Difference between revisions of "Heal After Having Baby"
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==Steps== | ==Steps== | ||
===Managing Your Physical Recovery=== | ===Managing Your Physical Recovery=== | ||
| − | #Rest. Giving birth is an incredibly intense experience, both mentally and physically, and you will need time to recover. Protect both the time you have with the baby and the time you have to yourself.<ref>http://www.womenshealth.gov/pregnancy/childbirth-beyond/recovering-from-birth.html</ref> | + | #Rest. Giving birth is an incredibly intense experience, both mentally and physically, and you will need time to recover. Protect both the time you have with the baby and the time you have to yourself.<ref name="rf1">http://www.womenshealth.gov/pregnancy/childbirth-beyond/recovering-from-birth.html</ref> |
#*Try to sleep when the baby sleeps. | #*Try to sleep when the baby sleeps. | ||
#*Expect others to help with cooking, house upkeep, and childcare. After you have a baby, it is important to rest and spend time bonding with your baby. Your family members should be willing to take over responsibilities like cooking meals, cleaning, and caring for any other children you have. | #*Expect others to help with cooking, house upkeep, and childcare. After you have a baby, it is important to rest and spend time bonding with your baby. Your family members should be willing to take over responsibilities like cooking meals, cleaning, and caring for any other children you have. | ||
#*Limit visitors. Your family and friends will all want to visit you and the baby, but don’t overwhelm yourself with company. They will understand. | #*Limit visitors. Your family and friends will all want to visit you and the baby, but don’t overwhelm yourself with company. They will understand. | ||
#*Don’t worry if your house is a little messy. | #*Don’t worry if your house is a little messy. | ||
| − | #Deal with vaginal soreness. Whether you have a tear or not, you will be sore after delivering a baby. If your doctor had to perform an episiotomy (a small incision to make more room for the baby to come through) or you experienced a vaginal tear during delivery, you will likely experience soreness. As with the rest of your recovery, give it time to heal, but do takes steps to mitigate pain and avoid infection.<ref>http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/labor-and-delivery/in-depth/postpartum-care/art-20047233?pg=1</ref> | + | #Deal with vaginal soreness. Whether you have a tear or not, you will be sore after delivering a baby. If your doctor had to perform an episiotomy (a small incision to make more room for the baby to come through) or you experienced a vaginal tear during delivery, you will likely experience soreness. As with the rest of your recovery, give it time to heal, but do takes steps to mitigate pain and avoid infection.<ref name="rf2">http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/labor-and-delivery/in-depth/postpartum-care/art-20047233?pg=1</ref> |
#*Sit on a pillow to ease discomfort. | #*Sit on a pillow to ease discomfort. | ||
#*Use a squeeze bottle filled with warm water to cleanse after using the bathroom. Squirt a stream where you would normally use toilet paper, which can be irritating immediately after giving birth. | #*Use a squeeze bottle filled with warm water to cleanse after using the bathroom. Squirt a stream where you would normally use toilet paper, which can be irritating immediately after giving birth. | ||
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#*Try painkillers or stool softeners (after talking to your doctor). | #*Try painkillers or stool softeners (after talking to your doctor). | ||
#*Talk to your doctor if you experience fever or intense pain, the wound becomes swollen or hot, or you notice discharge. | #*Talk to your doctor if you experience fever or intense pain, the wound becomes swollen or hot, or you notice discharge. | ||
| − | #Use pads to control bleeding. Even if you did not have an episiotomy or vaginal tear during delivery, you will likely experience bleeding and a discharge called lochia for about two weeks (and perhaps intermittently for the next two months). Wear pads, not tampons, to deal with this.<ref>http://www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/abl1277</ref> | + | #Use pads to control bleeding. Even if you did not have an episiotomy or vaginal tear during delivery, you will likely experience bleeding and a discharge called lochia for about two weeks (and perhaps intermittently for the next two months). Wear pads, not tampons, to deal with this.<ref name="rf3">http://www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/abl1277</ref> |
| − | #*If your hospital offers disposable mesh underwear, take it. They won’t be enough to control the bleeding on their own, but they make a great foundation for pads. You can even wear them if you have had a C-section.<ref>http://www.parents.com/pregnancy/my-body/postpartum/healing-after-pregnancy/</ref> | + | #*If your hospital offers disposable mesh underwear, take it. They won’t be enough to control the bleeding on their own, but they make a great foundation for pads. You can even wear them if you have had a C-section.<ref name="rf4">http://www.parents.com/pregnancy/my-body/postpartum/healing-after-pregnancy/</ref> |
