Read Me... If you just had a baby

After giving birth, your body will undergo many changes as you slowly bounce back. From hair loss to soreness, the weeks after childbirth may lead to a lot of discomfort. Here, we offer some tips to help revitalize and rejuvenate your body and you after delivery. 

If you’re experiencing soreness "down there"

You may be experiencing soreness in your perineum, the area between your vagina and your rectum. It stretches during birth and may tear as well. There are some ways to relieve this pain. 

• Use a cold pack or “padscicle” externally
• Sit on a pillow or round cushion
• Enjoy a warm sitz bath (once cleared for submerging in water)
• Ask your medical provider about pain relief medication
• Avoid tight fitting and/or rubbing clothing or pads

If you’re experiencing cramping: 

You could be going through afterbirth pains or cramps you experience as your uterus shrinks after birth. This discomfort can last for multiple days beyond childbirth. But if the pain persists for over the 1st week postpartum, contact your healthcare provider with your concerns.

If your vagina is bleeding:

After birth, your vagina may look like it is bleeding. Your body is getting rid of the blood and tissue that was inside your uterus. For the first few days, your discharge may be heavy and contain clots. However, over time your flow will lessen and then stop. This may take a couple weeks, up to a month. It may even have an odor from the stages of lochia that is exiting your body.

If your breasts hurt and are swollen with milk:

When your breasts are swollen with milk, they may become tender and sore. Usually, once you start breastfeeding regularly, the discomfort will go away. Keep an eye for mastitis and empty your breast fully after your baby has finished feeding or while pumping. You can take warm showers or put warm compresses on your breasts to help simulate milk movement and reduce pain.

If your nipples are sore:

It’s common for your nipples to get sore after giving birth, especially from breastfeeding and latching issues. You can talk to your provider or lactation consultant to make sure your baby is latching properly. Additionally, you can gain access to OTC (over the counter) nipple creams  that are safe to massage onto your nipples to mitigate soreness and cracking. Look out for feeding adversions from your baby if using a nipple cream. Some babies dont like the taste changes and may show signs by not latching or staying latched. In this case, you can wash the breast and nipples before feeding or pumping to mitigate. 

If your hands or feet are swelling:

Because of extra fluids, your body can start swelling following childbirth (especially if you were on IV fluids during labor), and it can take a while for it to leave. To help with it, you can elevate the parts of your body that are swelling, wear loose and cool clothing and shoes, get a light leg and foot massage and drink lots of water.

If you get hemorrhoids from being constipated: 

Hemorrhoids are painful, swollen veins in your rectum that can hurt or bleed…and straining can both cause them or make them worse. It can affect you when you sit or move. If you are experiencing hemorrhoids following childbirth, you can take a bath to relieve pain (If cleared to submerge in water). If not cleared yet, you can use “padsicles” or refrigerated aloe vera gel for relief. Otherwise, ask for an over-the-counter cream to alleviate pain around your anus. Some moms rely on drinking a lot of water and eating foods filled with fiber to make relief easier. 

If you keep accidentally peeing yourself:

Incontinence can be a big problem for people who just gave birth, since your pelvic muscles may be weakened from giving birth. If you’re experiencing burning/pain while peeing, or struggling to pee, you should note this as a concern to raise with your medical provider as there could be an infection that should be addressed. Consider starting physical therapy to restore strength and functionality to your pelvic floor muscles. 

If you’re sweating constantly:

Due to the changes in hormones, new moms can end up sweating profusely, especially at night. This is caused from the major hormonal shifts within the body immediately following birth. A great recommendation is to ensure that you are taking a Postnatal to help restore balance to your hormones and offset the negative effects of lowered progesterone and estrogen. As your hormones balance, the sweating will reduce and your body will perform better. 

Written By: Kaitlin Lee