A lot happens in the first few days after the birth of your child. Below are some of the questions mums ask about recovery after childbirth.
1. How long will it take to recover from a vaginal birth?
It takes around 2-3 weeks for any repaired tears to heal and for the bleeding to subside. By around 6 weeks, you should be feeling more like your usual self.
2. The area around my caesarian section (CS) scar is very sensitive. Is there anything I can do about it?
This may be caused by the nerves around the scar being overly sensitive. Here are a few tips on how to help desensitize the area once the scar has healed.
- Massage or rub the area with a soft material such as a cotton ball. Later try using a rougher material like a towel. Patting and tapping along the sensitive area is also used to desensitize.
- Massage the sensitive area of skin with hand lotion and rub in circles with gradually increasing pressure.
- Gently rub and tap the sensitive areas starting with soft materials and gradually work up to rougher materials. Some materials to try are cotton wool, then cotton, then tissue paper.
3. How many sanitary pads will I need after the birth?
It is recommended that you change your pad regularly to prevent infection. Every 2-3 hours is a good interval. Most of the heavy bleeding is in the first 2-3 days after birth. You may plan to have 3-5 maternity pad packets to use during this time.
4. What can I do about postnatal urinary incontinence (urine leaks)?
This is involuntary leaking of urine that new moms often experience, usually while laughing, sneezing or coughing and is caused by the weakened muscles around the bladder and pelvis after delivery and hormonal changes as well. To improve and strengthen these muscles you can begin exercising the pelvic floor muscles immediately after childbirth. One of the most effective pelvic floor exercises is Kegel exercises. To do this effectively:
- Squeeze and lift the pelvic floor muscles by squeezing the muscles that you use to hold in gas. Try to hold the contraction for a count of 5. Try and count out loud to make sure you don’t hold your breath. Then relax for at least 10 seconds.
- Contract your pelvic floor muscles as you begin to exhale; this may make it easier. Work up to 10-second holds and 10 contractions at a time. Repeat 5 to 6 sets of 10 holds a day. You can do these lying on your back, sitting or standing.
- You should not feel the buttock or inner thigh muscles working too much when you exercise your pelvic floor.
- Practice doing a quick and strong squeeze before you sneeze, cough, laugh or lift your baby or heavy objects.
- If the incontinence continues beyond 6 weeks, please do see your doctor for further investigation
5. Is it normal to lose hair after delivery?
This usually indicates a deficiency in calcium and iron that are depleted during the pregnancy. It is important to eat a balanced diet and ensuring that you stock up with foods rich in iron like red meats, liver, green leafy vegetables, grains and legumes. For calcium, ensure you take milk, yoghurt, cheese and vegetables. However, avoid eating these nutrients together, e.g. If you have just had some liver for lunch, avoid taking a glass of milk immediately after as the milk will interfere with absorption of the iron in the liver.
