A Guide to Your Reproductive Health After Birth
Pregnancy and birth may change you – your body, mind, and emotions.
Becoming a mother changes more than your lifestyle – your clothes may not feel right, your skin looks different, your breast shape has changed, even your shoe size may have changed. This is normal and proof of the amazing work your body has done. Right now, you are focused on caring for your new baby. But, as a new mother, you also need to take special care of your body too. You want your health, energy, and strength to be at their best so you can care for your baby in the best way you can.
You may have been very healthy during pregnancy and may have done a considerable amount of research about labour and delivery. Many women feel totally unprepared for the delivery room and the battering their body’s may take. So that you don’t feel overwhelmed or concerned after delivery, here are some postpartum health tips to help you look after your reproductive health:
1. Breasts
The bras you bought before, and during your pregnancy are probably not going to fit you well, well at least for a while. This is because your oestrogen and progesterone levels drop, and prolactin, the hormone that helps you make breastmilk, kicks in. Don’t worry, it will peak two to three days after birth, and your breasts will be pretty hard and sore, but it will settle down within a few days. Speak to your healthcare practitioner for things you can do if it gets very uncomfortable.
2. Uterus and cramping
Recovery from a vaginal delivery versus a C-section will pose different challenges, but there are some similarities: After-pain, which feel like menstrual cramps, begins shortly after you deliver and lasts for two or three days. After about six weeks, your uterus contracts to its original size, and lowers itself behind the pubic bone.
3. Vaginal health
It is normal to have a bloody discharge, called lochia, for up to six weeks after delivery. This is the tissue and blood that lined your uterus during pregnancy. It is heavy and bright red at first, becoming lighter in flow and colour until it goes away totally after a few weeks.
4. General health
Feeling a bit shaky and fatigued is pretty common in the first few weeks after delivery. But new moms are also at higher risk of iron deficiency following childbirth, due to blood loss during delivery. Keep taking your prenatal vitamins for the length of time you’re breastfeeding, or if you’re not breastfeeding, for as long as you have post-delivery bleeding. Plus, eat iron-rich foods, such as red meat, fortified whole-grain products, beans, lentils and leafy greens. You may also have swelling in your legs and feet. You can reduce swelling by keeping your feet elevated when possible.
5. Sex
The elastic walls of the vagina stretch quite a bit during childbirth. Don’t worry, they do go back into place. You can resume sexual intercourse in about 6 to 8 weeks after delivery if you feel ready and after your healthcare practitioner has given you the go-ahead. If you’re breastfeeding, you may experience less lubrication so have a lubricant available to relieve any discomfort.
6. Birth control
Yes, you can get pregnant after delivery even if you are not having regular periods and even if you are breastfeeding. Discuss birth control plans with your healthcare practitioner before leaving the hospital. You may need to wait for 3 to 5 weeks after delivery before you can start using the pill for health reasons and also to ensure the pill is effective.
7. Postpartum Depression
Your emotional health is just as important as your physical health. You are now responsible for a tiny new life and that can be really scary. Disrupted sleep and being overtired don’t help either. If you are feeling down or depressed, you are not alone. In fact, one in five women suffers from a mood disorder during their pregnancy and postpartum period. Seeking help is the best thing you can do for yourself and your family.
If you have concerns or questions regarding your reproductive health, write them down and discuss these with your chosen healthcare provider.
Resources:https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/what-really-helps-you-bounce-back-after-pregnancy; https://www.womenshealth.gov/pregnancy/childbirth-and-beyond/recovering-birth; https://www.todaysparent.com/baby/postpartum-care/mind-blowing-ways-your-body-changes-after-giving-birth/
