Please use common sense while recovering. Although there are not many things you need to refrain from after a normal vaginal delivery, you should have complete pelvic rest for six weeks (no tampons, douching or intercourse). Do not drive until you are moving around normally and off narcotic pain medications. Stairs are safe and fine, but you might wish to get everything on one level for the first week to minimize discomfort from climbing.
If you’re recovering from a C-section, don’t lift anything over 10 pounds for two weeks, and don’t submerge your incision in a pool or bathtub for two weeks. It is okay to get your incision wet, just do not soak it in water.
At any time after a vaginal delivery or a C-section, if you have heavy bleeding (saturating a pad every half hour for two hours), contact our office at 502.891.8788.
Should you experience redness or foul-smelling material coming from your incision, whether from a C-section or an episiotomy, or if you have symptoms of postpartum depression, call our office for an appointment.
It is very common and normal to pass clots after leaving the hospital. You should only be concerned if they are accompanied by heavy bleeding and the clots are continuous.
We recommend you get plenty of rest for several weeks after birth. It’s a good idea to focus on caring for yourself and your baby, and not try to do much else. Fatigue decreases your milk supply as well as your ability to cope with the added responsibility of your new little one. If possible, get help for your other household responsibilities, such as cooking, cleaning, laundry and caring for older children.
A healthy diet is especially important. Make sure you drink 8 to 10 glasses of water daily, drink milk and eat plenty of proteins, fruits and vegetables.
Lastly, congratulations! We feel honored to be a part of the miracle of your child’s birth, and we’re thrilled to help you welcome your newborn baby into your life.
