Some cultures have a tradition of birthing mothers staying at home in the first 6 weeks after birth. Whatever your situation, taking it easy as much as you can and being kind to yourself are really important in these weeks.
For birthing mothers who have unplanned emergency caesareans, the change in plan can sometimes be a shock. But it can really help to talk through those feelings with someone you trust. You can also call the Pregnancy Birth and Baby Helpline on for advice and free counselling, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Adjusting to the big changes of early parenthood can be stressful. This is why parents are more likely to experience postnatal anxiety at this time. Signs of anxiety can include a racing heart, constant worry and restlessness. This is normal bleeding from where the placenta was attached to your uterus. Avoid using tampons in the first 6 weeks after birth because this could increase your chance of getting an infection.
The bleeding might be quite heavy in the first week, like a heavy period. It might also be heavy after exercise, when you first get up in the morning, and after breastfeeding. You might see some small blood clots on your pad. After the first week, your bleeding should gradually get lighter and change from red to dark-red to brown to yellowish-white. You might have some bleeding for up to 6 weeks.
You may need a more absorbent, thick pad in the first few days after delivery. As the bleeding gets lighter, you should be able to adjust the thickness of the sanitary pads as well as how often you change them. You may find a thinner sanitary pad absorbs the lochia after a few days, and you may only need a panty liner a few weeks after your C-section. Avoid using tampons following a C-section or vaginal delivery.
Breastfeeding may help lighten your bleeding after a C-section. This is because your uterine muscles and the surrounding blood vessels contract during breastfeeding. These contractions lighten bleeding, but can be painful in the days following delivery.
You may want to discuss pain relievers with your doctor, or apply warm compresses to the abdomen to relieve pain from these contractions. You may notice more bleeding as you increase your activity level in the weeks that follow your C-section. Be mindful that physical stress on your body in the postpartum period can cause more bleeding.
Your incision may drain in the early days following your C-section, but you should not experience bleeding. Care for your incision by keeping it clean. Gently wash the incision site with soap and water, and allow it to air-dry. They may initially recommend keeping the site dry for the first couple of days following your delivery. Bleeding that increases over time following a C-section is a cause for concern and should be reviewed by your doctor immediately.
Contact your doctor if:. Other signs of postpartum complications , in addition to changes in bleeding, include:. According to Dr. These symptoms might signal an infection. By Nicole Harris Updated September 13, Save Pin FB More. Postpartum body: new mom holding baby. By Nicole Harris. Be the first to comment!
No comments yet. Close this dialog window Add a comment. Urinating after the catheter is removed can sometimes be painful. Ask your nurse or attendant to suggest ways to make it easier. If staples were used for your incision they will most likely be removed before you leave the hospital. Talk with your health care provider about dealing with pain after the surgery. If medication is something you think you might want, get a prescription and information about the side effects for both yourself—and the baby, if you are breastfeeding.
If you prefer to avoid medications, talk with your health care provider about alternatives that are safe for you and your baby. You will begin to experience heavy bleeding of bright red blood—This is called lochia and can continue for up to 6 weeks. You will need to have extra-absorbent menstrual pads which the hospital should provide after delivery. Do not use tampons during this time.
It is important to mention that bleeding after a C-section can differ from person to person — it may last from a few days to few weeks.
In most cases, the bleeding stops within weeks, but the discharge may continue for more than 6 weeks. Gentle strolls around the hospital or rocking in a chair can help speed the recovery and help with gas that can develop after abdominal surgery. After Going Home: Your activity level should be kept low until your health care provider suggests an increase in activity. Initially, you should avoid lifting anything heavier than your baby, and avoid most housework.
Your lochia bleeding will change over time and can increase with activity and position changes.
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