What to Expect
Congratulations!
Your baby is here! You have now entered the postpartum recovery period( sometimes called the fourth trimester). The first few months after birth involve healing and adjustments. These pages will help you understand what to expect and how to help your recovery.
Skin-to-Skin
Typically, your baby is placed on your belly right after birth and you begin to get to know each other. Holding your baby skin-to-skin( also called kangaroo care) is beneficial for both you and baby.( See page 16.) Skin-to-skin contact promotes the release of hormones, which help your uterus contract and start your recovery. It also helps baby transition and promotes bonding.
The Placenta
Through your pregnancy, the placenta helped your baby grow. It produced necessary hormones, provided oxygen and nutrients to your baby, and removed waste products from your baby’ s blood. Once your baby is born, its job is done. Usually, the placenta detaches and is delivered within 30 minutes after your baby’ s arrival. When it detaches, it leaves a wound inside your uterus that bleeds. Contractions help reduce bleeding. It takes several weeks or more for it to heal after birth.
Contractions After Birth
After your baby is born, your uterus is thick, stretched and large. It takes about six weeks to return to its prepregnancy size. In order to shrink, your uterus will continue to contract. These after-birth contractions can be strong and painful. They are often most intense right after birth and get less intense over the next few days. You may notice them more when your baby latches on to breastfeed. Breastfeeding stimulates your body to release the hormone oxytocin, which causes contractions and can help expel the placenta and shrink the uterus.
Occasionally, the placenta does not easily detach and deliver on its own, or takes too long. In this event, the health care provider will take steps to help the placenta detach and come out. Your health care provider will inspect the placenta after its delivery to make sure it has been completely removed.
Postpartum Recovery 3