First of all, congratulations! Having a new baby in your family is one of the greatest joys in life. However, childbirth is a big process, and your body needs some time and special care to recover afterwards. The first 6 weeks are especially important. You should dedicate this time to your body's recovery. It's important to pay attention to the changes in your body during this time.
What can you expect after giving birth?
It's very normal to experience various physical and mental discomforts after having a baby. Don't worry about this. Let's look at the most common things to see during this time and how to deal with them.
| Difficulty/symptom | The reason and explanation for this | Things you can do |
|---|---|---|
| Abdominal pain | This pain occurs when the uterus contracts back to its normal size. Sometimes it can be severe, and sometimes it can feel like a slight cramp. You may feel this pain a little more when you are breastfeeding your baby. This is normal. | Place a hot water bottle or heating pad on your lower abdomen. This pain will gradually subside over time. If the pain persists, tell your doctor. |
| Baby Blues | This happens to 70%-80% of new mothers. It's not your fault. It's just a feeling of sadness and anxiety caused by the sudden change in your body's hormone levels. Don't be ashamed of this. | This usually subsides in about two weeks. Talk to your husband, mother, or a trusted friend about this. If this sadness lasts for more than two weeks, it could be postpartum depression. So see a doctor right away . |
| Hormonal changes | Excessive sweating, especially at night, and temporary hair loss may occur during this time. These are also caused by hormonal imbalances. | These symptoms will go away once your hormones return to normal. However, if you suspect you have a fever along with sweating, it could be a sign of an infection. If so, tell your doctor. |
| Pain where stitches were placed | Pain and discomfort in the area between the vagina and anus (perineum) may persist for several weeks. | Apply an ice pack to the area several times a day. Also, keep the area clean with a squirt bottle of water. This will reduce pain and the risk of infection. |
| Pain in the breasts and nipples | This is normal in the early stages of breastfeeding. Most often, this is due to the baby not latching on properly. | Ask your midwife or a breastfeeding consultant about the correct position. This can go a long way in solving this problem. |
| Vaginal bleeding | It is normal to have some vaginal bleeding and discharge after giving birth. This is the body's way of getting rid of the extra tissue and blood that helped support the baby's growth during pregnancy. | There may be a little more bleeding in the early days, but it will gradually decrease. It may go away gradually after about 6 weeks. Use only sanitary pads during this time. Using tampons can cause infections. |
Things you can do to help the healing process
Although the body heals itself naturally for the most part, there are a few simple things you can do to help this process along.
Exercises that strengthen abdominal muscles
Start doing simple exercises that target your core muscles. But you should ask your doctor before starting these. These exercises will strengthen the muscles and provide good support for your back and body.
Continue taking vitamins.
Continue taking the prenatal vitamins you took during pregnancy while breastfeeding. They will help your body replenish the nutrients it lost during pregnancy and help with the healing process. Your doctor may also recommend taking supplements like iron and vitamin C.
Kegel Exercises
It's common for the pelvic floor muscles to weaken after having a baby. These muscles help control your bladder. When they weaken, you may accidentally leak urine when you laugh or cough. Kegel exercises can help prevent this.
Simply put, this exercise involves tightening the muscles around your vagina , holding them for 3-5 seconds, and then relaxing them, as if you were holding back your urine. Do this several times a day.
Creams for Stretch Marks
Retinoid creams containing vitamin A can help reduce the appearance of stretch marks on the stomach and thighs. However , it is essential to consult your doctor before using these, especially if you are breastfeeding . Also, the sooner you start using these, the better the results. Once stretch marks turn white, they are a little harder to remove.
Sex life
Once your doctor gives you the okay, you can resume sex whenever you feel mentally and physically better. Don't panic, start slowly. Use a vaginal lubricant if necessary.
Get help from others.
As a new mother, it's normal to feel like you have to do everything on your own. But don't do that. Seek help from others for your mental and physical well-being. Don't be shy about asking someone like your husband, mother, mother-in-law, or friend to help cook, or to watch the baby while you sleep. Taking a little time to rest will give you a lot of energy.
Don't worry, give this time.
Bringing a new baby into the world is a life-changing experience. Don't put too much pressure on yourself. All sorts of emotions, from happiness to sadness to anger, can come up during this time. That's normal. Remember: There's no shame in asking for help. Give your body and mind the time it needs to heal.
Take-Home Message
- Dedicate the first 6 weeks after giving birth to fully healing your body.
- Lower abdominal pain, 'baby blues', and discomfort caused by hormonal changes are common during this time.
- If you experience excessive bleeding, severe pain that lasts more than two weeks, or a fever, see your doctor immediately .
- Get plenty of rest, eat nutritious foods , and never be shy about asking for help from family or friends.
- Simple things like Kegel exercises can help strengthen the body again.
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