Introduction
Your body has just accomplished one of the most remarkable things it will ever do: bringing another human being into the world. After 9 months of anticipation, you are likely eager to be home with your new baby. While much of your attention and energy in the coming weeks and months will be directed towards the baby, remember that taking care of yourself is equally important. The immediate period after childbirth, known as the postpartum or puerperium period, is marked by numerous changes for a new mother. This initial week is a critical stage of adjustment for both the mother and the baby, with medical and emotional recovery beginning immediately after birth.
- Uterus and Lochia Immediately after birth, the uterus begins the process of involution, shrinking from about 1000 grams to 60 grams within 6-8 weeks. In the first postpartum week, the discharge of lochia—bleeding and secretion— is common, which can be heavy and may include large clots. If you notice clots larger than 4 cm or bleeding that fills more than one pad per hour, it is essential to contact your doctor.
- Uterine Contractions Contractions, known as postpartum pains, are felt as the uterus returns to its pre-pregnancy size, often heightened during breastfeeding due to the release of oxytocin.
- Perineal Area The perineum is the area between the vagina and anus, which may tear during childbirth or be cut by the doctor to widen the birth canal. Even if neither of these occurs during vaginal delivery, your perineum may be painful and swollen postpartum. Discomfort in this area may persist for several weeks. If you have stitches from a tear or cut, they may take 7-10 days to heal. It’s important to prevent infection by gently cleaning them with warm water after each toilet use. During recovery, sitting on an ice pack for 10 minutes several times a day can help alleviate pain. Avoid wiping the stitched area with toilet paper, as it may irritate. Regardless of your eagerness to check the healing progress, try to keep your hands away from stitches. While discomfort is expected to decrease daily, persistent or intensifying pain requires consultation with a doctor.
- Breastfeeding and Breasts Milk production and engorgement occur around 3 days postpartum, following a decrease in estrogen levels and an increase in prolactin triggered by breastfeeding. Painful breasts are normal in the first days of breastfeeding. If the pain persists for more than a few days, it could indicate improper latch. Try changing positions or consult a lactation expert for assistance before nipple fissures develop, potentially hindering breastfeeding. The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) recommends breastfeeding and/or exclusively feeding expressed breast milk for the first 6 months of life. Breastfeeding should continue with the addition of complementary foods in the second half of the first year. However, not all women can breastfeed for various reasons, and formula use is acceptable in those cases.
- Hormonal and Emotional Adjustment Rapid hormonal changes can lead to various effects, including “baby blues”—feelings of sadness and mood swings. These feelings are common and usually short-lived. However, if feelings of sadness are severe or last more than a week, it could indicate postpartum depression, requiring consultation with a specialist.
- Your Postpartum Recovery Postpartum recovery will not only take a few days. Complete recovery after pregnancy and childbirth can take months. While many women feel mostly recovered in 6-8 weeks, it may take longer for you to feel like yourself again. During this time, you may feel like your body has turned against you. Try not to get frustrated. Remember that your body is not aware of your timelines and expectations. The best thing you can do for it is to rest, eat well, and give yourself a break. During this period, your hormones will fluctuate, and you may not think clearly and be more emotional. Again, give yourself time to overcome this stage.
Conclusion The first postpartum week is full of changes and adjustments for a new mother. Monitoring health, maintaining hygiene, getting adequate rest, and seeking help when needed are all critical elements for optimal recovery. It is essential to consider emotional well-being and seek professional help if necessary. Newborns and their mothers should benefit from support, understanding, and proper care during this unique and challenging period.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
- U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Primary care interventions to promote breastfeeding: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommendation statement. Ann Intern Med. 2008;149:560-564.
- Resnik R The puerperium. In: Maternal Feta-Medicine, Principles and Practice. Creasy RK, Resnik R, eds. Philadelphia, PA: W.B. Saunders; 2004.
- https://familydoctor.org/recovering-from-delivery/