breastfeeding. However, it’s always a good idea to check with your doctor if you ever feel uncertain.
5 How do I handle postpartum night sweats?
Night sweats are common during the postpartum period due to some immediate hormonal and physiological changes after childbirth. Stay cool by wearing light, breathable clothing and keeping a fan or cool cloth nearby.
6. When should I schedule my postpartum checkup?
Your postpartum checkup is usually scheduled around six weeks after delivery. However, if you have concerns before then—like heavy bleeding or infection symptoms—contact your doctor sooner.
7. What should I do if I feel overwhelmed as a new mom?
It’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed during the postpartum period. Ask for help from friends, family, or a postpartum doula. Consider speaking with a mental health professional or joining a support group for moms.
Take a moment and do some deep breathing whenever you need to – this pause can be helpful to give your body, mind, and nerves a moment to catch up with everything that’s going on. Repeat as often as you need.
8. How do I speed up postpartum recovery?
The idea of “speeding up recovery” isn’t always helpful – especially when the postpartum experience also depends on the birth experience. And there are many times when doing the “right things” don’t get us the “fast results”.
Focus instead on getting a good quality childbirth recovery. Staying hydrated, eating nutritious meals, getting as much rest as possible, and using tools like sitz baths and stool softeners to have a more comfortable postpartum experience. Gentle movements like walking helps. And, of course, listen to your body—if something feels off, reach out to your healthcare provider.