WHAT IS POST-BIRTH CARE?
Having a baby can be one of the most joyful life experiences you can have. From expanding the family to their very first smile, there’s a lot to look forward to. But pregnancy and post-birth can bring many changes, new experiences, some challenges, and a great deal of adaptation for both yourself and your baby.
NOTE: This article/page uses the terms ‘male/man/men’ and/or ‘female/woman/women’. Please note, this is in reference to the sex assigned at birth.
COMMON CONDITIONS & ADVICE
After birth, there will be a lot of changes to both mother's and baby’s bodies to understand. From breastfeeding and mother’s diet changes to baby’s first bath and common conditions to look out for in newborns, Boots have advice to help families in the first few weeks after the birth.
Recovering from pregnancy and birth will feel and look different for every woman.
Bleeding
You should expect to bleed from your vagina after giving birth vaginally or via a Caesarean Section also known as a C-section. Bleeding is likely to be heavy at first, so make sure you have some high-absorbency sanitary towels. Tampons are best avoided until after your 6 weeks postnatal check, as you are likely to be sore, tender, healing from trauma, and using tampons could increase the risk of getting an infection.
The blood loss that occurs after giving birth is known as lochia and lasts on average 2-4 weeks, although it could last up to 6 weeks. It is bright red to start with and fades to pink and brown after a few days.
Try to change your pads at least every 4 hours and wash your hands before and after to prevent infection. You will need to contact your midwife if you are soaking through pads in less than 2 hours, you have sudden or very heavy blood loss, you are passing multiple clots or single large clots which are bigger than a golf ball, you have persistent pain that isn’t relieved by simple pain-killers, or you feel ill, faint, dizzy, hot or sick.
You should contact your midwife or GP quickly if available or call 111 or if it's an emergency call 999. You can also take a look at the NHS website for guidance.
Incontinence
After giving birth, some women find that they can leak urine when they cough, laugh, move suddenly, or when they need the toilet. The best thing you can do to prevent this from happening is to do your pelvic floor exercises throughout pregnancy and gently restart them again as soon as possible after the birth. Prolonged pushing and assisted births (with forceps or ventouse), among other things, can weaken your pelvic floor.
As this can be common in the weeks following the birth of your baby, try to be patient, do your exercises and, if not resolved after 4-5 weeks, speak to your GP for advice. It is important to strengthen your pelvic floor to avoid further problems in the future, such as incontinence and prolapse. Boots have a range of incontinence pads available.
Postpartum Haemorrhoids
Postpartum Haemorrhoids, or ‘piles’, are swollen blood vessels around your anus or inside your rectum. They commonly appear towards the end of your pregnancy, but can also occur or feel worse after giving birth to your baby due to increased pressure on your pelvic blood vessels, causing them to enlarge. Pain, stinging, itching, bleeding and feeling like you still need to go to the toilet after you’ve been are all common symptoms of haemorrhoids.
You can help manage haemorrhoids by preventing constipation by eating plenty of fibre, drinking plenty of water, doing some gentle exercise, taking a stool softener (if needed), avoiding sitting/standing for prolonged periods of time, wearing loose-fitting clothes, doing your pelvic floor exercises, and not straining! Ask your midwife, GP or pharmacist for a haemorrhoid treatment like Boots Haemorrhoid Relief 24 Suppositories to help relieve the discomfort. To find out if a haemorrhoid treatment may be suitable for you. Remember to check with your pharmacist or midwife before taking any medicine if you are breastfeeding.
Cramps
'Cramps' or ‘afterpains’ are pains that some women experience after giving birth and are caused by your uterus contracting back to its pre-pregnancy size. You are unlikely to experience ‘afterpains’ after your first baby, but the more babies you have, the stronger the ‘afterpains’ can feel, as your womb has to work harder to contract back to its original size.
These pains usually last for 2-3 days and can feel worse when you breastfeed your baby, as this produces a hormone, oxytocin, which helps your uterus contract. Simple pain relief such as paracetamol**, if suitable for you, can help to relieve discomfort. Alternatively, resting a warm hot water bottle such as the Boots Hot Water Bottle Extra Soft Fleece on your lower back may provide a soothing effect.
