Post-Partum Discharge Instructions
We would like to take this moment to extend our heartfelt congratulations on the arrival of your infant. It has been a pleasure and an honor to be involved in your care. We sincerely hope that your pregnancy and birth experience has been a rewarding and joyous event. However, the next six weeks will be very important for you and your baby. This is the time when you and your family will be establishing a schedule for your new addition, and your body will be healing from the delivery. These instructions apply primarily to the woman who have had a vaginal delivery. A woman who has undergone a cesarean section will have more limitations due to the surgical nature of her delivery [read more…].Physiologic Changes
During the next six weeks your body will undergo many changes that will return it to its pre-pregnancy state. You will continue to bleed (called lochia) for the next 4-6 weeks. This will gradually subside. The uterus will markedly decrease in size, and the swelling that you may have experienced during your pregnancy will slowly disappear.
Cramping
It is normal to have cramping after you deliver. The cramping can be quite intense for the first 48 to 72 hours. When a woman delivers her second or third baby, cramping can be even more intense than with the first baby. Cramping can usually be relieved with Ibuprofen, Tylenol or any pain medicine your doctor prescribes. These medications are safe for nursing.
Swelling
At first swelling may worsen before it gets better. It can take up to two weeks before all of the swelling disappears. It is important that you rest often and elevate your legs to help decrease any discomfort that may occur as a result of the swelling. If you begin to experience intense pain, develop a persistent headache that is not relieved with ibuprofen or Tylenol, you should contact your physician immediately.
Emotional Changes
The post-partum period is a time of tremendous change both physically and emotionally. Hormone levels change dramatically after delivery, and for that reason many women become emotional. These effects can be heightened up to two weeks after delivery and then gradually taper off. If you or any family members notice that you cry consistently, you cannot take care of yourself or your baby, or you wish to harm yourself or anyone else, you should contact your physician immediately.
Diet:
You may resume a normal diet when you are discharged from the hospital. Remember that if you are nursing you still have increased caloric demands and dieting is not recommended. It is important that you keep yourself well hydrated, especially if you are nursing. This will also help with constipation. You should continue your prenatal vitamins until your six week check-up or for as long as you may be nursing.
Activity
For the first week that you are at home it is best if you minimize your activity until you are more comfortable with your baby's schedule. After the first week, you may begin driving, doing light housework, shopping, or taking easy walks. As time progresses, you can increase walking to exercising lightly. Again, it is important to rest often during the first six weeks. Sleep when your baby sleeps, and allow your family or partner to help you with daily tasks.
Medications
As previously stated, you should continue your prenatal vitamins until your six week check-up or for the duration of nursing. Ibuprofen or Tylenol is recommended for any minor discomforts. Your doctor may prescribe a stronger pain medication if you are experiencing more discomfort. Additionally, you may receive prescriptions for iron supplements, stool softeners, or antibiotics when indicated. If you are taking any other medications outside of what is stated here your doctor will tell you which medications you can resume. If you have questions about your prescriptions please ask your doctor or call the office.
Episiotomy Care
If you received an episiotomy or had to have your bottom stitched, these stitches will dissolve and need not be removed. We recommend that you soak your bottom twice daily in the bath tub with whatever temperature is most comfortable for you. We do not recommend bubble baths during this time, as the soap can irritate your bottom. Some women prefer to use Epsom salt in the water. This is perfectly fine to use, but we do not recommend using Epsom salt that is scented.
The hospital will give you a squirt bottle (called a peri spray bottle) that you can fill with water to clean your bottom every time you use the toilet. It is important that you use this every time you use the toilet, as this will help your bottom feel better sooner and help facilitate the healing process.
Special Instructions
We do not recommend resuming the use of tampons, douching or intercourse for at least six weeks.
Please contact the office if:
Post Partum Visit
Plan to see your doctor for a follow-up visit in six weeks. At this visit your doctor will make sure that you've healed well since the delivery and will also discuss the issue of contraception. At any time you feel you are experiencing a problem call the office to be seen before any scheduled visit.
