Postpartum : What to Expect
Congratulations !
Your baby is here ! You have now entered the postpartum period ( sometimes called the fourth trimester ), which lasts about six weeks . 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 . Skin-to-skin contact promotes the release of hormones , which helps your uterus contract and starts your recovery . It also helps baby transition and promotes bonding .
The Placenta
The placenta is usually delivered within five to 20 minutes after your baby ’ s arrival . ( This is the third stage of labor .) If too much time goes by , your health care provider may take steps to help the placenta detach , such as medications and massage . ( See page 13 for more details .)
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Contractions After Birth
After your baby is born , your uterus is thick , stretched and large . It takes about six weeks for it 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 releases oxytocin , which causes contractions and can help expel the placenta .
After birth , the placenta can be discarded or donated for research , or you may keep it . Some women have their placenta encapsulated . They take these capsules after birth because they believe it helps their recovery and emotional health . Research on this practice is limited . The CDC states that “[ t ] he placenta encapsulation process does not per se eradicate infectious pathogens ; thus , placenta capsule ingestion should be avoided .”
53 Life with Baby