Low abdominal pain that is not improved by these measures, is severe, accompanied by increased blood loss, fever, or feeling faint or ill, should be checked out without delay by a healthcare professional. If you cannot see your midwife or GP quickly. You can call 111 or if it's an emergency call 999.
Stitches
If you have had stitches in your perineum, vulva, or abdomen (after a c-section), ensure you keep the area clean by bathing it at least once daily with plain warm water and patting it dry with a clean cloth or towel.
‘Airing’ the area by exposing it to the air once or twice a day for around 10 minutes will assist the healing process and help prevent infection. You could use a perineal spray if suitable on the perineum to help soothe as well as take over-the-counter pain relief, such as paracetamol** if it's suitable for you.
Changing your maternity pads often will help keep the area clean. If the skin on your abdomen hangs over your C-section wound, putting a piece of cotton material or a sterile gauze on the skin fold will also help to keep the area dry and clean.
For most women, recovery from a C-section is slower than from a vaginal birth. You are likely to stay in the hospital for a minimum of 2 nights and may require regular pain relief medicine for the first week or two. Unless they require special care, your baby will stay with you on the postnatal ward, where staff and family will be able to assist you to care for your baby and begin to mobilise you.
As you will be recovering from major abdominal surgery, you will need plenty of rest, good nutritious food and daily wound care (once your dressing comes off). Depending on your circumstances you may be prescribed medicines to take following your C-section such as blood-thinning injections, regular pain relief and any other prescribed medication. Try and accept as much help and support as you can get for the first couple of weeks after your operation. Once you return home, there are some activities you’ll be advised to avoid until after your six-week check-up, such as driving, vacuuming, or lifting heavy objects.
You can look after your wound by gently cleaning and drying it every day, and giving it about 10 minutes per day to ‘air’. Wearing loose clothing and cotton underwear that sits over your scar will help to keep you more comfortable too.
If you are experiencing symptoms such as Increased wound pain, heavier blood loss, blood clots, an offensive smell coming from your wound or your vagina, your wound is swollen, redness or oozing, or you feel hot or ill. If redness and warmth in an arm or leg, sudden breathlessness, sharp chest pains and a cough or coughing up blood, you should contact your midwife, GP or call 111 or if it's an emergency call 999 straight away.
Although your C-section scar will be obvious at first, this should fade with time and, for many women, it will be hidden by pubic hair. At around 6 weeks post-birth, your wound will likely be well-healed. Once your wound is fully healed, at this point, you can start to massage your C-section scar. This will help to increase blood flow to the area, release scar tissue (preventing adhesions) and increase mobility in your lower abdomen. You can use a scar recovery oil such as My Expert Midwife Fantastic Skin Elastic 150ml Stretch Mark Serum, to help minimise the appearance of your scar, as well as soften and soothe scar tissue. Simply apply some of the oil to your fingertips and massage the skin around the scar, moving your fingers up, down, side-to-side, and in small circles around the scar. Start lightly and gradually allow your fingertips to go in a little deeper into the muscle layer and deep muscles, with comfortable pressure.
Your perineum is the area between your vaginal opening and your anus. During childbirth, this area stretches and can sometimes tear. This tear can involve the skin and muscles of the perineum, and depending on the type of tear, stitches may be required. Occasionally, your midwife or doctor may consider it necessary to do an episiotomy (a cut to your perineum to widen the opening of the vagina) – this may be to expedite the birth of your baby if they are distressed, or if they think an episiotomy may help prevent a bigger tear. They will only ever do this with your consent.
Performing perineal massage regularly from 34 weeks of pregnancy can help prepare the perineum for childbirth and may reduce the chance and severity of a perineal tear. Massaging the perineum can improve its natural ability to soften and stretch during the last moments of giving birth (crowning). You can use a vegetable oil or a specially formulated perineal massage oil, and either do the massage yourself or ask your partner to assist.
