Learn how The Mother Baby Center provides childbirth recovery support and care.
Weight changes
Many people’s weight fluctuates after giving birth, this is very normal. You likely gained weight during pregnancy, typically pregnant people gain 25-35 pounds during this time. It’s common to lose around 13 pounds after giving birth. You may feel like you want to get your body “back to normal” after having your baby which is normal, but make sure to talk with your care team before exercising after birth or changing your diet drastically.
It takes approximately 10 months to earn our mom bodies and it can take a year to return after birth. Remember our mom’s bodies are beautiful.
Incontinence
Many women experience leaking urine after childbirth, called incontinence. This can be involved in the recovery, especially the recovery from vaginal birth. It can happen randomly, or when you jump, sneeze or other quick movements. Incontinence usually only lasts for a few weeks, but for some women, it can last much longer. If you are losing urine, stool or gas please talk with your doctor or midwife.
After-birth pain or contractions
You may feel postpartum pain in your abdomen. These postpartum contractions are commonly called “afterpains.” Contractions after birth typically only last for a few days or weeks, then usually disappear. This simply happens because your uterus is contracting back to its normal size.
You can use Ibuprofen or Tylenol (take according to the recommended dosing on the bottle). You can also try warm baths or showers as these can help with the cramping.
Tender breasts
One of the postpartum pains you may feel is tender breasts. Your body is preparing to feed your new baby so it is increasing your breast milk production. You are also experiencing an increase in blood flow to your chest to help make milk. Both of these can cause tenderness to the breasts/chest.
Warm compresses, showers and cold cabbage leaves can help reduce the discomfort on your tender breasts. If you have a fever, redness, or pain that is getting worse please call your provider.
Explore The Mother Baby Center blog for answers to common questions many new parents have around breastfeeding and chestfeeding like, how long should you breastfeed to learn more about managing tender breasts.
Hemorrhoids and bowel movements
After birth many people can experience discomfort relating to hemorrhoids or bowel movements. Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in your rectum which can happen during pregnancy, and after you give birth during your postpartum journey. They can be itchy and painful and sometimes even cause bleeding during a bowel movement. Epsom salt baths and witch hazel tucks can help. They often resolve themselves but if the pain persists, we recommend talking to your provider.
Postpartum constipation is also relatively common after vaginal birth. There are many ways to help alleviate this discomfort such as medications, but it is important to ensure you’re maintaining a healthy diet as well. Be sure you’re drinking plenty of water. Also, make sure you are eating high fiber foods like, apples, pears, lentils, beans, green vegetables and whole grain foods.