What Should I Do after Childbirth?

Giving birth can take a lot out of a new mom. After childbirth, you need to help your body recover by drinking plenty of fluids, getting lots of rest, and waiting until you have your doctor's okay or until you feet well enough to return to certain activities, such as driving and exercise. You'll also need to take care of the baby after childbirth by handling him properly, bathing him, and changing his diapers.

You may experience a number of unpleasant changes to your body after childbirth. A lot of women deal with constipation along with hemorrhoids during the first few days post-partum. Eat vegetables and fruit for their fiber and avoid taking laxatives to cope with constipation after birth. If you suffer from hemorrhoids, apply an ice pack to the area to soothe the pain. You may find that soaking in a warm tub of water or a sitz bath is soothing as well.

Help your body heal after childbirth by taking it easy. You may be surprised at how worn down you feel after giving birth. You may also sweat more, so you should make sure you get enough fluids after childbirth. If you are dealing with incontinence due to a stretched out bladder and pelvic floor muscles, try performing Kegel exercises to help strengthen your muscles.

Your newborn will also need plenty of attention after birth. Always wash your hands before picking up your baby, as his immune system is still developing. Babies are very fragile, so you need to carry them gently. Support the neck and head, because the baby is not yet strong enough to support himself. Don't shake the baby or rough-house with him.

If you are breastfeeding, compensate for the loss of fluid by drinking water every time you feed the baby. After childbirth, your breasts will most likely be very sore or swollen. They'll become less painful as you breastfeed. If you're not breastfeeding, they'll return to normal after a few days.

You'll need extra time to heal if you've had a C-section or an episiotomy. Soak in a sitz bath to help the episiotomy heal. Be careful that you do not tear the stitches, and use a spray bottle to clean the area after using the bathroom. A pain reliever or an ice pack may help reduce swelling.