If you sustain a tear, you may or may not require stitches. Your midwife or doctor will tell you what type of tear it is and whether they consider it necessary to stitch it. The decision to have stitches is yours.
To help your body to heal you need plenty of rest and good nutrition, to keep the area clean, and sometimes to daily ‘air’ the area (easiest done by lying down on a folded towel). A cooling pad may help soothe the area.
Breastfeeding provides all the energy and nutrients that your baby needs, as well as protection against diseases and infections, closeness, comfort and bonding, and natural benefits. Breastfeeding can feel unfamiliar. If you want to try to breastfeed, one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself and your baby is to prepare for breastfeeding before your baby is born. You can do this by reading books, blogs and articles on breastfeeding, watching videos, attending breastfeeding cafes/support groups in your area, harvesting your colostrum, and joining classes and webinars led by breastfeeding specialists.
Difficulties such as pain during breastfeeding, baby not gaining weight quickly enough, or feeding very frequently, are often due to issues with latch and attachment. Rather than problems, they are short periods of ‘adjustment’ and engaging support here is key. The input, advice and support from a breastfeeding specialist, such as your midwife or a breastfeeding consultant, will prove invaluable in the early weeks.
Using a nipple cream can offer relief and protection from sore and cracked nipples. However, if you experience pain throughout feeds, your nipples are misshapen after feeding, or they begin to crack or bleed, you will need to seek support from a breastfeeding specialist as soon as possible.
When finding the best position for you, consider the following points:
• Are you comfortable? Make sure your neck and shoulders are relaxed, and use pillows or cushions, if necessary, to support your back and your arms.
• Is your baby’s head in line with their spine? If their head and neck are twisted your baby will struggle to maintain a good latch and this could lead to sore nipples and poor milk transfer – meaning your baby will want to feed more often
• Hold your baby close to you, facing your breast, and supporting their neck, back and shoulders
• Whenever possible, allow your baby to latch themselves and avoid leaning your breast forward into their mouth - always bring ‘baby to breast’
• Ensure your baby’s nose, and not their mouth, is at the level of your nipple. This will encourage them to open their mouth wide and get an optimal latch
• Hold your baby by the nape, rather than the back of their head – this allows their head to tip back so the nipple can reach the back of their mouth
The NHS has more information on breastfeeding positions, challenges and support.
Giving your baby expressed breast milk via a bottle may be a personal choice, or a decision based on different factors - for example, your baby may be premature or have problems after the birth, you may need to return to work or study, or you simply may not want to feed directly from the breast.
Hand expressing is a great way of breastfeeding and can be done in conjunction with using a breast pump. Breast pumps can be manual or electric and are designed to mimic your baby’s suckling action. Expressed breast milk can be given to your baby straight away, or stored in the fridge or freezer using breastmilk storage bags.
The Department of Health recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life. Whether you decide to breastfeed or bottle feed using expressed milk or infant formula, we have advice and tips to support you.
Paced or responsive bottle feeding allows your baby more control over feeding and is the preferred method for feeding your baby when using a bottle. By slowing down the flow of milk into the bottle’s teat and baby’s mouth, it gives them extra control over the pace of their feed and how much they feed. This technique mimics the stop-start motion and closeness of breastfeeding.
- Watch out for signs of hunger or feeding cues. These include stirring, sucking on their fists or blanket, opening their mouths and rooting, or making noises to alert you that they want food. Crying mostly happens when your baby’s cues have not been responded to – they become very upset and this can result in your baby struggling to feed correctly.
- Sit comfortably with your baby close to you in a semi-upright position, supporting their head so they can swallow easily.
- Closeness, looking into their eyes and talking to them as they feed will help them feel reassured and connected to you, and eye contact helps with their brain development. You may like to do some feeds skin-to-skin with your baby to encourage bonding and the development of their skin microbiome.
- Let the teat of the bottle brush against your baby’s lips and wait for their mouth to open wide before gently inserting it into their mouth.
