Postpartum Care

Your body may give you signals if something is wrong. Seek medical attention right away if you have any of these symptoms:

• Fever of 100.4°F or higher
• Severe headache that won’t go away
• Dizziness or fainting
• Vision changes
• Trouble breathing
• Chest pain or fast-beating heart
• Swelling, redness, or pain in your leg
• Extreme swelling of your hands or face
• Severe belly pain that doesn’t go away
• Severe nausea and throwing up
• Heavy bleeding
• Extreme tiredness
• Thoughts of hurting yourself or baby

When talking to a healthcare provider about any concerns, be sure to tell them that you recently gave birth. The HEAR HER Campaign’s conversation guide can help you talk about your concerns with your provider.

If you’re struggling with your mental health, get help right away. Call or text the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline for free support.

Perinatal Mood Disorders (PMDs)

PMDs are a group of mood disorders that can happen during pregnancy and after childbirth. Postpartum PMDs can include:

Pain

• After a vaginal birth, you might feel cramping, soreness, and general discomfort. This can last a few weeks but should get better over time.
• After a Cesarean birth (C-section), you may have pain near the incision. This will ease, but make sure to follow your provider’s care plan.

You can manage pain with over-the-counter medications, rest, and warm compresses. If your pain gets worse or becomes hard to manage, contact your doctor.

Bleeding

Vaginal discharge after childbirth is a mixture of blood, tissue, and mucus from the uterus. This is normal and should gradually slow down in a few weeks. If you have sudden heavy bleeding or large clots, get help right away.

Activity: Rest vs. Movement

While resting is important, light movement like walking can help your recovery. It promotes circulation and reduces the risk of blood clots. Avoid heavy activity until your provider says it’s okay.

Bowel & Bladder Expectations

Constipation or trouble urinating is common after giving birth. Drink water, eat fiber-rich foods, and follow your doctor’s advice to ease discomfort.

Episiotomy Care

If you had an episiotomy (a small cut made during delivery), keep the area clean and dry. Use warm water to rinse the area and avoid heavy lifting. Stitches will dissolve on their own, and healing may take a few weeks.

Care for Cesarean Incision

As your incision heals, it will go through several stages

Complete healing may take longer than a few weeks. Some women have numbness or sensitivity around the scar for months after a C-section. Taking proper care of your incision is important to prevent infection and help your body heal.

Here’s how to care for your incision:

• Keep it clean: Gently wash with soap and water, then pat it dry.
• Wear loose clothing: Soft, breathable fabrics like cotton can reduce irritation.
• Avoid heavy lifting: Let your body heal before doing strenuous activities.
• Take pain relievers: Acetaminophen or ibuprofen (but not aspirin) are safe if you’re breastfeeding and can help with pain.

Call your healthcare provider if your incision becomes more swollen, red, or starts oozing pus.

If Breastfeeding

Swollen, painful breasts are common when your milk comes in. To help with discomfort:

• Pump or breastfeed often.
• Apply a cool compress.
• Take pain relievers if necessary. Acetaminophen or ibuprofen (but not aspirin) are safe for breastfeeding women.
• Use lanolin or coconut oil on sore or cracked nipples.

If Not Breastfeeding

Your body will naturally stop producing milk, but it may take time. To help with discomfort:

• Avoid stimulating your breasts
• Wear a supportive bra.
• Apply a cool compress.
• Take pain relievers if necessary.

Menstrual Cycle Changes

Your menstrual cycle – or period – may change after giving birth, and when it comes back will depend on whether you’re breastfeeding.

• If you are breastfeeding, your period may be delayed for several months.
• If you are not breastfeeding, your period may return within 6-8 weeks.

It’s important to know that you can still get pregnant even if your period hasn’t returned.

Resuming Sexual Activity

Most providers recommend waiting 4-6 weeks after giving birth to have sex. Waiting helps avoid infection and other complications. Make sure you feel ready, both physically and emotionally, before resuming sex.

Common symptoms after birth that may cause discomfort during sex include:

• Discharge
• Vaginal tears
• Vaginal dryness (especially if breastfeeding)
• Pain
• Low sex drive

Birth Control

It’s best to wait at least 18 months before getting pregnant again to let your body heal. You can get pregnant soon after giving birth, even if you’re breastfeeding. To avoid pregnancy, use reliable birth control.

Some options include:

• Progestin-only pills (if breastfeeding)
• IUDs
• Implants
• Barrier methods such as condoms

Talk to your healthcare provider about which option is best for you.

Your postpartum checkup is usually scheduled 6 weeks after you have your baby. This appointment gives you a chance to talk about important topics with your healthcare provider.

Here’s why it matters:

• Check Your Recovery: After giving birth, your body needs time to heal. At this visit, your doctor will check how you are doing physically and make sure you are healing well.
• Talk About Mental Health: Many new parents feel different after having a baby. It’s normal to have feelings of sadness or anxiety. This checkup is a good time to discuss how you are feeling. Your doctor can help if you need support.
• Discuss Birth Control: You can talk to your doctor about birth control options that are right for you. They can help you choose a method that fits your life and health needs.
• Ask Questions: If you have questions about breastfeeding, your baby’s sleep, or being a new parent, this is the time to ask. Your doctor can give you advice and answer your questions.
• Plan for the Future: Your doctor can discuss any future health needs and help you set up any necessary follow-up appointments.

Don’t hesitate to call your provider if you have any concerns before your checkup.