Congratulations on the birth of your new baby!! Now is when the fun really begins. In the midst of diapers, feedings and the joy of your new baby, don’t forget the most important part of this journey…TAKING CARE OF YOU!!!!

Activity:

❑ Take frequent rest periods, nap when the baby does.

❑ Focus your time and energy on taking care of the baby and you.

❑ Leave the cooking, cleaning and laundry to others that are there to help you.

❑ Gradually work yourself back into your normal routine.

❑ Three to four weeks from delivery you may begin to exercise. Start moderately and then be sure to increase them SLOWLY. Don’t try running a marathon your 1st time out.

❑ Women that have had a cesarean section should avoid abdominal exercises until at least 6 weeks after delivery.

Nutrition:

❑ Just as it was important to eat a well balanced diet while you were pregnant, it is equally important to do so after delivery as well. A well balanced diet high in protein (meat, fish, milk) and fiber (bran, fruits, vegetables, grains) is necessary to ensure a speedy recovery.

❑ Don’t skip meals in an attempt to lose the unwanted weight gained during pregnancy. It will come off in time.

❑ Avoid sweets and excessive amounts of carbohydrates.

❑ You should continue your prenatal vitamins and any iron supplements.

HYDRATE, HYDRATE, HYDRATE:

❑ Drink 6-8 glasses of water each day. This is especially important if you are breastfeeding.

❑ A good way to judge if you’re getting enough water is by your urine. Urine should be mostly clear to pale yellow. Darker colored urine can be a sign of dehydration.

General Precautions:

❑ Avoid sexual intercourse until after your postpartum checkup.

❑ You can become pregnant without a return to your normal menstrual cycle.

❑ No douching or tampons for 6 weeks after delivery

❑ Avoid tub baths. Take showers as you desire.

❑ After urinating or bowel movements take care to wipe from front to back, away from any stitches or abrasions.

Breast Care:

❑ Breast care is important whether you are breast feeding or not.

❑ A good supportive bra at all times is a MUST when breast feeding or when waiting for the breast size to return to normal if not breast feeding.

If you choose not to breast feed:

Medication is no longer available to “dry up” your breasts. Although you have no intention of breastfeeding, your breasts will become engorged with milk around the third or fourth postpartum day. This can be quite uncomfortable even painful. This engorgement is temporary and should only last 24-48 hours. You may have sporadic leaking though for several days or weeks.

The following suggestions may help relieve discomfort and suppress milk production.

❑ Wear a snug fitting bra or use a breast binder from the hospital 24 hours a day for several days following delivery.
❑ Do not try to express the milk if the breast becomes engorged. This only encourages the breast to produce more milk.
❑ Avoid any stimulation to the breast and nipples for at least a week. This includes warm running water, massage or expressing of milk.
❑ You may apply ice packs to the breast for 15-20 minutes at a time, 4-5 times a day to assist with pain relief.
❑ Use of Tylenol, Advil, Aleve, or similar medications is recommended for pain relief.
❑ As strange as it may sound, the use of fresh cold cabbage leaves placed inside the bra so that they wrap the breast will decrease discomfort and engorgement. This can be done as frequently as needed. Remember that this condition is temporary and last usually 24-48 hours.

For those women that do wish to breast feed:

❑ Wash the breast at the time of your daily shower.
❑ Avoid the use of soap or products with an alcohol base as these are drying to the nipple.
❑ Always wash your hands prior to breast feeding the baby.
❑ It is not necessary to wash the nipple before feeding unless it is caked with colostrum or milk over the nipple or areola.
❑ Avoid engorgement. If this does happen, manually express some of the milk or take a warm shower to ease some of the fullness, as this will help make the breast less tense, allowing the infant to latch on to the nipple better.
❑ If you notice any red and/or tender areas on the breast, this may represent a clogged duct which needs to be emptied before infection sets in.
❑ Manual expression, warm showers, or a heating pad may help this. If the redness persists and a fever follows, contact us promptly.
❑ Drink plenty of water, juices, and milk.
❑ Avoid caffeinated beverages (coffee, tea & sodas) as these may inhibit milk production.
❑ Consult your pediatrician for an unsatisfied baby or a change in the nursing schedule of the baby.
❑ You may always contact the nursery at Trident (843-797-4272) or Summerville (843-832-5260) if you have any problems and need help.

When to Call:

❑ Temp above 100.4 or greater

❑ Sudden, sharp pains in abdomen

❑ Foul smelling vaginal discharge that occurs with abdominal pain and fever (100.4)

❑ Bright red bleeding with or without clotting that is heavier than a normal period

❑ Pain or burning with urination

Recovery from a c/ section is varied. Each woman recovers at her own pace. You will most likely find yourself to be fatigued for several weeks. This is normal. Pace yourself. Napping when the baby naps is a great way to speed your recovery. Staying hydrated, eating healthy and not trying to overdo things will have you back on your feet in no time.

Along with the tips for new moms, please do the following if you’ve had a cesarean delivery.

❑ Avoid lifting anything heavier than the baby for the first four weeks. No lifting of greater than 25 lbs. should be done until at least 6 weeks postpartum.
❑ Use stairs sparingly during the first three weeks after surgery.
❑ You should not drive a car for at least 3 weeks. When going out in the car prior to that, avoid long trips
❑ There should be no tub baths for at least two weeks. You may however shower freely.
❑ When discharged you will be told whether to keep you incision covered or not. If instructed to keep it covered, do so for approximately 7 days.
❑ For gas pains, you may use Mylicon-80.
❑ For constipation, use Surfak, Dulcolax or Correctol.
❑ Use your prescription medications for pain as directed.
❑ Contact the office to schedule your post partum visit.

CALL IMMEDIATELY IF:

❑ You see any spreading redness or any drainage from the incision, especially if you also have a fever.

Postpartum Support Charleston
All about supporting women with PPD and helping them find healing and happiness. A support group meets the first Tuesday of each month. If you or someone you know is suffering from postpartum depression or if you are looking for a supportive network of women who have experienced PPD, please join the group. Infants and spouses/fathers are welcome.
email: contact@ppdsupport.org
www.ppdsupport.org