Caring for Yourself after Giving Birth

When you give birth, you need to take care of yourself along with your baby. Here’s what you should know and can do about common postpartum problems.

A mother needs to take good care of herself to rebuild her strength after giving birth. You will need plenty of rest, good nutrition, and help during the first few weeks. Here’s a list of tips and common postpartum problems and what you can do about them.

Taking care of yourself after birth

Your body has undergone many changes during pregnancy, as well as with the birth of your baby. You need to heal and recover from pregnancy and childbirth. In addition to rest, you need to maintain a healthy diet to promote healing and recovery.

After a vaginal birth

After having a baby, your body may be very tired. It can take time to recover from a vaginal delivery. You may stay in the hospital or birth center from one to four days. In some cases, you may be able to go home the same day.

After a cesarean

It can take time to recover fully after a C-section. It’s important to take care of yourself, both for your own sake and because your new baby needs you.

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After an episiotomy

Your doctor either performed an episiotomy (an incision made to enlarge the opening of your vagina) or repaired tissue that was torn during your baby’s birth. Stitches were used to repair the skin in or near your vagina. The stitches will dissolve on their own within a few weeks.

Postpartum hemorrhage

Postpartum hemorrhage is excessive bleeding following the birth of a baby. About 1 percent to 5 percent of women have postpartum hemorrhage; it is more likely to occur during a cesarean birth. Hemorrhage most commonly occurs after the placenta is delivered.

Staying fit after delivery

After you deliver your baby, you can start to exercise whenever you feel ready. Let your body be your guide. Most women are ready to exercise after six weeks. If you’ve had a cesarean section, you may need more time.

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