| − | #Try Kegel exercises for difficulty urinating. Giving birth puts a strain on your pelvic floor, bladder, and urethra, leading to a number of problems with urination. These problems will usually go away on their own, but wear sanitary pads and try Kegel exercises in the meantime.<ref | + | #Try Kegel exercises for difficulty urinating. Giving birth puts a strain on your pelvic floor, bladder, and urethra, leading to a number of problems with urination. These problems will usually go away on their own, but wear sanitary pads and try Kegel exercises in the meantime.<ref name="rf2" /> |
#*Tighten your pelvic muscles (the same action you use to stop urinating). | #*Tighten your pelvic muscles (the same action you use to stop urinating). | ||
#*Hold for five seconds, then relax. | #*Hold for five seconds, then relax. | ||
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#*Work your way up to tightening for ten seconds, then relaxing for ten seconds. | #*Work your way up to tightening for ten seconds, then relaxing for ten seconds. | ||
#*Do this three times a day in sets of ten repetitions. | #*Do this three times a day in sets of ten repetitions. | ||
| − | #Alleviate discomfort from swollen breasts. Whether or not you plan on breastfeeding, you may experience swelling, tenderness, and firmness in your breasts. Depending on your plans, there are a number of different ways to relieve this discomfort.<ref>http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/labor-and-delivery/in-depth/postpartum-care/art-20047233?pg=2</ref> | + | #Alleviate discomfort from swollen breasts. Whether or not you plan on breastfeeding, you may experience swelling, tenderness, and firmness in your breasts. Depending on your plans, there are a number of different ways to relieve this discomfort.<ref name="rf5">http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/labor-and-delivery/in-depth/postpartum-care/art-20047233?pg=2</ref> |
#*If you are planning to breastfeed, try nursing, pumping, placing warm washcloths over your breasts, or taking a warm shower. Try cold washcloths or ice packs after nursing. | #*If you are planning to breastfeed, try nursing, pumping, placing warm washcloths over your breasts, or taking a warm shower. Try cold washcloths or ice packs after nursing. | ||
#*If you are not planning on breastfeeding, you don’t want to engage in any behaviors that will encourage milk production. Refrain from pumping your breasts, and wear a structured bra. This will help stop milk production, causing your symptoms to go away. | #*If you are not planning on breastfeeding, you don’t want to engage in any behaviors that will encourage milk production. Refrain from pumping your breasts, and wear a structured bra. This will help stop milk production, causing your symptoms to go away. | ||
| − | #*Regardless of your plans, pain relievers may help. Both acetaminophen and ibuprofen are fine to use while breastfeeding, as are most medications. Ask your doctor if you have any questions.<ref>http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/infant-and-toddler-health/in-depth/breastfeeding-and-medications/art-20043975?pg=2</ref> | + | #*Regardless of your plans, pain relievers may help. Both acetaminophen and ibuprofen are fine to use while breastfeeding, as are most medications. Ask your doctor if you have any questions.<ref name="rf6">http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/infant-and-toddler-health/in-depth/breastfeeding-and-medications/art-20043975?pg=2</ref> |
| − | #Treat hemorrhoids. If you feel pain or swelling when you use the bathroom, you might have hemorrhoids, a common and uncomfortable post-pregnancy symptom. Take steps to ease this discomfort.<ref | + | #Treat hemorrhoids. If you feel pain or swelling when you use the bathroom, you might have hemorrhoids, a common and uncomfortable post-pregnancy symptom. Take steps to ease this discomfort.<ref name="rf2" /> |
#*Soak in the bathtub. Make sure the water is warm, not hot. | #*Soak in the bathtub. Make sure the water is warm, not hot. | ||
#*Use chilled witch hazel pads where you are experiencing discomfort. | #*Use chilled witch hazel pads where you are experiencing discomfort. | ||
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#Prepare to wait six to eight weeks—or more—before resuming your normal routine. This includes exercise, sex, and other vigorous activity. Everyone’s recovery differs, however, so talk to your doctor before jumping back into anything. | #Prepare to wait six to eight weeks—or more—before resuming your normal routine. This includes exercise, sex, and other vigorous activity. Everyone’s recovery differs, however, so talk to your doctor before jumping back into anything. | ||
===Recovering from a C-Section=== | ===Recovering from a C-Section=== | ||
