Physically, a woman’s body undergoes numerous adjustments after giving birth. ‘After the long and eagerly anticipated nine months of pregnancy, the birth of a baby marks a significant milestone for parents. However, the journey doesn’t end there. In fact, a whole new set of changes begins to unfold after delivery, affecting both the mother and the newborn. These post-delivery changes encompass physical, emotional, and lifestyle adjustments, all of which contribute to the transformative experience of becoming a parent. Understanding and preparing for these changes that happen after delivery can help parents navigate this unique period with confidence and adaptability.
The postpartum period also brings changes in the mother’s lifestyle and routine. Adjusting to the demands of caring for a newborn can be overwhelming, as sleep schedules become erratic, feeding becomes a constant priority, and personal time becomes scarce. Establishing a new routine, seeking support from loved ones, and practicing self-care becomes crucial during this time of adaptation.
In This Article
Changes That Happen After Delivery
After delivery, significant changes occur both physically and emotionally for both the mother and the newborn. These changes encompass the body’s recovery process, hormonal shifts, lifestyle adjustments, and emotional adjustments to the new parenting role.
Here are some important changes that you will encounter after childbirth:
1. The Belly Is Still There
Your enlarged belly will remain a soft rounded one for some time even after the birth of a baby. So don’t panic if your belly doesn’t become flat after birth. Sometimes it even takes as long as a year to become flattened. Diet control and light tummy exercises hasten the process.
2. Excess Water Weight
You lose about 10 to 14 pounds immediately after childbirth. This is due to the delivery of the baby, amniotic fluid, and placenta expulsion. But you still carry the surplus weight for another 24 hours, most of which is due to water. You must have noticed swelling in your body. You will shed this water within a week by perspiration or micturition. Gear up for some night sweats and plenty of peeing.
3. Bleeding
An important post-delivery phenomenon is vaginal bleeding which is more pronounced in vaginal births as compared to C-section childbirths. In a way, you might feel messy, bleeding all the time. Post-delivery bleeding or lochia is the vaginal discharge consisting of mucus, residual blood, and sloughed off the uterine lining. The majority of women experience lochia discharge for 15 to 18 days after delivery, and to a maximum about 5 to 6 weeks which decreases with each passing day. This is absolutely normal. Bleeding is normal after delivery but if you are passing big clots about every hour, immediately seek doctors’ help.
4. Pelvic Cramps
Pelvic cramps are also noted after childbirth. This is because of the reverting of the uterus back to its original size and shape. Your uterus expands big time to help the baby out, and when it goes back to its original size, you will experience pains, especially when the nurse massages it every few minutes after the birth.
This shrinking of the uterus causes postpartum pain and discomfort which is referred to as pain. This is more pronounced during breastfeeding the baby due to the release of oxytocin. These pains are short-lived and dull in nature.
5. Soreness
Soreness is common after delivery. Your lower pelvic organs take some time to heal. Your perineum (the region between the vagina and rectum) experiences maximum stretch during vaginal childbirth. It may become bruised or even get swollen up. If you have had a C-section, you will feel nausea, exhaustion, and soreness around the incision. Though you will be given pain relievers, you will still feel soreness around the stitches every now and then.
6. Painful Stitches
Episiotomy stitches take some time to repair and during this time, the perineum makes you uncomfortable in sitting. Even if you did not have an episiotomy, you are likely to suffer a tear or two, and this will be stitched up after the birth. Now this is not going to be easy, and there is no denying the fact that stitches down there can be really painful. The pain can be eased by using a sitz bath and using a squirt bottle to clean up. Warm water is very beneficial in hastening the healing process. Witch hazel pads and ice packs also alleviate the pain and swelling. It will be some time till you feel good down there.[/caption]
7. Breast Changes
The breast becomes tender however the breast milk comes as late as the fourth day post-delivery. You will notice a prickly, tingling sensation in your breasts. Your breasts will first produce colostrum, a yellow-colored milky secretion excreted from the breasts in the initial postpartum days. This is highly beneficial for your baby as it is enriched with immunity-enhancing constituents and strengthens your baby’s wellness. As you begin breastfeeding your baby, the pain will ease off gradually.
8. Mood Swings
The arrival of your baby will fill your life with happiness and love. You will notice emotional upheaval during the first week after delivery, going high and low for the first few days post-delivery. These mood swings are a result of changes in hormonal levels, changes in your body, and the baby’s growing demands that cause physical and mental exhaustion and discomfort.
9. Something Lost
For nine months you become used to carrying the baby in your tummy and with the birth of the baby, you experience the feeling of losing something. Psychologically some time is required to adjust to this new state. Sometimes, new mothers take time to bond with their little ones, hence skin to skin touch is encouraged immediately post-birth. Feel your baby close, smell her, and let your emotions guide you to blessed motherhood.
10. Puerperal Fever
Mild fever is common in the first few days of post-pregnancy days. This is because of the hormonal changes and subsides in a day or two. You might notice that your body has become jittery, but this is temporary and not a cause to worry.
Ease Out Delivery Discomforts With The Below Tips
- Educate yourself on pain management techniques and childbirth processes.
- Practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing and visualization.
- Experiment with different positions during labor, such as walking or using a birthing ball.
- Consider water therapy, like utilizing a birthing pool.
- Discuss pain management options with your healthcare provider, including medications or epidural anesthesia.
- Seek support from a partner or doula who can provide physical and emotional support.
- Use massage or counter-pressure techniques for pain relief.
- Engage in distractions like music, movies, or visualizations to divert your attention.
- Stay hydrated and maintain proper nutrition during labor.
- Taking a hot water bath is also very helpful in soothing body aches and discomfort
- Wear cotton loose-fitting clothes
- Avoid eating spicy and oily foods
- Visit your doctor regularly and ask her to tell you explicitly about how to take care of the new baby
It is important to recognize that these changes are part of the natural process of childbirth and parenting. Open communication, seeking medical advice when needed, and connecting with support networks can help navigate this transformative phase successfully. With patience, understanding, and self-care, parents can embrace the joys and challenges of the post-delivery period and embark on their new journey with confidence.
FAQ’s
1. Can I Do Household Work After Delivery?
Yes, you can gradually resume household work after delivery, but it is important to prioritize rest and listen to your body’s signals. The ability to perform household work after delivery varies from person to person and depends on several factors, including the type of delivery, the physical recovery process, and the support available.
2. How Many Days Should I Stay Home After Giving Birth?
The recommended duration for staying home after giving birth varies depending on factors such as the type of delivery, any complications, and individual recovery. Generally, it is advised to stay home for at least a few days to a week to allow for rest and bonding with the newborn.
