If you are going to be a new mother, it is very natural to be concerned about the delivery process. But if you are aware of what to expect, the recovery process becomes easy. I had two daughters, and both deliveries were different because of what I knew. I was quite disappointed with the people around me that they didn’t tell me about what to expect after a vaginal delivery.
It was a overwhelming period for me with a lot of new changes! However, as I already knew what to expect more or less in the second one, I was better prepared, both physically and mentally.
It is best to be open-minded when you go in for delivery as the situation might change anytime. And if you are too rigid about your plan, it becomes difficult to accept last-minute changes. For instance, you might go in for a vaginal delivery but might have to undergo a cesarean section for any reason. If you are prepared and are ready to go with the flow, the experience becomes less stressful.
Below I have mentioned five main changes that you can expect after a vaginal delivery.
1. Vaginal Soreness
The amount of pain will depend on the tear that it underwent during delivery. Soreness will stay for a few weeks, and if you had extensive tears, it might take longer. If you had a tear then the doctor will stitch up the area which will make it difficult to walk or sit for a while. Even coughing or sneezing could be uncomfortable. It will take a few weeks to heal and you will find going to the bathroom painful.
What to do:
There are many products available over the counter such as pain spray and witch hazel pads that will make it easy for you. Be diligent about using them each time you use the bathroom. Also, warm baths with sitz salt can make you feel better and will also heal the stitches. After six weeks, your doctor will check the area to see if it has healed. Till then it is advisable to avoid exercises or intense activities. Also, use a stool softener to avoid extra strain. You will also be given painkillers following birth for a few days till you feel comfortable to not need them anymore.
2. Vaginal Bleeding
After a vaginal delivery, you can expect to bleed for a few weeks. This is how your body gets rid of all the extra tissue and blood. Your discharge will be bright red for a few days after which it will gradually lessen turning pinkish and then brown. It is also normal to pass some clots. But if your clots are bigger than a quarter, you should call your doctor as soon as possible.
What to do:
It is not recommended to use other type of period supplies other than pads. I used the Always Maxi Overnight Pads and they were super comfortable and absorbent. You will get a supply of disposable underwear and maxi pads when in the hospitable but you will not need them after the first few days. You can start using normal cotton underwear after you come back home from the hospital.
3. Bodyache after a Vaginal Delivery
I still remember the first time I tried to sleep on the floor after my first delivery. I wanted to do some stretches and was taken aback by the unbelievable body ache. And it took me many months to get relieved. After my second delivery, it was even more as I didn’t get proper rest. So, body ache is a part of your postpartum stage. Your entire body has worked hard to push out a human. It is but inevitable for your body to go through a lot of pain.
What to do:
It is a great idea to get some postpartum massage. It will not only relieve you of any aches and pains but will also work as a stressbuster. If it’s not convenient for you to get a postpartum massage, just a regular massage at home can also help. Warm baths and salts can work wonders. Also, try to do some stretches once you finish the six-week period or whenever your doctor gives you the green signal. Exercise and yoga can help with body pain.
4. Exhaustion
You might feel great and energetic following the birth. But that doesn’t mean that you take it easy and end up doing a lot of activities. Exhaustion will hit you sooner or later once you arrive home with your little bundle of joy. Nine months of pregnancy and then labor takes a toll on our bodies and make us feel extremely tired.
What to do:
Ample rest is the key! Though you might be tempted to finish off work when the baby is sleeping, do try to get a nap whenever the baby is taking a nap. Even if you cannot go to sleep try to lie down and rest for a while whenever possible. Loving yourself is very important in the initial days for your physical and mental health.
5. Sore and Engorged Breasts
From the time we get pregnant, all of us know that breastfeeding is a part of becoming a mother. While we might not know that the breast becomes sore and engorged while breastfeeding. And sometimes, you might even run a temperature if your breasts become too full. Try to pump away the extra milk to get help from engorgement. It is also normal to have sore and cracked nipples.
What to do:
Invest in some good nursing bras to provide you the support as well as comfort. Also, you can buy nipple creams such as lanolin which works wonders in treating cracked and sore nipples. Also, using nipple pads can help you stay dry as it is normal to leak.
As your body had undergone a huge change, it is very necessary to handle it with care. We often think that our job has finished once the baby arrives. But taking care of ourselves and recovering well should be a priority. Ensure to eat well and take rest!
Please let us know in the comments about what came as a surprise to you post-delivery! Also, how did you cope and recover?
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