| − | #Be prepared for a longer hospital stay. You are recovering from surgery, so you might find that the hospital wants to keep you for two or three days. This extended time is for a number of reasons:<ref>http://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/c-section/basics/what-you-can-expect/prc-20014571</ref> | + | #Be prepared for a longer hospital stay. You are recovering from surgery, so you might find that the hospital wants to keep you for two or three days. This extended time is for a number of reasons:<ref name="rf7">http://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/c-section/basics/what-you-can-expect/prc-20014571</ref> |
#*Intravenous pain management. Once you are awake from anesthesia, you may be given a pump that lets you manage the flow yourself. | #*Intravenous pain management. Once you are awake from anesthesia, you may be given a pump that lets you manage the flow yourself. | ||
#*Monitored movement. Your doctor will want you to get up and moving as soon as possible. While this can be difficult, it can speed your recovery, regulate digestion, and ward off blood clots. | #*Monitored movement. Your doctor will want you to get up and moving as soon as possible. While this can be difficult, it can speed your recovery, regulate digestion, and ward off blood clots. | ||
#*Care for the surgery site. Your doctor will want to make sure that your incision does not become infected. | #*Care for the surgery site. Your doctor will want to make sure that your incision does not become infected. | ||
| − | #Don’t be afraid to breastfeed. Neither the incision itself nor the medications you are taking for pain management should interfere with breastfeeding. If you want to pursue this method, feel free to do so as soon as you are able.<ref | + | #Don’t be afraid to breastfeed. Neither the incision itself nor the medications you are taking for pain management should interfere with breastfeeding. If you want to pursue this method, feel free to do so as soon as you are able.<ref name="rf7" /> |
#*In fact, pain medication can actually make breastfeeding easier. Pain makes it more difficult to release oxytocin, which is necessary for milk production. | #*In fact, pain medication can actually make breastfeeding easier. Pain makes it more difficult to release oxytocin, which is necessary for milk production. | ||
#*Hospital staff can help you find a position in which you can breastfeed while still supporting yourself. | #*Hospital staff can help you find a position in which you can breastfeed while still supporting yourself. | ||
| − | #Know that going home doesn’t mean the end of recovery. Just as you spent a bit longer in the hospital than someone with a vaginal birth might, your at-home recovery will take a little longer, too—at least twelve weeks.<ref | + | #Know that going home doesn’t mean the end of recovery. Just as you spent a bit longer in the hospital than someone with a vaginal birth might, your at-home recovery will take a little longer, too—at least twelve weeks.<ref name="rf4" /> Observing these guidelines will make your recovery easier in the long run:<ref name="rf7" /> |
#*Don’t overdo it physically. At first, this means that you will want to get up as little as possible. Try to keep everything you need close enough that you can reach it. At the very least, restrict your movements to one floor--you should avoid stairs as much as possible in the first few weeks. | #*Don’t overdo it physically. At first, this means that you will want to get up as little as possible. Try to keep everything you need close enough that you can reach it. At the very least, restrict your movements to one floor--you should avoid stairs as much as possible in the first few weeks. | ||
#*Don’t do any heavy lifting. In the first few weeks, this means anything heavier than your baby. Try not to lift anything from a squatting position. | #*Don’t do any heavy lifting. In the first few weeks, this means anything heavier than your baby. Try not to lift anything from a squatting position. | ||
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#*Take pain medication if you need it. | #*Take pain medication if you need it. | ||
#*Wait until your doctor says it’s OK before having sex. | #*Wait until your doctor says it’s OK before having sex. | ||
| − | #Monitor your health. Your healthcare providers will help you with this while you are in the hospital, but once you are home, you will need to keep an eye out for potentially dangerous symptoms. Call your doctor if you notice any of the following:<ref | + | #Monitor your health. Your healthcare providers will help you with this while you are in the hospital, but once you are home, you will need to keep an eye out for potentially dangerous symptoms. Call your doctor if you notice any of the following:<ref name="rf7" /> |
#*A high fever and/or pain, redness, swelling, or discharge at the surgery site. These could be signs of infection. | #*A high fever and/or pain, redness, swelling, or discharge at the surgery site. These could be signs of infection. | ||