- Keeping the bottle in a horizontal position (do not tip it up) will prevent the milk from flowing too fast. As your baby feeds, you can very slowly and gradually tip the bottle just enough to ensure there's enough milk covering the end of the teat – this will prevent your baby from swallowing air and becoming windy.
- Allow your baby to suckle and pause – pausing is normal behaviour. Simply tilt the bottle down to stem the flow of milk. When your baby starts to suckle again, bring the bottle back to a horizontal position and continue to feed them.
- Signs that your baby has had enough or needs a break include splaying their fingers and/or toes, spilling milk from out of their mouth, spitting the teat, pushing the bottle away, turning their head to the side, or becoming sleepy or very relaxed.
- Your baby knows how much milk they need, so do not expect them to finish the bottle. Forcing them to do so can cause them distress, lead to overfeeding, and cause problems such as colic, wind, or worsening of reflux symptoms
- Once they’ve finished feeding, keep your baby upright and gently bring them up for a cuddle and gentle winding.
Newborn babies only need small amounts of milk to start with and the amount they want to drink will vary from baby to baby, and from feed to feed. Remember to throw away any unused milk after you finish bottle-feeding your baby. After the first year, you can move on to full-fat cow’s milk, if it suits your baby. There is a wide variety of bottles to choose from to assist you in bottle feeding, as well as equipment such as steriliser sets and bottle prep machines.
Your sleeping habits are very likely to change after giving birth. Apart from any possible discomfort you may be experiencing, it is normal newborn behaviour to wake several times during the night, whether it is for a feed or reassurance. Because sleep is essential for your physical and emotional well-being, it is important to find ways of getting some sleep or, at least, some deep rest.
Although it is often easier said than done, sleeping whilst baby sleeps can offer you some much-needed sleep. Grabbing a nap whilst your partner takes your baby out for a walk, or bringing your bedtime to 1 or 2 hours earlier than usual will also help you get a few extra hours of sleep. Try to rely as much as possible on your partner, family and close friends so that you only have to worry about yourself and your baby.
Relaxation exercises, like simple breathing exercises or meditation, can help you wind down for sleep or can be used throughout the day to help refresh you.
Maintaining good sleep hygiene is as important as ever. Limit your caffeine intake, have a warm shower or bath, and turn off any technology an hour or two before you go to sleep. You may also like to incorporate some products into your daily sleep routine, like body oils or balms with relaxing scents, a lavender-scented bath milk or pillow mist, or an infusion tea. If you're breastfeeding you should check whether the product is suitable before using it.
If you are struggling to sleep at night even when your baby is asleep, or you feel tired all the time, speak to your midwife or GP, as this could be a sign of postnatal depression.
Every baby is different, and your baby will have their own waking and sleeping pattern. You can help encourage your baby to get used to daytime and nighttime by changing the mood and the level of activity. For example, during the day, make sure to open curtains, play games, and talk at a normal volume but, at night, dim the lights, read them gentle bedtime stories, and use soft voices.
Being a mother is hard work, and looking after your baby whilst recovering from pregnancy and childbirth and, perhaps, also whilst breastfeeding, is really hard work. This is why it is really important to take good care of yourself. A healthy and nutritious diet is essential for your recovery and a great way to improve your overall health and well-being, as well as support your and your baby’s nutritional needs whilst breastfeeding.
Boots nutritionist Vicky Pennington has outlined the recommended nutrition guidelines for post-pregnancy below:
Eating healthily
Choose a balanced diet rich in fruit and vegetables, pulses and wholegrains, with lean meat, fish, eggs, nuts, and seeds for protein, and dairy foods or dairy alternatives.
Regular meals
Eating regular meals and snacks throughout the day sustains energy, keeps blood sugar levels stable and helps avoid diet-related mood swings. Skipping breakfast can mean you get over-hungry so start your day with a healthy breakfast such as porridge, low-fat yoghurt and fresh fruit or a slice of wholemeal toast with poached egg or sliced avocado.
