A Midwife's Top 5 Tips to Surviving Postpartum
Whether you had a vaginal delivery or a surgical birth, your body has been through a lot and will need time to heal. You will want to take time before you're in the thick of it, to think about how you will make time to rest, recover, and more importantly what kind of help you would like to receive in those early days.
I could talk forever on the importance of preparing your family unit and support system for your postpartum period, but the following are strictly for YOU, mama!
1) Postpartum Hospital Goodies
Take ALL the hospital freebies from your postpartum recovery room. Consider stocking up on the hospital’s mesh panties too. Ask for extras too, don’t feel bad! And don’t forget your peri bottle (a squirt bottle for rinsing): It’ll keep you feeling clean and help ease any stinging sensation you may experience around your stitches during trips to the bathroom.
2) ICE ICE - Vagina!
After birth your vagina will likely have some swelling, but have no fear! - Applying ice to the region is an easy, effective way to get relief in the first 24 hours after birth.
3) Don’t forget your bum!
After the first 24 hours, ice is no longer as effective in reducing swelling. But! (No pun intended) making a sitz bath part of your postpartum care routine can offer so much relief for some. Just fill the tub with a few inches of tepid water and hang out there for about 20 minutes, three to four times a day. Sitz baths are great at decreasing swelling, cleansing the area so there’s less risk of infection and is great for soothing any residual discomfort. They are also a great remedy for painful, itchy hemorrhoids.
4) Witch hazel ALL DAY
Speaking of hemorrhoids - Witch hazel is an herbal remedy with tannins and oils that can help reduce inflammation. You can gently place between your tushy cheeks or if you’d prefer to not do that you can line your pad with them for maximum soothing relief!
5) Take. Your. Stool. Softeners. (READ IT AGAIN!)
During labor and birth blood is diverted from your digestive system and it can take a couple of days for your bowels to get back on track. When you feel that urge - don’t hold back. Yes, it is true that some women say, that first postpartum bowel movement hurts, but not as much as you might think! Channel that inner birthing goddess and utilize the breathwork that helped get your baby out. Relax and allow your body to do its job.
This is definitely NOT a time to feel like you need to "pull yourself up by your bootstraps". Take it slow and accept/ask for help (early and often). Postpartum was never meant to be done alone or while your partner was off at work. If you are looking for a team that can help support you during this time, please don't hesitate to reach out!
Nurture Women's Health and Fertility
www.nurturesantacruz.com
831.515.7078
About The Author
Dana Ramsey is a Certified Nurse Midwife and has spent the past 15 years helping women navigate their gynecology, pregnancy, postpartum and menopausal challenges. Dana is dedicated to helping her patients overcome conditions impacting their ability to conceive and maintain a successful pregnancy.
