Supportive care is so important during pregnancy, but the need for care doesn't stop as soon as you have your baby. After you give birth, your body is still going through many changes as you heal and adjust to life with a newborn. During this time, it's vital that you take the time to care for yourself too. Here are four tips to help you take care of your body after you have a baby.
1. Take it easy
Right after you have a baby, your body may be tired and sore. Giving birth is a physically taxing endeavor. According to The Bump, women who have had c-sections might need to stay in the hospital for monitoring for 4 days post-childbirth. If you had a vaginal delivery, you may be released from the hospital after a single night, but you should still take it easy once you get home. Rest as much as you're able since it will help your body heal. Don't do any strenuous exercise until your obstetrician says it's safe for you to do so.
2. Be prepared
After you come home with your baby, you'll immediately be very busy. It's a good idea to have all the postpartum supplies you'll need ready in advance. You may be sore right after giving birth, and a sitz bath can help to soothe you. You'll probably also want to stock up on pads, nursing bras, healthy snacks, and nursing pillows.
3. Go to your postpartum checkup
You should return to your obstetrician for a postpartum checkup about 6 weeks after you give birth. If you had a c-section, you might have another appointment before this. At your postpartum exam, your doctor will check your body to make sure it's healed, which will involve a pelvic exam. Your doctor may also ask about your emotional well-being. Some women develop postpartum depression after delivery due to fluctuating hormone levels, so your obstetrician will want to make sure you're doing well mentally as well as physically.
4. Don't be afraid to contact your obstetrician
If at any time during your recovery you have questions or concerns, don't hesitate to call your doctor to ask. Especially if you're a first-time mom, it can be hard to know what's normal. Certain things, like shedding your uterine lining post-childbirth, can be alarming if you don't know what's happening. Don't be embarrassed about having worries or anxieties. Your doctor is there to help.
For more information, contact a local clinic like Desert Rose OBGYN PC.