What To Expect After Delivery

The postpartum recovery period is often called the “fourth trimester.” Moreland OB-GYN wants to provide you with information about the physical and mental changes the body will go through after delivery, and adjusting to parenthood. Our providers are always available to answer our patients’ questions or concerns regarding their postpartum recovery. Below are symptoms and conditions of what to expect after delivery.

Physical Challenges  During Postpartum Recovery

As you prepare for the arrival of your baby, it’s natural to focus on the time you’ll soon be spending with your newborn. However, you should also take some time to prepare for the physical changes that come with postpartum recovery.

In the weeks following delivery, it’s common to experience a range of physical symptoms, including vaginal bleeding, uterine cramping, perineal discomfort, constipation, and hemorrhoids. If you delivered via cesarean section, you’ll also be managing incision care and abdominal soreness. These changes are all part of your body’s natural healing process, but they can feel overwhelming if you don’t have the information or support you need to handle them effectively. 

In the post below, we break down each of the challenges mentioned here and offer practical postpartum care tips for managing them so that you can feel more informed and empowered throughout your recovery journey.

Postpartum Bleeding

After giving birth, the uterus sheds tissue and blood that lined the uterus. This shedding of tissue and blood is known as lochia. The lochia will start as a bright red, heavy flow. You may even pass a few small clots. Over the next two weeks, the lochia will fade to pink and then eventually turn brown. You may still notice occasional bright red discharge or a small gush of bleeding, especially while breastfeeding. This occasional change in bleeding occurs due to contractions of your uterus. Typically, lochia will go away by 6-8 weeks postpartum. During this time, you should only use absorbent pads and avoid tampon use. If you are experiencing bleeding that is soaking more than one pad an hour for more than two hours, you should call our office.

You should abstain from intercourse until you are cleared at your 6-week postpartum doctor’s appointment. If you do have intercourse before your appointment, make sure to use contraception such as condoms to prevent unintended pregnancy. Even if you are breastfeeding, this is not 100% protective against pregnancy, and your body needs time to heal before you conceive again.

If you are not breastfeeding, your period may return 6-8 weeks after giving birth. If you are breastfeeding, your period may not return for months. Some women will not get a period until they have fully weaned their baby.

 Postpartum Pain Management

After delivery, you may experience pain. This pain can be from uterine cramping as your uterus returns to its normal pre-pregnancy size. You may also notice that the contraction pain increases when you breastfeed as your body releases a hormone called oxytocin. This pain is best managed with a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) such as ibuprofen or naproxen. Taking this medication on a regular schedule will provide the best relief and reduce the need for other medications, such as narcotics.

If you deliver via vaginal delivery, you may have pain in your perineum (the area between your vagina and anus). This area stretches during childbirth to allow for the delivery of your baby’s head. You may have a minor tear in this area that will heal on its own or a tear that requires stitches. As this area heals, you may have a few weeks of swelling or pain.  Ice packs, sitz baths, and NSAID medication can help with pain in this area. Some women want to look at their vagina after delivery and should know that the area will be swollen and look different as it heals.

If you deliver via a C-section, you will have pain around your incision for a few weeks after delivery. Taking scheduled NSAID medication will help with pain relief. A heating pad or abdominal binder may also help with postpartum pain management. 

Postpartum Constipation Treatment

You may not have a bowel movement for a few days after delivery. This change in bowel movements may be due to slow bowels from surgery or narcotic pain medication. It can also be related to an empty stomach after not eating during labor. Walking will help to stimulate your bowel function. Eating high-fiber foods and staying well-hydrated helps, too. You may also take a stool softener, such as docusate sodium.

Postpartum Hemorrhoid Relief

Hemorrhoids are quite common after delivery. For relief, you may take a sitz bath in warm water to help increase blood flow, healing, and pain relief. You can also use witch hazel pads or sprays that contain lidocaine for additional relief. The hemorrhoids should reduce after a few weeks postpartum, but if you are concerned, give our office a call. Straining with bowel movements can make hemorrhoids worse, so it is important to avoid becoming constipated. Taking a stool softener, such as docusate sodium, will help prevent this.

