Your Body & Healing

Your vaginal discharge after delivery will be red in color. It will change from red to pink to white, and could last 4 to 6 weeks.
Vaginal bleeding may increase with breastfeeding or heavy physical activity.
Your menstrual period may not begin for several months, especially if you are breastfeeding. Your first period after delivery may be heavier than your normal flow.
Sanitary pads should be used for the first 6 weeks after delivery.
Do not douche or use tampons for 6 weeks after delivery, or as instructed by your doctor.
Your uterus will be firm and can be felt in the abdomen (size of grapefruit) for 10 to 14 days after delivery and returns to pre-pregnancy size at 4 to 6 weeks.

Your stitches, episiotomy site or hemorrhoids may take several weeks to heal. It is normal to feel soreness for the first few days after delivery.
A tugging or pulling sensation is normal 2 to 3 days after delivery.
Stitches do not need to be removed. They dissolve on their own.
It is normal for a small stitch to be passed in the course of bathing or taking a sitz bath.
Rinse off the perineal area after urinating or having a bowel movement. For 1 to 2 weeks, use the “Peri” squirt bottle that was given to you in the hospital. Fill with warm water.
Always wipe yourself from front to back.
Change your sanitary pad at least every 4 to 6 hours.

Take a warm bath 2 to 4 times a day.
Use a topical ointment if suggested by your doctor.
Use pre-moistened witch hazel-soaked pads.
Use stool softeners, as suggested by your doctor.
Use a soft cushion.
Avoid standing or sitting for long periods of time. This will put a strain on your stitches or episiotomy.
Shift your position frequently while nursing or feeding your baby.

Your incision may take 4-6 weeks to heal.
Sutures or staples may be removed prior to discharge or your doctor may have you return for removal during the first week after delivery.
You may shower and get your incision wet. Use only warm water and mild soap on your incision.
Avoid tub baths, hot tubs or swimming for the first 4 weeks after delivery.
Dry your incision gently.
It is normal for your incision to feel numb and may itch as the healing process begins.
DO NOT apply any lotions or creams to your incision to soften the scar.