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The Postpartum period is a time for your body to heal itself after holding a child for 9 months. There are many changes that will take place in your body during this time, both emotional and physical.

The first of the changes will be the “Afterbirth Contractions”. Within minutes of having your baby, your uterus will start to contract in order to get back down to its original size. These contractions can last for the first few weeks after having your baby. They will be uncomfortable and may intensify while breastfeeding due to releasing hormones, but will subside after a few weeks. To help, you can lie down on your side with a pillow under your stomach to help ease the pain.

Breast engorgement will also be another obstacle to tackle during postpartum. Within one to five days after having a baby, your breasts will become full of milk, which could make them very hard and painful. If you are breastfeeding, the engorged feeling will subside after awhile and your milk will come naturally. Your bladder is located close to the birth canal in your body. During labour, the bladder or urethra, can become bruised from the delivery, which may cause a difficulty to urinate. To help, drink large amounts of water or walk around a room (exercise helps) or soak in a bathtub.

If you have had an episiotomy, you may notice that during urination, you may feel a burning or stinging sensation. That’s perfectly normal. To help relieve the pain, apply some water with a small squirt bottle after you use the bathroom, to clean yourself of any germs and help the healing process. Warm sitz baths also help to ease the pain. You can also use ice packs on your perineum or ask your doctor to provide any pain medication if it becomes unbearable.

Some women may suffer from hemorrhoids after having a baby. Sleeping on your side can help. Sitting for long periods of time can make it feel worse. Do not strain when having a bowel movement. If none of these remedies seem to help, you can contact your doctor and ask for a stool softener.

Just like your bladder after having a baby, your bowels can get easily bruised too, which can cause a gassy, bloated feeling and even constipated. A cesarean section can make the pain feel even more intense. Avoid foods known to cuase gas, and eat small amounts of other foods.

If you have had a cesarean section, you may not feel some of these symptoms and your postpartum recovery may be different. You may have to take pills to help you with the pain for the first couple weeks. If your stitches are not the dissolving kind, you will have to see your doctor to get them removed within a week after delivery.

If you notice any of the following symptoms during this time, call your doctor immediately:

• Fever of over 100.4 degrees
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Painful urination
• Bleeding heavier than a normal period
• Pain
• Swelling
• Signs of infection