This is our very basic overview.

Part 4: Postpartum

Postpartum Recovery.

Lochia:
You will have vaginal bleeding for two to six weeks after the birth. The early days are similar to a very heavy menstrual period, though you may see large clots of blood. It will taper off to a lighter flow, the color will become browner, or pink.

Sexuality:
Most doctors recommend waiting six weeks after birth, or until lochia stops, for resuming vaginal intercourse. This allows your perineum to heal after birth. Remember that ovulation may resume shortly after birth, and you will be fertile two weeks before your first period, so it is important to use birth control if you are not prepared for a possible pregnancy.

Care of the perineum:
You may experience soreness after the birth, especially when going to the bathroom. Try to drink a lot of water, as this will dilute your urine, and it will sting less when you pee. After urinating, use a spray bottle (they will give this to you at the hospital) to wash off your genitals with warm water, then gently pat dry with toilet paper.

Postpartum Warning Signs:

If you see these in the first month, call your doctor.

• Passage of a blood clot larger than a lemon. Heavy bleeding: soaks a maxi pad in an hour.
• Fever of 100.4 or higher.
• Problems with urination: Burning, or blood in urine, inability to urinate.
• Very foul or fish-like odor to vaginal discharge.
• Increased pain at site of episiotomy or tear.
• Swollen, red, hot, painful area on the leg, especially the calf.
• Sore, reddened, hot, painful area on breast, along with fever or flu-like symptoms.

Signs of postpartum depression:

It is normal to experience 'baby blues' in the first month or so: you may find yourself often crying for no reason. It's fine to cry whenever you feel the urge! This is the influence of hormones, and will soon resolve.

However, if you have a history of depression (in yourself or your family) or if there are a lot of difficulties in your current life situation, you may be more at risk for postpartum depression.

Share this list of symptoms with a support person, so they can help keep an eye out for them: If 3 weeks of more after the birth, you are:

• not able to sleep well (even when baby is sleeping),
• crying a lot,
• unable to concentrate,
• feeling guilt and inadequacy,
• disinterested in baby or hyperconcerned about baby,
• worrying about harming self or baby,
• having headaches, chest pains
...you may be developing PPD. Contact a counselor, or Postpartum Support International.