After Delivery: What Happens Next?
1. Schedule an appointment with your provider for six weeks after a vaginal delivery. Do not douche, use tampons, have sex, swim or lift anything heavier than your baby until you’ ve had your postpartum checkup. Be sure to discuss contraception options at your appointment.
2. If breastfeeding, schedule an appointment with our lactation consultant in the first week.
3. If you had a C-section, schedule your postpartum appointment for one to two weeks after delivery so your doctor can examine your incision. Until then, keep your incision clean and dry. If it becomes red or swollen or produces any unusual drainage, call the office. Try not to climb stairs more than two or three times a day. Too much activity can delay healing.
4. No driving for two weeks after delivery.
5. If you’ re breastfeeding, continue eating nutritiously and taking prenatal vitamins daily. If you experience signs of a breast infection such as pain or redness in the breast, or fever or flu-like symptoms call the office.
6. If bottle feeding, relieve tender breasts after your milk comes in with ibuprofin, ice packs and a supportive bra.
7. Expect vaginal bleeding for six to eight weeks while the uterus contracts and returns to its pre-pregnancy state. Spotting and / or a menstrual-like flow is common and physical activity increases flow. If vaginal bleeding persists or worsens, get off your feet and take two Advil. If you’ re not seeing improvements call the office.
8. Keep exercise low-key at first with minimal activities such as Kegels, walking and abdominal-tightening exercises. No aerobic activity( running) and sit-ups until after your first check-up.
9. Drink at least six to eight glasses of water a day to ease constipation. Stool softeners, Metamucil and Citrucel are safe OTC solutions. Adding more fiber to your diet can also help.
10. Hemorrhoids are more common after delivery. Talk to your doctor about prescription medications that can relieve symptoms.
11. If you experience redness, tenderness or swelling in the lower leg or a fever of 101 degrees or higher, call the office immediately.
12. Avoid baths. Take a shower, instead.
Postpartum Depression
Don’ t confuse postpartum depression with the baby blues, which generally begins two to three days after delivery and goes away within two weeks. Postpartum depression symptoms develop the first few weeks after giving birth and last longer – often months. Between 40 and 80 percent of women experience these mood changes after delivery.
If you feel depressed, sad and anxious; are not bonding with your new baby; or find you unable to take care of yourself, you may be suffering from postpartum depression. We have medical professionals who can help – Call your healthcare provider if you feel you may be experiencing postpartum depression.
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