Postpartum expectations

Bleeding for the first 6-8 weeks following delivery is normal. It is called Lochia (LOW-kee-uh). It will begin as very heavy, bright red bleeding that will gradually diminish to a dark red, brown and then to a more yellowish color until finally beginning to look like normal vaginal discharge. During this time period, nothing at all should be introduced to the vagina. Only wear pads, no douching, and no sexual intercourse until the lochia flow has stopped and you have been cleared by your provider. Once the lochia has stopped, only then you will know the lining of your uterus has completely healed and there is less chance of getting a uterine infection.

Here are a dozen postpartum suggestions and must-have items for comfort and support.
 

 

Tailbone Pain

Called coccydynia or coccygodynia, tailbone pain usually goes away on its own within a few weeks or months after childbirth or prolonged sitting. To lessen the pain:

  • Sit completely upright with proper posture. Keep your back firmly against the chair, knees level with your hips, feet flat on the floor, and shoulders relaxed.

  • Lean forward while sitting down

  • Sit on a doughnut-shaped pillow or wedge (V-shaped) cushion. Try a dollar-store pool tube!

  • Apply heat or ice to the affected area - THIS WORKS WONDERS! Use a heating pad for 20 minutes, wait at least 20 more minutes, then switch to an ice pack for 20 minutes. Try this every time you need to breastfeed sitting up.

  • Take over-the-counter pain reliever Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin). This will relieve pain and reduce inflammation in higher doses. Be sure to eat a snack before taking Ibuprofen.

If the condition doesn't improve within a couple of months, read this article by the Mayo Clinic. 


Healing Hemorrhoids

They suck! But usually, heal quickly. Dr. Weil suggests using pure aloe vera gel to soothe and promote the healing of hemorrhoids. In this article, he explains the symptoms and other causes of hemorrhoids. Make sure you’re drinking lots of water and eating foods with fiber, so you don’t have to strain when you go to the bathroom (that makes hemorrhoids worse). If you are taking iron for anemia, know that it can cause some constipation, so ask your doctor for a stroll softener to go along with it. There are also pads and creams that do a great job relieving a lot of the discomfort.

Try making a "postpartum padsicle" of store-bought witch hazel and maxi pads. Soak a pad with witch hazel and place it in a ziplock baggie to freeze overnight. In the morning, place the pad on your bottom and get in a hands-and-knees position, preferably child's pose. (Kneel then put your head on your forearms or a pillow to raise your butt up in the air.) We're told this is divine!  

This recipe is pinned to our Pinterest board and it includes aloe vera and essential oil. Another option is to simply store a bottle of witch hazel in the fridge to cool and then soak a pad before placing it on your skin. Get well soon.

 

Kegel Exercises

As soon as you can, start exercising your pelvic floor muscles. In addition to strengthening your muscles, Kegel exercises circulate blood to the area, which will speed healing. This video posted on our blog will help guide you.
 

 

Surgical Birth Overview

The expectation of having a surgical birth may cause some anxiety due to the unknown. We hope this step-by step of what you may encounter during a c-section will allow you to stay calm and trust the process. For more info on c-sections, what to expect, and for our tips, please click here.

Relationship Transition: Points and Remedies

The Gottman group has found that 67% of couples showed some decline in relationship satisfaction during the first year after their baby is born, while 33% of couples showed no decline or even had an increase in relationship satisfaction. To help shift these numbers in a positive direction and keep YOUR relationship in the satisfied group, here are some of the common changes you can expect during that first year.

Be sure to schedule your postnatal appointment to be held about 6 weeks post delivery. Don’t have before sex then and only do so if cleared by your OB. If you do have any type of sex, you’ll likely spray breastmilk if you’re breastfeeding. Your breasts may be tender so be sure to protect and cover them. And speaking of breastfeeding, if you’ve had a c-section delivery, it may take longer for your milk to come in compared to if you have a vaginal delivery. You'll want to put the baby to breast as soon as possible following birth and breastfeed very often to stimulate milk production. Have a local breastfeeding resource available to you. Seek out an online consultation, support group, or arrange an in-home visit from an IBCLC once you leave the hospital. For more info on c-sections, what to expect, and for our tips, please click here.