While hemorrhoids and other physical symptoms are a common part of postpartum recovery, it’s equally important to pay attention to your emotional well-being during this time. The transition into parenthood brings a range of feelings that are just as real—and deserving of care—as any physical symptom.

 Emotional and Mental Postpartum Care Tips

The weeks after childbirth can be emotionally intense. Between hormone fluctuations, interrupted sleep, and the demands of caring for a newborn, many new moms feel overwhelmed. These emotional ups and downs are  normal for adjusting to life after delivery, but they shouldn’t be ignored. Understanding when to seek support is key to confidently navigating the fourth trimester.

Fatigue During Postpartum Recovery

In addition to the physical changes you’ll experience during postpartum recovery, extreme tiredness, and fatigue are common. New feeding schedules, caring for the new baby, and recovery can be exhausting. Don’t forget to ask and accept help from others. Your and your baby’s well-being is important. Eating healthy and staying hydrated can also help you restore your energy levels.

Experiencing Postpartum Baby Blues

New moms often experience baby blues; Moreland OB-GYN is here to help. Changing hormones after birth causes many women to feel more emotional during the fourth trimester. This emotional change in hormones is called the “baby blues.” It typically starts a few days after birth and usually resolves within 1-2 weeks. Women may feel more anxious, sad, or upset during this time. If you don’t feel like your mood is improving or it is affecting your ability to function at home, please contact us. It’s also a good idea to talk with friends or family about how you are feeling, ask for help if you feel overwhelmed, and make time for yourself.

If at any time you have thoughts of hurting yourself or someone else, you should call 911.  

Postpartum depression can occur up to one year after giving birth. You are more likely to have postpartum depression if you have a history of depression or anxiety, lack of support from family and friends, have a preterm delivery, have a traumatic birth experience, or have problems with breastfeeding. If you think you may have postpartum depression, please reach out to your OBGYN doctor, as we can help with referrals for therapy or medications.

And remember: being aware of emotional changes can help you get the support you need early. Mental health challenges are treatable; you don’t have to go through them alone.

Breastfeeding Challenges and Tips

Breastfeeding can be a rewarding but sometimes challenging part of postpartum life. Knowing what to expect and how to handle everyday challenges can make your experience more comfortable. Here’s how to navigate some typical concerns.

Engorged Breasts Following Delivery

Getting into a breastfeeding rhythm with your baby can reduce engorgement. Your breasts will fill with milk 2-4 days after delivery. Your breasts may feel very full, hard, and tender when they first fill with milk. It is called engorgement when this happens. If you are breastfeeding, this will improve as you and your baby get into a good pattern with breastfeeding. Be sure to switch sides with each feeding to help relieve the pain. If you are formula feeding, your engorgement will be less severe as you have not had nipple stimulation, and it may take 7-10 days to resolve. Wearing a tight-fitting sports bra and using ice packs can help with discomfort. Avoid stimulating your nipples or squeezing your nipples to release milk, as this may trigger breast milk production. If you believe the pain and soreness you feel is more than engorgement, call our office to make an appointment with one of our providers.

Sore Nipples from Breastfeeding or Pumping

As you adjust to breastfeeding or pumping, your nipples may become sore, dry, or cracked from the extra use and stimulation. This pain and soreness can be relieved with nipple creams. It’s important to note that many creams are baby-safe, meaning they do not need to be removed before you breastfeed.

Breastfeeding Support Services

Moreland OB-GYN’s partnership with ProHealth Care provides various breastfeeding services to support moms. Postpartum support through ProHealth Care includes breastfeeding guidance classes and support groups, as well as lactation consultants on hand to help prevent or solve problems related to breastfeeding your baby. To speak with a lactation consultant at ProHealth Care, call 262-928-7650.

Why Choose Moreland OB-GYN?

At Moreland OB-GYN, we specialize in women’s health care and prioritize the needs of our patients at all ages and stages of life. We hope you’ll connect with us to answer your questions, and we hope you’ll turn to our experts as a trusted source for information.

Interested in reading more on postpartum life? Click the links below. 

10 Tips for Breastfeeding Success
Tips on Handling Postpartum Stress
Tips for Visiting a New Baby
How to Improve Diastasis Recti After Baby