Snacks
Nutritious snacks are handy to top up your energy levels when you are on the go or in-between meals. You could try:
• fresh fruit and vegetables. Have a bowl of fruit in the kitchen, and fresh veggies like carrots, cucumber, sugar snap peas and celery sticks in the fridge
• dried apricots, figs, mango and prunes for a sweet snack
• hard boiling a few eggs and keeping them in the fridge for an easy-to-grab, filling snack
• unsweetened live yoghurt for calcium, protein and good bacteria
• a bowl of breakfast cereal, granola or muesli for an energy boost any time of day
Drinks & caffeine
Drink plenty of water – aim for six to eight glasses a day of water to keep hydrated. Breastfeeding can be ‘thirsty work’ so keep an extra drink handy while you are feeding.
Be mindful of too much caffeine. While it may help you feel more energised, it can be passed on via breast milk. It’s a good idea to limit your caffeine intake to less than 200mg a day when breastfeeding, (the same as in pregnancy). That’s around two mugs of tea or instant coffee a day.
Alcohol
It’s safest not to drink any alcohol while breastfeeding because it can reach your baby via breast milk. An occasional drink is unlikely to harm your baby, but it is best to avoid breastfeeding for 2-3 hours per alcoholic drink you have, to avoid exposing your baby to alcohol. You can plan and express some milk before consuming alcohol, and give this to your baby after you have drunk.
Drinking regularly whilst breastfeeding is linked to developmental delay in babies. Alcohol can also affect the ‘let down’ of breast milk and reduce your milk supply in the hours after alcohol has been consumed, meaning that the baby will get less milk and need to feed more often afterwards.
Key nutrients or supplements to consider
You may wish to support your nutritional needs with a good quality supplement that has been formulated to support you in the postnatal period and/or through breastfeeding. Food supplements are intended to supplement a healthy diet and should not be regarded as a substitute for a balanced and varied diet or a healthy lifestyle.
If you need further advice or have any concerns about taking a supplement, speak to your doctor or pharmacist before taking a supplement if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or taking any medication.
Calcium
Calcium is important for healthy bones and teeth. It’s readily found in milk, yoghurt, cheese, and fish such as sardines where you eat the bones, tofu, green leafy vegetables, nuts and fortified foods.
Vitamin D
Exposure to sunlight provides our main source of vitamin D as it’s difficult to get enough vitamin D from foods. However, our climate and indoor lifestyles mean that many people in the UK don’t get enough sunshine to make all the vitamin D they need, especially in the autumn and winter months.
This is why the Department of Health recommends that pregnant and breastfeeding mothers take a daily supplement containing 10 micrograms of Vitamin D.
The government also recommends that all breastfed babies are given 8.5-10 micrograms of Vitamin D daily. Formula-fed babies should also receive daily Vitamin D drops until they are having more than 500ml (approx. a pint) of infant formula a day – this is because formula milk is fortified with vitamin D, as well as vitamins A and C.
Omega 3
A healthy, balanced diet should include two portions of fish a week, making at least one of those portions an oily fish such as wild - or organic - salmon, mackerel, trout or sardines. Oily fish are particularly rich in long-chain omega 3s (DHA and EPA) and these are important for heart, eye and brain health.
Eating fish is good for you and, if you are breastfeeding, for your baby. Yet, it is important to bear in mind that breastfeeding women are advised not to exceed 2 portions (1 portion = around 140g/4oz) of fish per week.
Iron
Your iron stores may likely be low, or even depleted following the birth of your baby. Your health, your well-being and your recovery will benefit from increasing your iron levels through diet and supplementation. If you are concerned about your iron level your GP may arrange a blood test to check for iron deficiency. Iron deficiency can be treated with prescription medicine.
Top up your iron levels by including iron-rich foods such as lean red meat, fish, poultry, beans, lentils, dried fruit (particularly dried apricots), dark green leafy vegetables, nuts & seeds, and fortified breakfast cereals in your diet. You may also want to consider the use of daily supplements with added iron.
