Breastfeeding
Wash your breasts with water daily for cleanliness.
Air dry nipples after each feeding.
If nipples are sore, apply a few drops of breast milk after a feeding
and let air dry.
If breasts are engorged, apply warm packs and express milk.
Non-breastfeeding
Wear a well-fitting bra for support.
Use ice packs to relieve discomfort from engorgement.
Avoid handling your breasts and do not express milk.
Non-breastfeeding engorgement will subside in 24-36 hours.
Uterine Changes
After-pains, or cramping, are normal. This cramping means that
the uterus is contracting to return to its non-pregnant size. The
uterus takes five to six weeks to return to its non-pregnant size.
Vaginal Discharge
Usually lasts about ten days to four weeks. The color will change
from bright red to brownish to tan and will become less in
amount and finally disappear.
Menstruation: your period will resume in approximately six to
eight weeks, unless breastfeeding.
Care of Episiotomy
Sitz Bath: sitting in a tub of warm water for 15 minutes, two to
three times per day, will help relieve the discomfort.
Local agents, such as Tucks, Witch Hazel and Lanacane, may be
applied to the stitches.
Stitches will dissolve in one to three weeks.
Pain Relief
Use a mild analgesic (Tylenol or Advil) for breast engorgement,
uterine cramping and episiotomy discomfort.
Diet & Nutrition
Continue taking your prenatal iron and vitamin pills until your
postpartum visit.
It is important to eat a well-balanced diet and drink plenty of
fluids. Drink two quarts of fluid per day if you are breastfeeding.
Emotional Changes
You may get “baby blues” after delivery. You may feel let down,
anxious and cry easily. This is normal. These feelings can begin
two to three days after delivery and usually disappear in about a
week or two. Prolonged sadness may indicate postpartum
depression. Help is available through the
Activity
Rest! Do not do heavy housework or heavy exercise for two
weeks. Avoid driving for one to two weeks. Check with your
doctor for limitations on activities if you have had a c-section.
Avoid sexual activity, douching or tampons until your postpartum
visit.
Birth Control
Is advisable as soon as you resume sexual intercourse. Foam and
condoms are safe and easy to use. Birth control methods will be
discussed further at your postpartum visit.
Postpartum Visit
Call your obstetrician's office two to three days after discharge to
make an appointment for six weeks.
When to call your doctor/midwife:
Fever greater than 101, with or without chills.
Foul-smelling or irritating vaginal discharge.
Excessive vaginal bleeding.
Recurrence of bright red vaginal bleeding after it has changed to a
rust color.
Swollen area, painful area on the leg that is red or hot to the
touch.
Burning sensation during urination or an inability to urinate.
Pain in the vaginal or rectal area.
Crying and periods of sadness beyond the two weeks.
Cesarean incision that is red, draining or painful.