If you don’t know what all changes your body might go through after having a child, this is the right page for you.
You have been waiting long to have your baby in your arms, and now finally it is. And during this phase, within a week, your body goes through a lot of trauma, emotional imbalances, internal healing mechanisms, and many more. All you have to know is that the day you wanted to come in here, and now you need to take care of yourself and your child. Only keep this in your mind, and your difficult phase will pass away.
∆ After your delivery, your vagina may bleed. This blood is called ‘lochia’, and is bright red, heavy, and may contain clots. You might experience this flow for 4-6 weeks. Initially, it might be dark and heavy, later it will become lighter and pinkish in color. If clots released are more than a coin size with a bad smell, do consult your doctor or midwife.
∆ Some women might have severe pain and cramps for a few days after birth. This pain can feel like labor pain or even can be moderate. This is because of the contraction of the uterus towards its pre–pregnancy size. That’s completely normal, and your doctor may advise you on taking some painkillers.
Also, this pain becomes severe when your baby is breastfeeding. This is because, while breastfeeding your body produces hormones that boost the shrinking of the uterus. So, opt for a warm pack on your belly while breastfeeding or WITH cramps.
Also, it is advisable to have plenty of fluids and fibers to loosen up bowel movement.
∆ If you have undergone c section, then while bathing clean the area with warm water to help it heal, and pat dry. In the initial week, sit and get up gently to avoid any pressure on the vagina and stitches area. Do not lift any heavy stuff other than your child.
∆ In the initial days, you might also have some severe headaches, blurred visions, leg swelling, heavy vaginal discharge, wound pain, or other signs like fever. In this case, talk to your doctor or midwife and get treatment.
∆ You will start to breastfeed your child in the initial hour after the delivery. That time you shall produce high-quality colostrum to feed your child. Later after 2-3 days, you will start producing breast milk.
∆ You will have to feed your child 8-12 times a day. Some babies may even need more or less feed. Try to feed your baby whenever they want and how much ever they need. It’s necessary to make sure that your child is well-fed with good quality milk.
∆ The next change in you will be the sleep schedule. You might not get proper sleep at night. So sleep when your baby sleeps, whether in the day or at night. According to studies, babies tend to sleep less than 4 hours at a time. So try sleeping whenever possible.
∆ Further, you might feel low or too high emotionally. That’s completely normal. This is called baby blues. Many mothers feel crying, irritable, and emotionally sensitive, after a few days of giving birth. And these emotions and moods get better over time. But if they don’t and persist after 2 weeks, talk to your partner or doctor about your feelings.
∆ Vaccination for mumps, measles, and rubella, might be given to you before going home, in case you weren’t found to be immune at the time of birth. You might also have a whooping cough vaccination before going home if not vaccinated during pregnancy.
∆ Next are the visitors, who might want to see you and your child for the first time. This might be very tiring and could be disturbing sometimes. So limit the visitors per day. And if you feel uncomfortable at any point, just take your time, feed your baby. It’s not always necessary to attain visitors full time.
All these changes are yet to happen in the first week after childbirth. During this phase, it is necessary that you have a good conversation about what is happening to you, with your partner, midwife, or doctor. A precaution at every stage and proper care will lead you and your child to be healthy tomorrow.
DoyaCare professionals take care of all these things. If you want to ask any question regarding breastfeeding such as milk supply, position, or problems in breastfeeding, we are here to help you out with our team of expert counselors. We have helped thousands of women with their postnatal care.
Our Take
Request a referral from your doctor. Finding help for an emotional wellness issue can also help you with your care. Ascertain that you are in the care of Safe Hands.
We provide Personalized, Class Leading Care Taker Services for specialized cases like:
- Normal Baby Care
- Twin Baby Care
- Premature Baby Care
- Low Weight Baby Care
- Mother Care
Disclaimer: This website’s content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Such information is provided solely for educational purposes and is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a doctor or qualified health care professional.
Get more information by visiting www.doyacare.com
