Uterus
The uterus will slowly decrease in size. It will take about six weeks to reach the size it was before pregnancy. You may feel cramping for a few days after delivery as the uterus is contracting back to normal size. This is called "after pains". Lying on your stomach will help you to feel more comfortable.
Bleeding
The discharge after birth is like a menstrual period. It is normally heavy and red for two to three days. It will decrease in flow and the color will change to pinkish and eventually it will become colorless. This discharge may last from two to six weeks after you deliver your baby. It should not change from colorless or pink back to red. If the discharge becomes red, you are doing too much. Relax and slow down. If the discharge remains red after you slow down or it has a foul odor, call your doctor or midwife. Your first menstrual period will usually begin 4-6 weeks after birth.
Breasts They will develop a feeling of fullness in preparation for breastfeeding. They may appear hard and painful (engorged). It may help to wear a supportive bra 24 hours a day. If you are breastfeeding, the engorgement will decrease as your baby starts to feed. If you are not breastfeeding, wear a tight bra and do not stimulate the breasts. Try applying ice packs and taking pain medication. Engorgement lasts about 24-48 hours.
Vagina and perineum
The area around your vagina may be swollen and you may have had stitches. The stitches will dissolve in 1-2 weeks and sometimes you will see a piece of stitch on your pad. During the first 12-24 hours, ice will be applied to keep the swelling down. Applying moist heat after the first 24 hours will help with healing. Rinse with warm water after you use the toilet and stand up before you flush. The best way to dry your perineum is with a blow dryer (you don't need to touch the stitches and the heat helps the healing). Doing Kegal exercises will also help healing. Do not douche, use feminine sprays or tampons. The cervix is still open from delivery and can easily be infected.
Hair
You may notice hair loss for up to three months after the birth of your baby. This is normal. You will not go bald. You can wash you hair as soon after the birth as you like, and as often as you like.
Sweating
You may have night sweats for about 4-6 weeks after delivery. Hormonal changes cause this.
Bathroom Habits
During the first six weeks after delivery, you may notice that you constantly have to urinate. Your body is getting rid of the extra fluids you needed during your pregnancy.
Many women are worried that the first bowel movement will be uncomfortable but usually there are no problems. Trying to relax, a soft diet and lots of fluids will help. Also, your doctor or midwife can prescribe a stool softener. Avoid constipation and straining to prevent hemorrhoids.
Weight Loss
When you weigh yourself after delivery, you will be disappointed to find that you have only lost a few pounds. This is normal, but by the end of the first week you will have lost 12-15 lbs. At 6 weeks postpartum, you should weigh almost what you did before you were pregnant (if you have been eating properly and no junk food!).
Postpartum Blues
The first seven to ten days after birth is a time of heightened emotion. New moms may experience feelings of emptiness, loneliness, anxiousness and crying. This is normal. Help yourself by resting as much as you can and getting help from friends and family. If these feelings last for more than two weeks or are so severe that you can't care for yourself or your baby, call your doctor or midwife. It may be that you are going through postpartum depression.
