Mother care after delivery

Mother care Physical Adjustments and Changes You Can Expect After Birth

The first six weeks following your baby’s birth is called the postpartum period. These weeks are important as your body recovers after childbirth.

Recovery Care Immediately After Delivery

During your initial recovery, your blood pressure, heart rate and temperature will be monitored closely for the first two hours. Your fundus, or the top of your uterus, is now found around your belly button and will be checked by your nurse. She will do so by using her hands to feel for the top of your uterus. It is important that your uterus remains firm to decrease the amount of vaginal bleeding during the postpartum period. Sometimes, more medication is needed to keep the uterus firm. Breastfeeding and skin-to-skin contact with your baby also helps the uterus contract and shrink to its pre-pregnancy size.

Urinary Catheter

If you had a C-section, a urinary catheter will be used to drain your bladder. Typically, it will be removed around 10–12 hours after delivery.

IV Removal

Your IV will be removed when you are drinking well without nausea or vomiting; are urinating without difficulty; are not running fever; and the amount of your vaginal bleeding (or lochia) is normal. If you have a C-section, your IV will be removed approximately 24 hours after delivery.

Rest and Activities

Adjusting to parenthood takes hard work and all new moms need rest. It takes at least two weeks to recover after delivering a baby vaginally. Recovery will take longer if you had a C-section. Not only is caring for your new baby 24 hours a day emotionally and physically demanding, women do not sleep well late in pregnancy and are further exhausted by the physical work of labor and delivery. Hospital surroundings and routines along with physical discomforts can make it difficult to rest. Excitement and many visitors can also contribute to fatigue. You should try to sleep when your baby sleeps. Ask your nurse about Individualized Quiet Time. When sleep is not possible, relaxation exercises may be helpful.

As you recover, let your family and friends help with cooking, laundry and housework. Climb stairs carefully. Do not lift anything heavier than your baby. You may ride in a car in one to two weeks and drive a car in two to three weeks.

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