As Your Body Readjusts

As a new mother, you're probably feeling excited but tired. This is normal. Give yourself some time to deal with the physical and emotional changes you'll experience. Your body will need at least 6 weeks to recover from a vaginal birth. Full recovery after a cesarean (surgical birth) takes longer, possibly a few months. No matter how you gave birth, it's important to take care of yourself-both for your own sake and because your new baby needs you.

Breast Care Is Important

Whether you're breastfeeding or not, wash your breasts with water daily and let them air-dry. Don't use soap, alcohol, or scented cleansers, which can dry and crack your nipples.

Coping with Swelling

A few days after giving birth, your breasts will probably swell. They'll feel heavy and hard and may leak some milk. If you're breastfeeding, frequent feedings are most helpful. Moist heat from a warm shower may also ease the ache. If you're not breastfeeding, do not express milk from the nipple. Doing so keeps your body making milk. Instead, wear a tight bra or wrap your breasts with an elastic bandage for extra support. Ice may also help.

If You're Breastfeeding

Keep your milk flowing. Don't skip feedings. Most breast problems occur when milk collects in the ducts or inflames the tissue. Frequent feedings move milk through your breasts and control swelling. If your nipples get sore, make sure you are holding the baby at breast level during feedings. Also, make certain that your baby's tongue is under the nipple when he or she latches on to your breast.

Choosing a Good Bra

Wearing the right size bra is especially important now. If a bra is too tight, it may cause a duct in your breast to clog and become irritated. If possible, have a salesperson help fit you for a new bra. Look for one that's 100% cotton and without underwires. Also, choose a bra with wide straps that won't dig into your back and shoulders. If you're breastfeeding, find a nursing bra that allows you to uncover one breast at a time.

Expect Some Bleeding

No matter how you gave birth, expect some vaginal bleeding for up to 8 weeks. At first, the bleeding will be similar to a heavy period. As your body sheds the uterine lining (lochia), you'll pass clots as well as blood. Bleeding may be heavier in the morning or after breastfeeding. Within a couple of weeks, the bleeding will fade to spotting or a light discharge. For now, do not use tampons without your doctor's permission.

Afterpains Are Real

During the first weeks after delivery, your uterus will shrink from the size of a grapefruit to the size of a pear. This process causes afterpains, cramps that may last a few days or a week. They tend to last longer after each additional pregnancy. If you're breastfeeding, afterpains may be stronger during feedings.

Caring for an Incision

If you had an episiotomy, your incision should heal quickly. Stitches usually dissolve within several weeks. Until then, keep your incision clean. Try using a hand-held shower or a squirt bottle to make washing easier. Afterward, pat the area dry with a clean towel. Ice may reduce any pain and swelling. If you lie on your back, try placing a pillow under your hips for greater comfort.

If you gave birth by cesarean, you'll probably be able to shower and pat the incision dry. Watch your incision for signs of infection, such as increasing redness or discharge. For ease of movement, hold a pillow against the incision when you get up from a lying or sitting position.

Easing Hemorrhoids

Women often develop hemorrhoids (swollen veins in the rectum) during pregnancy or delivery. If hemorrhoids cause you discomfort, apply ice packs to the affected area while you're lying down. Cold witch hazel pads may help stop itching and burning. Also, be sure to keep your stool soft. Eat foods high in fiber-such as vegetables, fruit, and wheat bran-and drink plenty of liquids. If discomfort continues, your health care provider may prescribe a stool softener. If you're breastfeeding, do not use any medication or ointment without talking with your doctor first.