Vaginal discharge is a natural part of the postpartum process. Following the birth of your child, your body will begin to shed the superficial mucous membrane that lined your uterus throughout pregnancy.3 You can expect to have discharge composed of blood clotting and this membrane for a few weeks, which will eventually lighten in amount and color over the span of a month. Invest in sanitary pads during this time. 

After pains are the cramps and contractions a new mother may experience the first few days post-delivery. This is partially due to the uterus compressing blood vessels to prevent excessive bleeding and the enlarged uterus shrinking back to its original size. Due to the release of Oxytocin, it is common to feel these pains during breastfeeding.4 Over the counter pain medications may help with pain management. 

Post delivery, you may find that you have trouble urinating, experience a burning sensation, or are unable to control urination. This inability to control urination is called Incontinence, and it is due to weakness, stretching, or injury to pelvic floor muscles during childbirth. While this will improve in a few weeks, new mothers experiencing incontinence are encouraged to wear sanitary pads and perform Kegel exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor. 

As a new mother, you may experience something called Breast Engorgement, meaning that your breasts are overly full of milk. This typically occurs within the first few days of giving birth and can last several weeks. Your breasts may feel a few cup sizes larger than usual, tender, swollen, or firm. To prevent pain and potential infection, you must feed your baby frequently, express milk often, and pump as needed. Apply warm and cold compresses, massage your breasts, and take ibuprofen may also help with discomfort. Regarding nipple pain, ensure that your baby is latching on to the breast properly and ask your provider about nipple cream, which may help to alleviate dryness.4 

Women typically lose about ten pounds immediately after giving birth and experience additional weight loss within the following weeks, especially if they are breastfeeding. 4 However, some women may find that they are having difficulty with weight loss post-pregnancy, which may cause stress, anxiety, and self-esteem issues.  

 Beyond healthy eating and asking your provider about returning to exercise and activity, we recommend that you give yourself grace. Your body just underwent a massive process in which you brought new life into the world and is now in a period of recovery. Be kind and patient with yourself. Over time and with consistency, a healthy diet and moderate level of exercise will help you return to your pre-pregnancy weight once you are healed.  

You may also find that your hair is thinning in comparison to when you were pregnant, or at times even falling out. This is due to hormonal changes. Your hair should return to its normal fullness in 6 months.  

Stretch marks on the skin are also common post-pregnancy due to stretching of the skin during pregnancy and changes in body mass. Beyond being embraced, your stretch marks will likely fade with a combination of time, patience and the application of over-the-counter creams and oils.  

This typically beginning within the first 3-6 months of parenting, and may cause feelings of sadness, irritability, withdrawal, hopelessness, and feelings of doubt in male partners. This is partially due to a change in hormones in new fathers as testosterone levels drop and estrogen levels rise, in addition to other hormones like cortisol (the stress hormone) increasing.6  If your partner is having trouble coping, encourage them to seek resources for professional help. 

Postpartum Depression is a more significant issue with a clinical diagnosis. Occurring in 1 in 7 new mothers, Postpartum Depression (PPD) is characterized by intense feelings of sadness, anxiety, fatigue, and hopelessness.5 It typically begins within 1-3 weeks of delivery and requires professional help and medical treatment to resolve.   

Postpartum Depression not only affects how you feel, but also how you relate to the world around you and to your baby.  

You may find that you feel in a fog, have difficulty bonding with your baby or have little interest in the things that typically interest you. If you are experiencing any symptoms of Postpartum depression, contact your medical provider who can help you to feel better. 

If you are experiencing any suicidal thoughts or thoughts of self-harm or harming your baby, contact 911 or call or text the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.  

You are not alone. 

Healthcare professionals suggest waiting 4 to 6 weeks after childbirth to allow your body the necessary healing time before resuming sexual activity. When you do decide to engage in sexual activity, exercise caution, as it’s possible to become pregnant even before your menstrual cycle resumes. This is because ovulation, the release of an egg, can occur before your period returns.4    

Even though your body may be able to support another pregnancy sooner rather than later, it is recommended to wait at least a year and a half before sustaining an additional pregnancy, as lack of time in between pregnancies increases the likelihood of your baby being born prematurely.4