References:

1. MyHealth.Alberta.ca – Postpartum: First 6 Weeks After Childbirth
2. HealthLinkBC – Postpartum: First 6 Weeks After Childbirth

What is Postpartum?

• Usually defined as the first 6 weeks after childbirth
• Your body starts the healing process and adjusts to not being pregnant

What Will Happen to my Body After Birth?

• Breasts
  • Fullness is common between day 3-4 postpartum as your breasts fill with milk
    • This can cause discomfort and swelling
• Uterus
  • Contractions called after pains that help shrink the uterus back to pre-pregnancy size
    • Can cause discomfort for several days postpartum
    • Contractions may be stronger if you have given birth before
• Bladder
  • You may experience urine leakage because the bladder muscles have been weakened
• Bowels
  • You may experience constipation and/or hemorrhoids
    • Constipation is difficulty passing stools or passing fewer stools
      • Eat a high fibre diet
      • Drink plenty of fluids
      • Try a stool softener
      • Avoid straining
    • Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in or outside the anus
      • Keep the anus clean after bowel movements
      • Use cold packs
      • Drink plenty of fluids
      • Avoid sitting for long periods of time
      • Take warm soaks in a tub or sitz bath
• Vaginal bleeding and discharge (lochia)
  • May last for 2 to 4 weeks
  • Colour should change from bright/dark red to pinkish/brown to  yellow/white

Recovery after vaginal birth:

• Use pads not tampons
• Use cold packs on the vaginal area for 10-20 minutes at a time if you have pain or swelling
• Clean yourself with a squeeze of warm water from a bottle instead of using toilet paper
• Wait 4-6 weeks or until your doctor tells you it’s ok to have sexual intercourse

Recovery after a C-section:

• Avoid strenuous activities for 6 weeks or until your doctor tells you it’s ok
• Don’t lift anything heavier than your baby until your doctor tells you it’s ok
• Use pads not tampons
• Hold a pillow over your abdominal incision when you cough or take deep breaths to help support your abdomen and decrease pain

You Should Seek Medical Attention if You Experience:

• Sudden heavy vaginal bleeding, a persistent increase in vaginal blood loss, or blood clots larger than a golf ball
• Fever
• Chills
• Foul smelling vaginal discharge
• Pain, redness, and swelling in one calf
• Persistently low mood and loss of interest

Further Your Learning:

1. MyHealth.Alberta.ca – Postpartum: First 6 Weeks After Childbirth
2. Government of Canada – Chapter 5: Postpartum Care

Shareable Resource For Clients: 

     1. HealthLinkBC – Postpartum: First 6 Weeks After Childbirth