The first change

As soon as your baby is born, the uterus begins shrinking back to its normal size. Powerful contractions after birth will help this process along. It takes approximately a month for this to happen.

You may find yourself urinating and sweating much more than usual. Your body is throwing off accumulated fluids that it retained during your pregnancy. Don't be surprised if your urinary output doubles. This is normal.

Expect other changes to take place. Because of the drop in the hormone progesterone levels you may discover that your hair is becoming a bit thinner. Hair loss at this time is temporary and will correct itself once your hormones are stable. Those rapid hormone changes can also bring about sensations of hot and cold and can affect your mood. Even though you are ecstaticly happy having your baby in your arms you may still be affected to some degree by the baby blues. These, too, are temporary, or should be, however if you have severe symptoms of depression you should speak to your health care provider.

There will be heavy bleeding for a few days after birth followed by what appears to be a normal period. After that, for perhaps six weeks or more you will pass a yellow-to-brown discharge called lochia. If at any time you begin bleeding heavily again or bleeding bright red, call your doctor.

After birth your breasts will swell in preparation for feeding your baby. Nipples can become dry and cracked and sometimes even bleed. Ask your doctor for his recommendations. Don't let pain go untended. He will suggest procedures and/or ointments that will help.

There may be some loss of control with your bladder and bowels. This is disturbing to new mothers but it's a temporary condition that will cure itself in a few weeks. Your perineal area will be sore, particularly if you needed an episiotomy or if you tore. Keep this area very clean, and alternate between ice packs and heat. Ice reduces swelling and serves to numb the area slightly. A warm sitz bath (shallow bath with a teaspoon of salt dissolved in it) can bring great relief at this time.

Your doctor will advise you about pain medications, but over the counter medications such as Tylenol and ibuprofen can usually be taken. Always check with your doctor before taking a medication, especially if you are breastfeeding.

Sexual relations can be resumed in approximately six weeks. Some mothers recover quickly and have sex again in two or three weeks. Listen to your body to know what is best for you.

Walking is the best exercise for now. Drink plenty of fluids and eat sensibly. Deep breathing exercises are beneficial. Treat hemorrhoids promptly if they occur. The ice packs and sitz baths will help with these as well. If you allow yourself to get adequate rest and take care of yourself properly, you should recover from your pregnancy with no problem.

If you have had a C-section, your meds will be narcotic at first, but after a week or so will likely be changed out for over the counter meds. Walking will help circulation and lessen the chance of blood clots.

Your incision will probably be tender, puffy, and darker than your skin. These issues will resolve themselves over time. Be aware of signs of infection (warmth, oozing, pain, redness) and report them to your doctor immediately. Sneezing or coughing or any sudden movement can pull on your scar and be uncomfortable. Brace yourself and hold something soft firmly against your belly if you feel a sneeze or cough coming on.

Get extra help at home for a while after your birth and do your best to get adequate rest. With both vaginal births and C-sections, the better you take care of yourself, the more quickly your body will recover from the hard work of childbirth.

Article by Rachel Goodchild

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