#*Breast pain that comes with redness and/or an elevated temperature. | #*Breast pain that comes with redness and/or an elevated temperature. | ||
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#*Heavy bleeding. | #*Heavy bleeding. | ||
===Taking Care of Your Mental Health=== | ===Taking Care of Your Mental Health=== | ||
| − | #Watch for the signs of postpartum depression. Between hormonal changes, worrying about the baby, and sleeplessness, it is easy to become overwhelmed after childbirth. For many people, these feelings go away quickly, but postpartum depression can strike at any point within a year of giving birth. Call your doctor if any of the following symptoms persist for more than two weeks:<ref | + | #Watch for the signs of postpartum depression. Between hormonal changes, worrying about the baby, and sleeplessness, it is easy to become overwhelmed after childbirth. For many people, these feelings go away quickly, but postpartum depression can strike at any point within a year of giving birth. Call your doctor if any of the following symptoms persist for more than two weeks:<ref name="rf1" /> |
#*Irritability | #*Irritability | ||
#*Sadness, depression, or frequent crying | #*Sadness, depression, or frequent crying | ||
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#*Feelings of guilt and worthlessness | #*Feelings of guilt and worthlessness | ||
#*Inability to enjoy activities you used to get pleasure from | #*Inability to enjoy activities you used to get pleasure from | ||
| − | #[[Call Emergency Services|Call emergency services]] immediately if you have any thoughts of doing harm to yourself or the baby. Do not worry about feelings of shame or embarrassment. Healthcare professionals want to help you. Do what you need to do to protect yourself and your family.<ref> http://www.womenshealth.gov/pregnancy/childbirth-beyond/recovering-from-birth.html</ref> | + | #[[Call Emergency Services|Call emergency services]] immediately if you have any thoughts of doing harm to yourself or the baby. Do not worry about feelings of shame or embarrassment. Healthcare professionals want to help you. Do what you need to do to protect yourself and your family.<ref name="rf8"> http://www.womenshealth.gov/pregnancy/childbirth-beyond/recovering-from-birth.html</ref> |
| − | #Focus on the benefits of treatment. Many women are reluctant to talk to their doctors about postpartum depression because they think that it is their fault, that they are not good mothers, or that they are alone in these feelings. None of this is true. Postpartum depression reflects no weakness on your part, yet seeking treatment can have myriad benefits for you and your child.<ref | + | #Focus on the benefits of treatment. Many women are reluctant to talk to their doctors about postpartum depression because they think that it is their fault, that they are not good mothers, or that they are alone in these feelings. None of this is true. Postpartum depression reflects no weakness on your part, yet seeking treatment can have myriad benefits for you and your child.<ref name="rf1" /> |
#*You will feel much better, making it easier to take care of your baby. | #*You will feel much better, making it easier to take care of your baby. | ||
#*You will aid in your child’s cognitive development (children with mothers who experience postpartum depression show delayed language acquisition). | #*You will aid in your child’s cognitive development (children with mothers who experience postpartum depression show delayed language acquisition). | ||
#*You will facilitate your child’s ability to bond with others. | #*You will facilitate your child’s ability to bond with others. | ||
| − | #Start an exercise program. Many women wish to return to a more active lifestyle after giving birth for physical reasons, but there is an even more important reason to lace up your sneakers: by increasing endorphins, exercise can ward off feelings of depression, including postpartum depression. Just make sure that your exercise program has been cleared by your doctor.<ref>http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/in-depth/depression-and-exercise/art-20046495</ref> | + | #Start an exercise program. Many women wish to return to a more active lifestyle after giving birth for physical reasons, but there is an even more important reason to lace up your sneakers: by increasing endorphins, exercise can ward off feelings of depression, including postpartum depression. Just make sure that your exercise program has been cleared by your doctor.<ref name="rf9">http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/in-depth/depression-and-exercise/art-20046495</ref> |
#*Walking is probably the safest option for you after you have your baby. Start with walking and only increase the intensity when your doctor says it is okay to do so. | #*Walking is probably the safest option for you after you have your baby. Start with walking and only increase the intensity when your doctor says it is okay to do so. | ||
