Postnatal care – baby and you
Your physical health and wellbeing
Your breasts
Many women experience some difficulties when establishing breastfeeding, most are minor and can be overcome by advice, assistance and support.
On the third or fourth day after your baby is born, your breasts may become fuller as the milk flow increases.
Your midwife, child health nurse or a lactation consultant will be happy to help or you may like to review the breastfeeding section or contact:
- 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84)
- Australian Breastfeeding Association Helpline 1800 mum 2 mum (1800 686 2 686)
Your abdomen
Your abdomen will probably be quite ‘baggy’ and soft after birth. Despite birthing your baby, the placenta and a lot of fluid, you’ll still be quite a lot bigger than you were before pregnancy. This is partly because your muscles have stretched. If you eat a balanced diet and get some exercise, your shape should soon return to normal.
Breastfeeding helps because it makes the uterus contract. Because of this, you may sometimes feel a painful ‘twinge’ in your stomach or period-type pain while you are breastfeeding. These are known as ‘afterbirth’ pains. These usually settle after a few days.
Your bladder
After having a baby, it’s quite common to leak urine accidentally if you laugh, cough or move suddenly. Pelvic floor exercises can help prevent this. If the problem lasts for more than three months, see your GP, who may refer you to a physiotherapist.
More information: Continence Foundation of Australia – Pregnancy
Bleeding after your birth
After your birth, you will bleed from your vagina. This will be quite heavy at first, which is why you will need super-absorbent sanitary pads. Do not use tampons until after your six week postnatal check, as they can cause infections.
During a breastfeed, you may notice that the bleeding is heavier along with ‘afterbirth’ pains.
Gradually the bleeding will become a brownish colour and may continue for some weeks, getting less and less until it stops.
Be alert!
If the amount of bleeding suddenly increases, call 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84) to discuss what is normal and what may be an emergency. If you find you are losing blood in large clots, you should save your sanitary pads to show the midwife or doctor.
Haemorrhoids
Haemorrhoids are very common after birth and usually disappear within a few days.
Eat plenty of fresh fruit, vegetables, salad, wholegrain bread and cereals, and drink plenty of water. This should make bowel movements easier and less painful. Do not push or strain because this will make the haemorrhoids worse.
Always see your GP if you are concerned.
Stitches
If you have stitches after tearing in your perineum (the area between the vagina and anus) or an episiotomy (where the midwife or doctor has cut the perineum so your baby can be birthed more easily), make sure you shower with plain warm water. After showering, dry yourself carefully. In the first few days, remember to sit down gently and lie on your side rather than on your back.
If the stitches are sore and uncomfortable, tell your midwife as they may be able to recommend treatment.
Painkillers will also help. If you’re breastfeeding, check with your midwife, doctor or pharmacist before you buy over-the-counter products, such as ibuprofen or paracetamol. The stitches do not need to be removed—they will dissolve by the time the area has healed.
Rhesus negative mothers
If your blood group is Rhesus negative, blood samples will be taken after the birth to see whether your baby is Rhesus positive.
You may need an injection to protect your next baby from anaemia. If so, the injection should be given within 72 hours of your baby being born.
Check with one of the doctors or midwives about what should happen in your case.
More information: Queensland Clinical Guidelines parent information – RhD negative blood type in pregnancy
Tests and immunisations for you
After you’ve had your baby, you’ll be offered some checks and immunisations.
Rubella
If you were not immune to rubella (German measles) when tested early in your pregnancy, you will usually be offered the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine by your midwife before you leave the hospital, or shortly afterwards by your doctor.
Avoid getting pregnant again for at least one month after the injection.
Family planning / contraception
The return of a menstrual cycle is different for every woman.
Even if you are exclusively breastfeeding, you can start ovulating. That means you can get pregnant again without even knowing that it has happened.
Ask your doctor about your family planning options and if they are compatible with breastfeeding.
Family planning advice and counselling services can be accessed through your GP, women’s health professionals, and True Relationships and Reproductive Health.
Postnatal exercises
Postnatal exercises will help to tone the muscles of your pelvic floor and abdominal muscles (tummy). They will also get you moving and feeling fitter.
Ask your midwife or physiotherapist for postnatal class information.
Recommendations about smoking, drinking alcohol and caffeine while breastfeeding
Review the information in the breastfeeding section .
In this guide:
- Baby’s safety and security in hospital
- How do I register my baby’s birth?
- Looking after yourself at home
- Your physical health and wellbeing
- Emotional health after baby
- More information
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