Iodine
Iodine is essential for thyroid function and adequate iodine levels are believed to decrease the likelihood of postpartum hyperthyroidism. It’s a mineral known for its role in baby development too and breastfed babies depend on good concentrations of iodine in breast milk.
Optimal levels of iodine may be hard to obtain if you don’t regularly consume white fish (such as haddock and cod – the richest in iodine), cow’s milk and dairy products, eggs, or scampi. And although plant-based foods may not be a reliable source of iodine, as the iodine content of the soil may be low, some plant-based drinks are fortified with iodine – so, read the label and favour those that are. You could also consider taking a supplement containing iodine if you follow a strict vegan diet.
After the birth of your baby, it is normal to experience transitory emotional and mental changes. Some women, however, may also experience more complex symptoms that may require the support of a healthcare professional so that they and their babies remain well and safe.
It’s estimated that around one in five women experience challenges with their mental health during pregnancy and within the first year after their baby is born. Having a baby is a big moment in life that will bring about lots of change – hormonal, physical, emotional, psychological, social, in your relationships, etc -, so it’s natural to feel tearful or anxious initially. There are no set guidelines on what you should be thinking or feeling during this time, but it’s important to acknowledge if you feel something isn’t right.
‘Baby blues
Many women will experience the ‘baby blues’ from 3-5 days after giving birth, with symptoms peaking at around day 7 and disappearing by the end of the second week. During this time, it is essential that you feel supported and cared for, and that your symptoms are validated.
Sadness, fatigue, crying easily and for no obvious reason, and irritability are common symptoms of the ‘baby blues’ and they then occur for a few hours each day.
Although the ‘baby blues’ and postnatal depression (PND) can at first seem similar, the symptoms experienced with PND are more severe and are likely to dictate your mood throughout the day.
You can access more information on mental health support via the Health Hub.
Postnatal depression
Postnatal depression (PND) refers to depression that occurs within a year after having a baby, although it can also present itself during pregnancy. It is estimated to affect over 1 in 10 new mothers and may also affect fathers and partners. Signs include:
• a persistent feeling of sadness and low mood
• a lack of enjoyment or a loss of interest in things you used to enjoy
• lack of energy or feeling tired all the time
• trouble sleeping at night and feeling sleepy during the day
• difficulty bonding with your baby
• withdrawing from contact with other people
• problems concentrating and making decisions
• frightening or ‘intrusive’ thoughts
• feelings of anger, guilt, and/or overwhelm
As it can develop gradually, many mothers may not realise they have postnatal depression. Partners, close ones, or healthcare professionals may be the first to notice that something is amiss. If you or someone close to you think you may be depressed, it is important to seek support as soon as possible. If you experience or are preoccupied by thoughts of hurting yourself or your baby, death or dying, contact your GP, midwife or health visitor promptly.
Feeling anxious
It’s natural for new parents to worry to some extent, but others find this anxiety overwhelming and the feelings hard to cope with. Working out what is causing the anxiety can sometimes help to control it.
Simple mindfulness activities during your day, yoga, and certain breathing techniques, as well as spending time away from technology and more time in nature, can all help to alleviate feelings of anxiety.
It is common for postnatal anxiety and PND to occur together, as anxiety disorders can trigger depression, also, anxiety in itself can be a symptom of depression. Therefore, if your worries are affecting your day-to-day life, or you feel that you may have anxiety, speak to your GP or health visitor about finding some support.
You can also access support for your mental health through Boots Online Doctor Depression and Anxiety Treatment2.
Psychosis
Postpartum psychosis is a rare but extremely serious disorder that can affect a woman within the first few days or weeks after she has given birth. It tends to begin suddenly and requires immediate medical intervention to keep mum & baby safe from harm. Signs include:
• feeling extremely happy, energetic and talkative
• severely depressed and overly anxious
• starting to feel differently about your baby or having unusual ideas about yourself, your baby or others
• hallucinations
• finding it difficult to know what’s real and what’s not, and feeling disoriented
• thoughts of harming yourself or your baby
It is unlikely that you may notice these symptoms in yourself, so your partner, family or friends are the ones who will need to make immediate contact with your GP or midwife, or the hospital if they notice any of the above symptoms.
