Postpartum Recovery – How to Manage the Aftermath of Childbirth
The thing that shocked me most about becoming a mother was my postpartum body. I’m not talking about all the baby weight or new stretch marks, I’m talking about the phase right before all of those realizations kick in, the immediate postpartum phase. The phase where there is are so many new things happening that you don’t even have time to think about those stretch marks. Things are about to get pretty real, so if bodily fluids and functions aren’t your thing, head back to the home page and find a more friendly post. If I can help you be even a little more prepared for postpartum recovery than I was, that’s a win in my book, so here it goes.
Postpartum Bleeding
You just went nine long months without a period, and it was glorious! Unfortunately, the bleeding comes back with a vengeance after childbirth. I knew this was going to happen, but I had no idea it was going to happen as much as it did. Postpartum bleeding, or lochia, starts off very heavy, and slowly lightens up as the weeks pass by. It’s not unusual to pass clots in the first few days, but be on the lookout for anything larger than a golf ball (I warned you this was gonna get graphic). Be prepared for this disaster to last up to six weeks.
Here’s how you’re gonna handle this mess. Take everything from the hospital that you possibly can. This includes multiple pairs of those sexy mesh panties, a peri-bottle, witch hazel pads, arm length maxi pads (I wish I was kidding), ice packs, and anything else you can get your hands on. Don’t be afraid to ask for extras of all of these things before you leave. When you see your hospital bill you’ll be glad you got your money’s worth. Prepare yourself at home with postpartum panties and more maxi pads in multiple sizes.
Postpartum Boobs
Your boobs go through a lot postpartum as well. They’re going to get bigger, get suckled on, and produce food for your new baby (still mind blowing to me). Nipple pain is extremely common as you and your little one try to navigate the ins and outs of breastfeeding. Again, ask the hospital for some nipple cream and stock up on your own for home. These breast therapy packs are great as well. You can use them cold (for engorgement and swelling) or hot (for clogged ducts and mastitis).
As far as your milk goes, it’s going to change three times in those first few weeks postpartum. The first couple days, you’re producing colostrum (this was all fine and dandy for me). Next comes your transitional milk. This is where you’re likely to feel your first engorgement. Your poor breasts feel like two giant boulders hanging off the front of your body. The best way to handle this discomfort is to nurse often and wear a supportive nursing bra. Lastly, your mature milk will come in. You’re likely to continue to feel engorged on and off until your body learns to regulate your milk production. You should also be prepared for your milk to leak. Invest in some nursing pads and wear them round the clock, just to be safe. There are disposable and reusable pads, depending on your preference.
The First Postpartum Poo
The verdict is still out on this one, ladies. I’ve had friends tell me it was more painful than childbirth, and others (myself included) had no issues at all. I would highly recommend taking a stool softener to make sure you don’t have to try too hard to get things moving.
Postpartum Wardrobe
If you thought dressing your giant baby bump was hard, just imagine what it’s going to be like when you still have a bump, but no baby inside. Things get tricky. I’ve heard so many women recommend sticking with your maternity leggings for the first couple weeks postpartum. Warning! This only works if you have extra-long shirts to go with them. Postpartum panties and maxi pads under leggings are not a good look. I had fully intended to wear my maternity clothes until I could start squeezing back into my old wardrobe. Unfortunately, I was really into showing off my bump and all of my maternity shirts were tight fitting. Cute with a bump. Not cute with a postpartum bump. Invest in some flowing and forgiving tops that also provide easy access for nursing.
Postpartum Aches and Pains
Your whole body is going to have aches and pains after you deliver your baby. Your breasts will hurt from engorgement, you’ll continue to contract as your uterus shrinks back to its original size, and you’ll likely have tearing stiches or c-section stitches. I can only speak from my own experience in this area, but I didn’t find this part to be too bad. Of course I was uncomfortable in all the aforementioned ways, but after delivering a nearly 10 pound baby, it wasn’t anything I couldn’t handle. I have heard that the after pains are worse with subsequent children, but again, I can only speak from my own experience.
Of course postpartum is one of those things you can learn to manage as you go, but I would have liked to have had a better idea of what to expect. If you want a more in depth guide to the 4th Trimester, check out The Postpartum Handbook. It walks you through what to expect, tips for managing pain and speeding up recovery, postpartum fitness, postpartum sex, your postpartum diet, and more.
DISCLOSURE: Coffee and Coos is not intended to replace the advice of a medical professional. Always consult your doctor for medical advice.
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