Cramps
After birth, your uterus continues to contract. Cramps are most noticeable in the first few days, and may be more painful if you've had other children. These cramps may be stronger when you breastfeed, as breastfeeding encourages the uterus to return to its pre-pregnant size. If the cramps are severe, ask your health care provdier about using a pain reliever. Uterine cramping usually disappears after the first week postpartum.

Vaginal discomfort and care
The area between your legs (perineum) may be sore, bruised and swollen after giving birth. If you have stitches, you may feel more pain.  To ease discomfort:

• Cool the area with crushed ice or tap water. Do not put ice directly on your skin. Use a towel or pad.
• Clean your perineum by pouring warm water over your vaginal area or sitting in a warm bath.
• Use pain relievers as needed and in discussion with your health care provider.
• Sit on a soft cushion to relieve pressure on your bottom.
• Continue to do Kegel (pelvic floor) exercises. See the tip sheet Strengthening the Pelvis for more information.
  

Vaginal bleeding (lochia or flow)
Following the baby’s birth there will be bleeding and discharge from the vagina. This flow will typically last 2 - 6 weeks. In the first 2 - 3 days, it’s dark red with small clots about the size of a loonie. It should soak less than 1 maxi-pad in 2 hours and not smell bad.

After a few days, the flow should lessen and become brownish to pinkish in colour, similar to bleeding during the last days of a menstrual period. After the 10th day, the discharge is yellowish white or brown. If your flow does not taper off or smells bad, call your health care practitioner.  Caution : use pads, not tampons, until any incisions or vaginal tears have healed.

Menstruation (period)
Your period may not start as long as your baby’s only source of food is breastfeeding. If you don’t breastfeed, your period will usually return 4 - 9 weeks after the birth. You can become pregnant again before your period starts. If you would prefer to plan your next pregnancy for a later time, please discuss birth control with your health care provider.

Urination (peeing)
At first, it may be difficult to pee or tell when your bladder is full. It helps to pee at regular times to prevent the bladder from getting too full.  You may also find it hard to start peeing, or it may sting. To help, you can pour warm water over your perineum or pee in the shower or bath.

You may have some leakage of urine for up to 3 months and sometimes longer after your baby is born. This is called urinary incontinence. A cough, sneeze, laugh, or physical activity can make this happen. Doing Kegel exercises can help control urine leakage. (See the tip sheet Strengthening the Pelvis. For most women, this gradually goes away.

Bowel movements
After birth, your bowels are often sluggish. This is due to stretched muscles, a sore perineum and, in some cases, pain medications. Most mothers have a bowel movement within 2 - 3 days after birth.

To make bowel movements easier:

• drink plenty of fluids, especially water
• eat foods such as whole grains, bran, dried fruits (especially prunes and figs), fresh fruits, vegetables and juices
• if these suggestions don’t work, try using stool softeners (available at drug stores)

Links

Baby’s Best Chance