Physical changes After the birth of your baby, you will experience many physical changes as your body starts to recover. You will experience after birth pains when your uterus contracts and shrinks – this generally lasts for a couple of days. Your physician will prescribe medication to relieve the pain and discomfort. Spotting or bleeding (lochia) that is very similar to a menstrual period may last for up to 2 to 6 weeks or longer. Wear thick, maternity pads and avoid the use of tampons while you are bleeding.   It is also generally recommended that you abstain from sexual intercourse for about 4 to 6 weeks, and remember to discuss birth control options with your doctor. Women who have had an episiolomy can relieve the soreness and pain by applying an ice pack to the affected area. It is also vital that you keep the perineum area cleansed to prevent Infection. If you have had a cesarean birth, you would need a longer recovery period than those who had vaginal or natural birth. Walking and climbing stairs may be painful or uncomfortable following a C-section, but it is essential that you try to move around. Your breasts may feel sore, tender and engorged with milk even if you are not breastfeeding. Sore breasts can be alleviated by applying warm or cold compresses or cabbage leaves to the breasts, taking warm showers, or numbing the pain with ice wrapped in a towel. Breastfeeding the baby frequently and on demand, and checking that he or she is latched on properly, will also make breastfeeding easier. Feeling tired and suffering from interrupted sleep routine is only natural for mothers with babies. Sleep when the baby sleeps and rest as much as possible. Let your partner give you a break by helping with feedings or allow family and friends to occupy the baby while you have time out. New mothers often find that they have developed Constipation, Hemorrhoids, swelling in the legs and feet as well as urinary and fecal incontinence. Drinking plenty of water and eating foods containing fiber such as fresh fruit and vegetables can relieve constipation or hemorrhoids. A stool softener may also be helpful, but check with your doctor before using laxatives or enemas. Swelling in the legs and feet can be reduced by keeping them elevated. Incontinence does eventually go away but practicing Kegel exercises regularly can improve this condition. Many women pick up additional weight during Pregnancy and then struggle to shed those extra pounds. It is very important to remember not to diet or start an exercise plan immediately after giving birth – allow your body to recover first and then consult your doctor. For mothers who are breastfeeding and want to slim down, it is recommended that they wait until the baby is at least two months old. Breastfeeding also helps to use up extra calories and lose the excess weight. If your weight is bothering you, make sure that you do not lose too much too quickly and shed the weight the healthy way. Eat healthy, well balanced during the healing period and when you are fully recovered, start exercising again. Emotional changes Most new mothers may feel sad or experience the “baby blues” after giving birth – this is normal! A change in your hormone levels, feelings of Anxiety and Stress about your change in routine, adapting to motherhood and being tired all the time can have a negative impact on your emotions. Try not to be too hard on yourself. Speak to your partner or a friend who has had a baby about what you are feeling. If these feelings worsen and you are unable to take of yourself or the baby, consult your doctor immediately.  You may be suffering from Postpartum Depression which has symptoms such as crying uncontrollably, feeling sad, depressed or guilty, trouble Concentration, mood swings, Fatigue, weight gain or .Weight Loss This condition is treated with antidepressant medication or therapy.

Help for Postpartum Care & Recovery Postpartum care and recovery length varies widely from woman to woman. It can take weeks, even months for your body to heal and return to its pre-pregnancy state. Women who have had surgery (C-section) usually need a longer recovery period than those who had vaginal birth. After birth pains are often experienced for a couple of days following the birth. This occurs when the uterus contracts and shrinks. Pain medication such as analgesics may be prescribed if the cramps cause too much pain and discomfort. A bloody vaginal discharge known as lochia will also occur after birth, indicating that the placental site is healing. It lasts between 10 to 14 days. Initially, the bleeding will be bright red similar to a menstrual period and gradually turn dark brown, then pinkish in color until it becomes a slight white discharge and completely disappears. While the lochia is present, wear thick sanitary pads and avoid using tampons. Abstain from sexual intercourse and cleanse the perineum area to prevent Infection. If you had an episiotomy (an incision that is made in the perineum area and repaired with stitches), healing may take a few weeks. Medications can Pain Relief and soreness apply an ice pack on the affected area or take a tepid bath. With a cesarean birth, the abdominal incision takes longer to heal – sometimes up to six weeks. The cesarean incision may be painful after the anesthesia wears off, and pain relief medications may be prescribed. Although walking is initially difficult and painful, it is necessary to move around. Take care of the incision area properly until it has healed fully. You may experience sore breasts whether you have decided to breastfeed or not. Breastfeeding reduces engorgement and increases milk supply. To relieve the discomfort of breast fullness, take warm showers, apply warm or cold compresses to your breasts, or numb the pain with ice. Express milk in sterile plastic containers and freeze for later. While breastfeeding may be sore and painful in the beginning, with the correct technique and lots of practice it does improve! Breastfeeding also helps you to shed your pregnancy weight and helps strengthens the bond between mother and child. During the healing process, you may experience other physical problems such as Hemorrhoids, Constipation, urinary and fecal incontinence as well as difficulty having intercourse. Use a stool softener for hemorrhoids and constipation and incorporate more fiber-rich foods and water into your diet. Applying cold packs on the affected area are also helpful. Avoid the use of suppositories, laxatives and enemas. Practice Kegel exercises to strengthen pelvic floor muscles and reduce incontinence. Incontinence does resolve itself gradually, but if it continues, consult your doctor. Wait at least six weeks before resuming sexual activity. Sex may cause discomfort initially and you may experience Anxiety about having it – ease gently into it and discuss your fears and insecurities with your partner. You may also wish to use birth control methods such as contraceptive pills, condoms diaphragm, IUDs or spermicidal jellies.   Most new mothers suffer from interrupted sleep routines and .Fatigue Try and get as much rest as possible by sleeping when the baby sleeps, managing your time effectively, accepting help from your partner, friends and family as well as making time for yourself. Keep in mind that although you may want to be able to do it all, you are not superwoman! Eating healthily and exercising is very essential during this healing period. Start exercising as soon as your doctor has declared you fit enough to. Exercise will help you get your pre-pregnancy body back, and increase your energy levels and sense of well-being. It is natural to feel emotional after the birth of your baby and is very common amongst new mothers. “Baby blues” is a result of changes in hormonal levels – a drop in estrogen and progesterone levels, unexpected birth experiences, lack of sleep caused by fatigue and issues with body image. New mothers often feel sadness, irritability, anxiety and bouts of crying. Getting adequate sleep, learning to relax and taking time for yourself can help overcome “baby blues”. “Baby blues” can progress into postpartum depression which causes mood swings, guilt, anxiety and continuous sadness Antidepressants may be prescribed as well as therapy or counseling to relieve the symptoms of postpartum depression. Natural Remedies Herbal and homeopathic remedies are a more natural alternative to conventional medications and are highly effective in the recovery process following childbirth, irrespective if it was vaginal birth or a cesarean section. Carefully selected ingredients such as Silica, Arnica, and Mag.phos promote postpartum recovery, relieve aches and pains, and assist with healing after cesarean birth. In addition, Passiflora incarnate and Angelica sinensis (Don Quai) acts as a hormone regulator and encourages a sense of calm and relaxation.

 Related Products

Birth-Heal:Supports health for a fast return to pre-pregnancy conditions $26.95 + S&H $53.90 + S&H Easiotomy Cream: Natural soothing cream for the perineum - for use before and after birth $34.95 + S&H $69.90 + S&H NewMama Drops: Supports health, vitality and hormone balance after childbirth $29.95 + S&H $59.90 + S&H