Hair loss after having a baby, known as postpartum hair loss, is very common. During pregnancy, the increased levels of the hormone oestrogen make your hair grow faster and make it less likely to fall out or ‘shed’. After giving birth, the change in hormones can cause the extra hair gained during pregnancy to come loose and begin to shed – this usually occurs up to three months after giving birth.
Postpartum hair loss may feel like the thinning of hair all over the head, or you might notice you shed more hair than usual when you brush or wash your hair.
Once your hormones return to pre-pregnancy levels, you will find your hair should return to normal, too.
As hair loss is caused by the hormonal changes that occur following the birth of your baby, postpartum hair loss should stop on its own without any treatment. However, you can talk to your GP or a dietitian to ensure you are getting all the vitamins you need in your diet. Trying to eat a healthy and varied diet should support you in ensuring you are getting all the nutrients you need. This can help contribute to healthy hair growth. There are also chewable vitamins available which contain biotin, selenium and zinc to support normal hair growth, and specialist shampoos and conditioners to strengthen the hair and reduce breakage, for a naturally fuller look.
If your hair loss is particularly severe – for example, you notice it’s patchy or coming out in clumps – or you’ve been losing hair for longer than six months, you can speak to your GP for advice to check for any underlying cause.
Your postnatal check should take place around six weeks after you have your baby. Both your health and your baby’s health will be checked by your GP. Where possible, it’s helpful for both parents to attend as it gives you both a chance to ask questions or talk about any concerns you may have.
During your baby’s review, your GP will ask your consent to give them a physical examination to check their eyes, heart, hips and testicles if they have them. They’ll usually measure their weight, length and head circumference. At this point, they may also discuss vaccinations with you.
They’ll also ask how you’ve been feeling, both emotionally and physically, since the birth of your baby.
Pregnancy changes your body in many ways, some of these will linger post-birth, as your hormones and organs return to their pre-pregnancy levels and state. For example, you may find that you still ‘look’ pregnant even after you’ve given birth – this is because your womb is yet to return to its natural size (which can take around six weeks) and because your abdominal muscles have stretched and, in some women, separated.
While it may not bother some new mothers, others can feel negatively towards their post-partum bodies and may even feel the pressure to look like they’ve not had a baby at all. It’s important to remember that all mothers are different and that your body will have changed forever, whether that is more or less noticeable to the outside world.
It is important to try not to compare yourself to anyone else - whether that’s mothers you know or people you see on social media, as everyone’s personal circumstances are different and comparisons can make you feel worse. Talking to the people around you about how you’re feeling, whether that’s a partner or your family and friends, can help to put these thoughts and feelings in perspective, remind you of what your body has achieved and how far you’ve already come, and reinforce that you are loved and accepted for who you are.
You may like to try and focus on how you feel rather than how you look. Trying some gentle exercises like a slow walk or yoga can help to increase your feeling of well-being and confidence. It is best to wait until after your six-week postnatal check before you start any high-impact exercises. It’s also important to allow yourself some time for self-care – schedule some daily ‘me time’ where the baby can be looked after by your partner or a loved one, and you can do something for yourself to help you feel good.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
All women bleed from their vagina after they give birth (both a vaginal birth or via a Caesarean section). This blood loss (known as lochia) can last from two weeks to around six weeks, although some women may experience this for longer.
Bleeding starts as bright red and heavy and then fades into a pink and, then a brown colour, and becomes lighter. It is normal to have moments of heavier blood loss, and these can be caused by the level of activity (usually heavier the more active you are), whether you are breastfeeding (with your womb contracting more during a feed, which helps expel more blood), or even the time of the day (some women may find it to be heavier in the morning).
If you experience continuous heavy bleeding or you continue to bleed for longer than six weeks without a break, speak to your GP. Blood loss that returns after a few days/weeks is likely to be a period.
