Congratulations! After 9 months of pregnancy amid which you experienced a lot of emotional and physical changes, you’re finally blessed with a baby. It’s completely normal to worry about healing after childbirth. Are you seeking the answers for how can you be back on your toes attending your bundle of joy? Well, you may also want to know if there is any special care which you need to take.
First of all, you have worked hard to give birth to your baby vaginally. So, now your body needs a little bit of time to get back to normal, so do not expect miracles! Here is what you need to know
Factors that can affect your recovery after vaginal birth
The initial 6 to 8 weeks after a vaginal birth are very critical. This is the time when your body will try to recover as well as the return to normal after undergoing changes amid your pregnancy, labor, and delivery. Let’s see the changes that your body will undergo while you’re recovering from vaginal birth.
- You’ll experience contractions or after pains which will help your uterus shrink back to its normal size. In most of the cases, it’ll take about 6 to 8 weeks for your uterus to shrink back to the original size
- For the first 2 to 4 weeks, you’ll experience some bleeding and discharge or lochia from your vagina. It’ll come and go for about the next 2 months or so.
- You may also experience soreness in your jaw, neck, or arm muscles. Don’t panic, this is very common. It is because of the immense physical stress that your body went through during your labor. The soreness will go away within a few days after birth.
- You may also have to swell in your legs and feet.
- You will also experience some soreness, numbness, pain, or general discomfort in your vaginal area. If you had a perineal tear or an episiotomy the symptoms may be severe.
- For the first few weeks, you may experience discomfort or constipation while passing stool.
- You may also experience breast engorgement post first few weeks of delivery. Sometimes, it will go away within the first few days. As your body prepares for the final moment of delivery, your breasts start producing and storing milk which causes a kind of swelling in your breast. Mostly, this might be the reason for discomfort. However, once you start feeding your baby, then the breast engorgement will go away slowly.
Tips to help yourself after Vaginal Birth
Proper sleep
Healing post childbirth takes time also by giving your body proper rest and care that deserves. Sleep is crucial to your overall emotional and physical well-being, and it can help you handle the responsibilities of motherhood.
Poor rest coupled with the responsibilities can lead to flare-ups of depression and anxiety. Hence, always try your best to take short naps.
Sleep when your baby sleeps. You can seek help from your partner or from your family member to help with diaper changing duty at night so that you can get some good sleep.
Use ice packs
You can use ice packs in order to reduce the pain or swelling around the opening of your vagina. The coldness from the ice pack aids in pain and it numbs the nerves, which in turn reduces your swelling.
Kegel Exercise
If you are looking for a quick recovery after vaginal birth, then it is important to strengthen your pelvic muscles. It will help heal your perineum that is, the area between your vagina and rectum, that sometimes tears and stretches during vaginal delivery.
Practicing Kegel exercises can strengthen your pelvic muscles post 1 to 2 weeks post-delivery will help pelvic muscles get stronger quickly
- Squeeze your muscles to stop the flow of urine.
- Hold it for 10 seconds, then release it for 10 seconds.
- Repeat at least 10 to 15 times.
- Repeat the Kegel sets 2 or 3 times every day.
Note: When exercising, it’s vital to listen to your body and avoid overdoing the same.
Breast soreness
Post delivery, your breasts might start producing milk for feeding, even if you plan to breastfeed or not. However, it is best to breastfeed, because it not only benefits the newborn baby but it also helps your recovery.
- During the initial stage, your breasts may become heavy and sore, and you may find it difficult to feed your baby.
- Try feeding your baby or pump often to prevent leaking and engorgement.
- Wear a nursing bra with good support.
- Use ice packs in order to alleviate pain.
- Use hot compresses that can help milk let down and relieve engorgement.
- If your nipples are sore, then ensure your baby is latching on properly.
- Use breast pads to prevent milk leakage.
Additional tips
- Try to long trips for 5 to 6 weeks and don’t sit in the car for long periods.
- If you want to travel, ensure taking frequent rest breaks and stretch your legs.
- Use a pillow over your tummy when coughing or sneezing.
- Limit visitors at home, as it can increase exposure to infections.
- Wait until you are healed before you have sexual intercourse
- Don’t go swimming for a couple of months
After your delivery, your health needs much care to recover fast and attend to your dear baby. You might want to get up and be about, however, the first few weeks after your delivery are very important. If you do not take proper care now, there is a possibility it could lead to health complications. So make sure you rest well and eat right. Communicate with your healthcare specialist immediately in case the symptoms become unbearable.