Are you pregnant and want recommendations for the postpartum period? What are essential recommendations to take into account after delivery? How to take care of yourself and recover after the birth of your baby?
The postpartum period includes the first few weeks after delivery. The body goes through multiple changes during this time.
Next you will discover what changes are those, and you will know some of the best recommendations to take care of yourself throughout the process.
Uterus
After the birth of your baby, the size of the uterus grows and many women can feel it below their navel. Little by little it will reduce its size and in about two weeks you should feel it again like always.
Uterine colic is common after childbirth, especially during breastfeeding or if you have had several children. The cramps disappear within a few days.
Ibuprofen is commonly used to relieve pain, although your doctor may prescribe another medication if you need it.
Perineum and pain
The area between the anus and the vagina is known as the perineum. Your doctor may cut this area during labor. The stitches are absorbed by the body and do not need to be removed.
Baths with warm water and ice packs to help reduce pain and discomfort. Feeling some itch is natural. But applying warm water and postpartum compresses to the area can help cool and relieve pain in the perineum.
About postpartum compresses, they can also help you with the pain caused by hemorrhoids. Use ibuprofen as recommended by your doctor. It is also important to take intestinal medications to prevent constipation while your perineum heals.
If none of the above helps you feel better, talk to your doctor about alternatives to alleviate the discomfort.
Vaginal bleeding
Postpartum bleeding is known as lochia or flow. It is usually bright red, similar to that of menstruation, and is usually present during the first four or five days. The color becomes lighter and the amount decreases as the days go by. It should disappear completely in a month or a month and a half.
If after it has become lighter, the color of the bleeding turns back to bright red, you may be doing too much activity and need more rest.
If you saturate one or more electrodes in an hour - with or without clots - talk to a doctor immediately.
Activity and physical exercise
One of the best exercises you can do after giving birth is walking. This can help you regain your pre-pregnancy shape, but it can also be helpful in improving mood, self-image, and energy build-up.
If you have delivered vaginally, you can start a mild exercise to restore abdominal tone two weeks after delivery. If you had a cesarean section, rest for 4-6 weeks before starting these types of exercises.
Kegel exercises are usually recommended the day after delivery to improve the tone and shape of the vaginal and perineal muscles.
Diet
After delivery, you can follow these recommendations to get the necessary nutrients:
Eat a variety of healthy foods where high amounts of fiber and iron are included. These foods include fruits, dark leafy vegetables, whole grains, protein, and low-fat dairy products.
Generally, it is necessary to consume between 400 and 600 additional calories during the breastfeeding period.
When you breastfeed your baby, you can continue to eat foods with the same flavors. Amniotic fluid takes on the flavors of the food the mother eats. So when your baby is born, they will continue to enjoy a variety of flavors in their breast milk.
Typically the biggest expression you should do is with fish that contain mercury, such as tuna, swordfish, or king mackerel.
Just drink fluids to maintain hydration and keep your urine light yellow.
Contraception
When the bleeding has stopped and you feel physically comfortable, you can start having sex again. Bleeding usually stops 4-6 weeks after delivery, but each woman may need a different time to feel physically comfortable to return to intimate relationships. The water soluble gel can help you with vaginal lubrication.
If you are breastfeeding, your sex drive may have decreased. This is a hormonal issue, but you could start having sex before your postpartum checkup.
Consider using birth control, as it is possible to get pregnant even during this time. Your doctor will inform you about birth control during your visit to his office. The menstrual cycle can start in approximately 6-12 weeks if you are not breastfeeding, but it could be delayed to 3-12 months if you are breastfeeding.
Rest and emotional care
Sleep for as long as your baby sleeps. Resting will help you find solutions more easily. Learning to feed and care for a newborn can be even more overwhelming with lack of sleep. If you have them, turn to family and friends to help you cook, clean, and take care of your other children.
Limit activity to feed and care for the baby. Rest whenever your baby does, both during the day and at night. After a few weeks, both you and your baby can gradually increase the activity.
Pregnant women and their friends and family hope that postpartum will be a happy time. Still, it is normal for many mothers to go through times when they feel sad, moody, or anxious. Feelings of the blues or quick, mild mood swings usually go away within two weeks.