If you are experiencing symptoms such as heavier blood loss, blood clots, an offensive smell coming from your vagina or you feel hot or ill. Redness and warmth in an arm or leg, sudden breathlessness, sharp chest pains and a cough or coughing up blood. You should contact your midwife, or GP or call 111 or if it's an emergency call 999 straight away.
Many women get piles during pregnancy or after birthing their baby, and these usually disappear within a few weeks. Piles (haemorrhoids) are swollen blood vessels that appear around your anus or inside, your rectum. They are uncomfortable at best, and can be itchy, painful and may bleed. Having piles can make sitting, walking and going to the toilet uncomfortable.
You can help manage piles by avoiding constipation, wearing loose-fitting clothes and strengthening your pelvic floor.
Talk to your midwife or GP if you’re struggling with piles as they may be able to give you a cream to help soothe them.
Although there is no set recommendation for when you can start having sex again after having your baby, there is also no rush – your body needs to recover. As well as feeling tired, you will likely be bleeding, feeling sore and healing from tears, a cut or a C-section wound. Your body may only wish for rest and TLC for an indefinite number of weeks following the birth of your baby, and that is ok. You decide when you feel well enough and in the mood for sex, no one else.
You may wish to communicate that it may be some time before you want to have sex again with your partner. You can both find other ways to continue to show love and affection towards each other.
When you feel ready to start having sex again, make sure to have some lubricant at hand, as hormonal changes after birth can make your vagina feel drier than usual. Sex does not necessarily need to include penetration, so if this hurts or you just don’t fancy it, have fun exploring other ways of giving each other pleasure.
You can get pregnant again as soon as three weeks after the birth of a baby, even if you’re breastfeeding and your periods haven’t returned. So, unless you wish to get pregnant again, it’s important to use contraception.
There are many different contraception choices after birth. Talk to your GP or midwife about your options for contraception after giving birth. These can include having an implant fitted, starting the progesterone-only pill, having the contraceptive injection, and using male and/or female condoms. Unless there are any contraindications or you are breastfeeding, at 3 weeks postpartum, you can commence using the combined pill, use a vaginal ring or put on a contraceptive patch – alternatively, you may need to wait until your 6-week post-natal check. If not inserted within 48 hours of giving birth, you may have an IUD from 4 weeks after giving birth.
Pregnancy changes your body in many ways and some of these will linger post-birth, as your hormones and organs return to their pre-pregnancy levels and state. For example, you may find that you still ‘look’ pregnant even after you’ve given birth – this is because your womb is yet to return to its natural size (which can take around six weeks) and because your abdominal muscles have stretched and, in some women, separated.
While it may not bother some new mothers, others can feel strange or negative towards their post-partum bodies and may even feel the pressure to look like they’ve not had a baby at all. It’s important to remember that all mothers are different and that your body will have changed forever, whether that is more or less noticeable to the outside world.
Talking to the people around you about how you’re feeling, whether that’s a partner or your family and friends, can help to put things in perspective, remind you of what your body has achieved and how far you’ve already come, and reinforce that you are loved and accepted for who you are.
You may like to try and focus on how you feel rather than how you look. Trying some gentle exercises like a slow walk or yoga can help to increase your feeling of well-being and confidence. It is best to wait until after your six-week postnatal check before you start any high-impact exercises. It’s also important to allow yourself some time for self-care – schedule some daily ‘me time’ where the baby can be looked after by your partner or a loved one, and you can do something for yourself to help you feel good.
A vaginal prolapse is when 1 or more of the organs in the pelvis such as the womb (uterus), bowel or bladder slip down from their normal position and bulge into the vagina. A prolapse is not life-threatening, but it can be painful and cause discomfort. Symptoms can usually be improved with pelvic floor exercises and lifestyle changes, but sometimes medical treatment is needed.
Your period will typically return about six to eight weeks after you give birth if you aren’t breastfeeding. If you are breastfeeding you may not have your normal period for many months.
Content written by Midwives from My Expert Midwife
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