As the mother of a newborn, the time following childbirth is critical for your recovery and continued health. We at The Group for Women know that giving birth can be a strenuous and exhausting procedure, and we are available to help you through post-partum so you can enjoy your new family. We have provided here helpful tips to follow, and you are welcome to contact us at 757-466-6350 to schedule a post-partum checkup.
Call the office the day you are discharged from the hospital to make a postpartum appointment in four to six weeks.
Hair- You may wash your hair whenever you wish.
Breasts- Wear a supporting brassiere, and if necessary, and take two Tylenol every 4 hours or Motrin 800mg every 8 hours for discomfort. If breasts become very tender and uncomfortable, a cold compress or ice compress will give much relief.
Bowels- Any mild laxative may be taken if needed to aid elimination.
Hemorroids- If necessary, insert one rectal suppository gently in the rectum, morning, and night. They may be obtained from your drugstore.
Cleaning- Use warm water, a soft, clean cloth, and a mild soap for cleansing yourself. After use of a toilet, tucks is preferable.
Bleeding- You may have some spotting until your first menstrual period or you may stop for a few days, and have no more bleeding until your first period. Your first period may not start for up to 2 months, and may be heavy, light or unusual to you; your second should be normal.
Marital Relations- Should be avoided for at least 3 weeks.
Douching - No Douching for 3 weeks.
Bathing- A shower or a tub bath is permissible.
Automobile- You may drive as you wish.
Stairs- You may use as needed.
Rest- For the next two weeks, rest as much as possible; a mid afternoon nap is desireable, gradually increasing activities.
Diet- A well balanced general diet is adequate with plenty of fluids. Your remaining prenatal vitamins should be taken until gone or continued while breast feeding.
Stitches- If you had stitches, this area should be kept clean and dry except bathing; stitches do not need removal. Your body will dissolve them.
Exercises- Walking and Kegels immediately. Strenuous exercises are reasonable after 4 weeks.
Notify Us For- Excessive bleeding, fever above 100.5, burning on urination or any unusual problem.
Tampons- May be used after 3 weeks.
10 Exercises After Pregnancy
Worried about your appearance? Your problem is largely temporary-if you avoid excessive weight gain, wear an expertly fitted bra, even during sleep, and start these re-toning exercises before you leave the hospital. Add a new exercise each day, morning and evening, for a month or more.
1st Day: Breathe deeply, expanding your abdomen. Hiss as you slowly exhale, then forcibly draw in your abdominal muscles.
2nd Day: Lying on your back with your legs slightly parted, place your arms at right angles to your body and slowly raise them, keeping your elbows stiff. When your hands touch, lower your arms gradually.
3rd Day: Lying with your arms at your sides, draw your knees up slightly, arch your back.
4th Day: Lying with your knees and hips flexed, tilt your pelvis inward and tightly contract your buttocks as you lift your head.
5th Day: Lying with your legs straight, raise your head and left knee slightly, then reach for (but do not touch) your left knee with your right hand. Repeat, using your right knee and left hand.
6th Day: Lying on your back, slowly flex one knee and one thigh towards the abdomen; lower your foot towards your buttock, then straighten and lower your leg.
7th Day: Lying on your back, toes pointed and knees straight, raise one leg and then the other as high as possible, using your abdominal muscles but not your hands to lower your legs slowly.
8th Day: Leaning on your elbows and knees, keep forearms and lower legs together. Hump your back upwards, strongly contracting your buttocks and drawing your in your abdomen. Then relax and breathe deeply.
9th Day: Same as 7th day, but lift both legs at once.
10th Day: Lying on your back with your arms clasped behind your head, sit up and lie back slowly. At first, you may have to hook your feet under furniture.
Call for your appointment today at 757-466-6350.
The Group for Women is a leader in women’s healthcare providing OBGYN services, Urogynecology, Birth Control, Hormone Replacement Therapy, office procedures and minimally invasive and outpatient surgical procedures to patients in the cities of Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Suffolk, Newport News and Hampton throughout Hampton Roads and beyond. Call us today for your appointment 757-466-6350.