MM Midwife advice
Recovering from
childbirth
Lesley Gilchrist, midwife and founder of My Expert Midwife, a multi award-winning pre and post-natal brand - now available in Ireland - gives advice on the first few important post-partum days
During pregnancy, your body undergoes amazing changes as it supports the new life growing inside you. We are often told how important it is to take care of ourselves during pregnancy, but it is also essential for recovery during the postpartum period – the first six to eight weeks after your baby has been born – to look after your mental and physical health. During the early days with your new baby, you may be feeling
much more tired than you thought you might be, so take time to listen to your body and rest when you are able to. This can be easier said than done when you have a newborn - or other children and a house to run - so here are some ideas about how to make the most of visits from family and friends:
• Keep visitors to a minimum in the first few days after baby has been born. This means that you won’t feel obliged to keep things tidy or entertain others.
• Generally, visitors are more than happy to help. Be upfront and say that you would love them to bring a dish for dinner or stop off at the shop for a few essentials before they arrive.
• If you are wanting a nap but have other little ones, ask if they wouldn’t mind looking after them for a couple of hours.
• If your baby is sleeping ask a friend or family member to watch them whilst you have a lie down, even if it’s just to close your eyes for half an hour.
• If you are exhausted, be honest and rearrange visitors for another day.
The postpartum period is a time to focus on you and your new addition. Your needs will depend very much on the type of labour and/or birth you have had. If you have had a vaginal birth, your
30 Modernmum
body often recovers more quickly, but you may still have some soreness for a few days even if you didn’t need any stitches. Start by making sure you are always in a position that makes you feel relaxed, as sitting in a very upright position could become quite uncomfortable after a while. Here are some tips to make things a little more comfy:
• Remember to take regular pain relief that you’ve been prescribed or bought over the counter- this will help to relieve any soreness and keep you more comfortable.
• Spray My Expert Midwife’s Spritz for Bits directly to the area to provide relief from pain, bruising and swelling.
• Find a position that is comfortable for you, especially if breastfeeding for long periods. A side-lying position is often good and will relieve any pressure if you have had stitches.
• Keep the area (where you’ve had stitches) very clean by bathing or showering at least twice a day, this will minimise the risk of infection.
• Change sanitary pads very regularly, at least every four hours, as this reduces the likelihood of getting an infection.
• If you feel as though the area is becoming sorer as each day goes by, has an unusual smell, is oozing or is becoming more swollen, make sure you see your midwife or GP. If it is becoming infected, you may need antibiotics.
• Think about starting to practise your pelvic floor exercises as soon as you feel able to. This will help you feel more in control of your bladder both now and in later life.
• Eat healthily and drink plenty of fluids to help your body heal from any wounds such as an episiotomy, tears and caesarean section wounds.
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