When individuals think about giving birth, two important things occur. The most common is the process of recovery and pain, and the other is your transition to a new life of parenthood. For new parents, particularly, this transition takes time for the body and mind to adjust. This piece focuses on postpartum recovery, and here are the things you should know.
1. Your Prenatal Period Hormones are Still Active
In the course of your pregnancy, there was abundant production of some hormones, such as progesterone and estrogen. Right after delivery, these hormones still exist in the system; hence you may experience “baby blues,” which means you feel sad when you should be happy.
Your body is yet trying to balance the hormones, so this can take a few days. But it would help if you did not confuse this with postpartum depression. If it takes more than a couple of days, see your doctor.
2. You Might Constipate
You may feel constipated after delivery. Bowel movements may be limited for some reasons, including anxiety or fear and medications. Some medications can prevent normal bowel movements, and in others, fear of interrupting stitches and pain is enough to scare someone into going to the bathroom. In any situation, your doctor may recommend a regular stool softener to evade other difficulties. Additionally, you might also want to consider using some natural pain relievers for an extra boost – you can learn more about some of the most popular natural pain relievers out there by taking a look at a few of the resources on the CFAH website.
3. It May Burn When Urinating
In case you have a tear near your urethra, you might burn while urinating. You can expect this to be normal; however, if it persists, contact your GP as it may point to an infection. Likewise, it can even hurt to sit down. (It is inspiring when a female who gave birth recently can sit and overlap her legs.) Not every person will have a problem; however, you might need to sit on one of those hemorrhoid pillows for your comfort.
4. There is Postpartum Hemorrhage
The process is well-known as ‘lochia,’ in which the body removes remnants of placenta and tissue and blood from the uterus immediately after delivery. This process generally takes some days after giving birth. At this time, observe proper sanitation and keep watch for extremely heavy clots or flows. Consult your doctor immediately if you notice such irregularities.
5. Recovery Time Varies for Everyone
The longer it lasts for you to recover from delivery differs from one mother to the other. Some individuals recover in a few weeks, while others require more time. Aspects such as the delivery method or the growth of delivery complications, such as Diastasis Recti, determine the amount of time it takes. Other factors, like healthy nutrition and lifestyle, including exercises, can speed recovery period for women. However, the standard recovery period is approximately one and a half to two months. However, if recovery takes longer, do not speed your body.
Consider joining programs, such as EMbody programs, which will engage you in workouts that will quicken your recovery process. Also, such exercises will function as Diastasis Recti repair if you develop DR complications.
6. Adapting to Your New Life Will Take Time
Adapting is, at all times, a new practice for new parents or those who are still having a baby. For thirty-six weeks, your identity was a future mother, so the minute the baby arrives, the status now changes to actual parenthood. The new life has many responsibilities, so it is normal to find difficulties in adjusting, and you may have complications in the process. To recover, moms and expectant parents should mentally prepare for the due date so that when the baby is due, they feel more secure in their new identities.
7. Fear and Worry is a Part of the Process
Another part of postpartum is the worry stage. During this phase, you may experience postpartum anxiety. Some fears may be your child’s overall safety or the ability to care for them. It is normal to experience the pressure to meet your expectations, but over time you relax and realize that everything is alright.
When these worries become deep and unmanageable, it is time to contact a therapist and seek advice.
There is nothing good than knowing what to expect. After birth, everything does not run smoothly. Postpartum may be challenging, and you may experience a lot of pain and specific complications. With a good lifestyle and a healthy diet, you can quicken the recovery process.
