{"id":1275,"date":"2023-03-28T23:10:34","date_gmt":"2023-03-28T23:10:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/chministries.org\/?p=1275"},"modified":"2023-09-20T19:57:50","modified_gmt":"2023-09-20T19:57:50","slug":"postpartum-recovery","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/chministries.org\/blog\/postpartum-recovery\/","title":{"rendered":"Postpartum recovery"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n
\n

\u201cNew baby\u201d and \u201crest\u201d aren\u2019t the most synonymous words for a new\u00a0mother, but the first few days of postpartum recovery after having your baby should be a time for\u00a0rest\u00a0and recuperation. While you have an infant who needs\u00a0constant care<\/a>, you also need to\u00a0care for yourself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your body will experience a number of changes following birth. Here’s an overview of the physical changes occurring after birth and guidance on how to manage postpartum recovery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Vaginal discharge<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Vaginal discharge\u2014or lochia\u2014is the tissue and blood that lined your uterus during pregnancy. It\u2019s heavy with blood clots for the first few days but will gradually become lighter in flow and color until it goes away after a few weeks. You may notice increased lochia when you get up in the morning when you’re physically active, or while breastfeeding. A mom who has a cesarean section will also have lochia but less than a mom who has a vaginal delivery<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Episiotomies and perineal tears<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Your vagina and your perineum (the area between your vagina and rectum) will feel very tender and sore from the strain of childbirth. If you gave birth vaginally, it\u2019ll probably take you a few weeks to heal, especially if you had an episiotomy or a perineal tear. If you gave birth by cesarean section after attempting to push, you’re also very likely to be sore.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To keep your perineum clean, fill a peri bottle (given to you in the hospital or purchasable online) with warm water and squirt the water over the area between your vagina and rectum in a front-to-back motion each time you use the bathroom or change your sanitary pad. Pat the area dry with toilet tissue\u2014don\u2019t rub. To maintain good hygiene and cleanliness, change your pad frequently. Continue to practice this perineal care for at least one week after delivery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Uterine contraction<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Mild contractions<\/a> after birth help reduce bleeding and shrink your uterus back to its pre-baby size. You may notice these contractions more if you breastfeed. This is because breastfeeding causes your body to release oxytocin, a hormone that causes uterine contractions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To relieve discomfort, you can try a heating pad or take anti-inflammatory pain medication (ibuprofen) as recommended by your healthcare provider.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Breast engorgement<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Around the third or fourth day after giving birth, your breasts may become engorged and feel firm, swollen, and sore as they start filling with milk. The initial tightness and soreness will eventually wear off whether you choose to breastfeed or not.<\/p>\n\n\n\n