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MOTHER SELF-CARE
After Delivery Changes:
The New Beginning Body returns to normal after labor & delivery Continued support from healthcare team o Helps you to relax o Enables you to learn what to expect o Helps you gain confidence o Allows you to be comfortable Be aware of transitions in which you find yourself, your baby, & your family DO NOT hesitate to contact your healthcare provider with questions or concerns Normal Changes Body begins to return to its non-pregnant state Usually takes 4-6 weeks The Uterus Immediately after delivery it is the size of a grapefruit Takes about 6 weeks to return to its normal size and weight Afterbirth Pain Caused by uterus contractions as it shrinks Most noticeable 3-4 days following delivery Pronounced during breastfeeding Helps to shrink uterus & reduce blood loss Lochia (Vaginal Discharge) Drainage from birth canal following delivery Immediately following birth like menstrual flow 3-4 days discharge becomes watery/pale 2nd week its thicker & more yellow 4 weeks discharge decreases Smells fleshy, musty, or earthy not offensive Occasional cramping, brief bleeding, passing a clot is normal Profuse/persistent bleeding or foul odor notify health care provider Birth Canal Returns to previous condition by end of 3 rd week Pelvic floor muscles return to normal in 6-7 weeks Kegel exercises help speed healing Breastfeeding mothers more likely to have vaginal dryness & discomfort during sex 4-6 months after delivery Menstrual Cycle Breast feeding can cause delay 1st period within 7-9 wks If Nursing within 12 wks or after breast feeding Bladder Urinating may initially be difficult following delivery (catheter may be required) Try to empty bladder every 3-4 hours Eliminate large amounts of urine 1st few days after delivery Bowels First bowel movement occurs 2-3 days Possible constipation/hemorrhoids o Exercise, fiber, and H2O can prevent constipation If breast feeding consult health care provider before taking medications (including laxatives)
Bowel Elimination Maintain normal bowel function by drinking 6-8 glasses of water daily Weight Loss Immediately after delivery common to weigh same or more than you did prior to delivery Should occur in postpartum period as bodys fluid levels return to normal Muscle and Joints 1st 1-2 days following delivery muscle aches & fatigue o Shoulders, neck, & arms Joint stiffness of hands common Abdominal muscles weak, soft, & flabby Skin Changes Disappear gradually several months after childbirth o Dark line of lower abdomen o Blotchy appearance of face Varicose Veins 1st 6 weeks following delivery o Elevate leg & use elastic support hose Hemorrhoids Cold compress, topical ointments, pain medications Stool softener/laxative Severe pain may cause constipation Eye Hemorrhages Clears by itself within a few weeks Emotional Changes Normal to feel overwhelmed Takes 2-3 months to establish a routine Ask for/accept help during early postpartum period Baby Blues & Postpartum Depression BABY BLUES Can occur within 1st few days after giving birth o Impatience, irritability, crying o Feelings generally come & go quickly POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION Can start 2nd or 3rd day after delivery May take several weeks or months to develop Many of baby blues symptoms present, but more intense List of symptoms (pg. 9) These symptoms are not signs of weakness or inadequacy Contact health care provider immediately at the onset of these changes or if you think you are depressed