How to Take Care of Yourself Postpartum

Whether you had a Caesarean section or a natural birth, it's important to take care of your own body after giving birth. While a C-section, which is major abdominal surgery, is the more invasive and traumatic procedure, women who deliver naturally still need to care for themselves postpartum. 

Expect to have some bleeding, at times very heavy bleeding, for up to six weeks after delivery. Your OBGYN will advise you not to use tampons - only pads. If you've had an episiotomy - a small perineal cut to allow easier passage for the baby out of the birth canal - then there could be some significant pain, plus care for stitches. Take the pain medication your doctor has either prescribed or recommends. 

Significant pain can inhibit milk production in breastfeeding moms, so be sure your pain is managed. In order to replenish the nutrients depleted, either by pregnancy or the subsequent bleeding, be sure you're eating the right diet. Beef up your protein levels to 60-70 grams a day - chicken, lentils, eggs and other sources help your body recover from childbirth. Iron from lean beef, cereals and other grains will help prevent anemia as your body sheds blood and other fluids.

Calcium is needed to rebuild bone lost during pregnancy - good sources include milk, broccoli and yogurt. Stay hydrated - but sip, don't slurp. Your bladder needs time to recover and for pelvic floor muscles to rebuild. Leakage is normal in the weeks and months postpartum. 

It's of utmost importance to take care of yourself after a C-section; in fact, you should consider getting help arranged while you're pregnant, just in case or if you know for a fact that you'll deliver via C-section. The wound will not allow for heavy lifting, cleaning or other tasks that you might be used to doing. You may even have problems feeding. Adjust your feeding position so that you don't put pressure on the incision, and report any signs of infection to your healthcare provider immediately. 

As you heal, keep a record of symptoms, concerns and questions that you should ask at your postpartum appointment. This way, you and your healthcare provider can make sure you're the healthiest mom you can be for your new baby.

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