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Your body has been through a lot in the last few months, and it will take time to feel 100% again. We wanted you to know some of the changes you will experience and some of the challenges (and the solutions!)
If you have stitches, either because of tears or following an episotomy, it is important to keep them clean in order to prevent infections. Wash the stitches every day in the bath or shower. You can keep a water bottle with a sports nozzle near the toilet and splash the stiches after you relieve yourself. If the stitches are painful, contact a nurse or a doctor, it is possible that removing one stitch will make it less painful.
Going to the bathroom in the weeks after giving birth can be daunting. The whole area may be swollen and irritated, and the acidity of the urine can burn. Drinking plenty of water will dilute your urine, making it less acidic.
If you suffer from constipation after giving birth, make sure you eat a healthy diet with plenty of vegetables, fruits and whole grains and drink lots of water. If you still have difficulty going to the bathroom, ask your doctor or nurse for a recommendation for a suitable stool softener.
After giving birth, many women suffer from mild urinary incontinence, dribbling, when they cough, laugh or make sudden movements. Try doing pelvic exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor. If the problem persists, talk to your doctor. There are solutions, including physical therapy treatments.
Hemorrhoids after birth are a common phenomenon, caused from the pressure of the baby's head at birth. It is important to prevent constipation by eating a diet rich in dietary fiber and drinking plenty of water. When you are in the bathroom, try not to strain or press. You can try placing your feet on a stool, to prevent pressure on the area. Try walking about and avoid prolonged sitting. Consult the doctor or the nurse about anti-hemorrhoid creams.
Lochia, the bleeding after birth, will be heavy at first. You should stock up on maximum absorbancy pads. Many women choose to use disposable panties, and throw them away when they get dirty, but you can certainly also use regular panties (which will probably be more comfortable). Be sure to change the pads frequently. Don't use tampons without getting permission from the doctor when you go for your 6 week post partum check up.
If you are breastfeeding, the bleeding may be red and heavier after feedings. Breastfeeding causes the uterus to contract, and helps release the blood. The bleeding will last for several weeks, changing to brown and decreasing over time. Sometimes you will see blood clots. If the blood clot is large (rule of thumb - a blood clot larger than an apricot) or you have many smaller blood clots accompanied by bleeding and/or contractions, please consult a doctor to make sure that the uterus is clean and without remnants of the placenta.
It takes time fo your cycle to return to normal after having a baby. Non breastfeeing moms should get their periods about six to eight weeks after giving birth. Breastfeeding suppresses ovulation and prevents menstruation, so it is possible that breastfeeding women will not receive until after the end of breastfeeding or a reduction in the number of daily feedings.
It is important that you remember that you can get pregnant even before you get your first period after giving birth. Although breastfeeding slightly reduces the chance of pregnancy, it is definitely possible to get pregnant while breastfeeding. If you are not interested in another pregnancy, contact your doctor to about suitable contraceptives.
A new baby in the house requires a change of habits to adapt to the new routine she brings with her. Here are some of the challenges that arise in the first month, which can improve significantly thanks to adaptation to new habits:
