The process of giving birth triggers yet another amazing process of physical changes, and hormonal adjustments, for a woman's body. As soon as the placenta is delivered, there is a profound fall in her levels of pregnancy hormones, and in the days and weeks following, a number of physical changes happen. Some of these changes are very obvious, (such as the breasts temporarily enlarging, and the milk 'coming in'), while others occur deep within her body, being not so obvious, but no less dramatic. The medical term for this time is referred to as the 'puerperium' (pronounced 'pew-pear-e-um'), and is medically defined as the 6 weeks after birth.
These early days and weeks after giving birth are a time for the woman to learn, heal and recover. It is very common to have aches and pains to varying degrees, and you will usually feel sore, swollen and tender, especially if stitches were needed to the vagina (or
perineum), or your baby was delivered by a Caesarean.
For these reasons alone (as well as having a newborn baby to care for), your body needs plenty of time to rest, recover and regain strength. It is important to appreciate the need to take good care of yourself at this vulnerable time, so you can then take good care of your baby. After all, you are usually the baby's primary caregiver and your baby needs you to stay well. Trying to do too much, too soon, will often result in the bleeding becoming heavier than expected and for some women complications such as
mastitis will develop, often as a consequence of taking on too much, and lowering the body's resistance.
If this is your second, or subsequent baby, we know how difficult it can be to rest after the birth. The energy that is required to care for a newborn and an older child (or children) can quickly deplete a mother's physical reserves. This can be compounded when a partner has little, or no time, off work and/or there is limited help from family or friends, to help with older siblings.