Postpartum recovery is a time of joy and challenges for new mothers!
While they experience immense happiness from having a newborn, they also go through a complicated process of recovering both physically and emotionally!
| Quick Note: Among other healing processes, Red Light Therapy for Postpartum is one amazingly effective recovery process. |
Postpartum Recovery Timeline
The postpartum time usually lasts three to six weeks after childbirth. This is the phase when a woman’s body recovers from the delivery and adjusts to its natural state.
The process involves different physical healing along with emotional and hormonal changes.
Physical Healing Aspects: Vaginal Delivery Recovery
First Few Days
After a vaginal delivery, the mother’s body starts to recover from the initial impact of childbirth.
Usually, their pelvis feels swollen and sore. The uterus even starts contracting, causing vaginal bleeding. This bleeding usually lasts several weeks.
First Two Weeks
The swelling in the perineum goes down, and if there were tears or an episiotomy, it would start healing.
To ease the pain, the doctors usually recommend sitz baths with added mild salt and ice packs.
Weeks 3-6
By the end of six weeks, the swelling usually goes down, and the discomfort gradually dissipates.
Still, weights and other intense activities should be resumed slowly, and the full recovery of pelvic floor muscles and tissues will take longer.
Cesarean Recovery
First Few Days
After the operation, postpartum usually means some issues with the scar. Plus, the operation is quite painful!
This is why, the stays in the hospital are longer, somewhere around three or four days.
First Two Weeks
The maximum load on the abdominal area should be maintained at a minimum. Moreover, certain facilities should be given to prevent infections.
Weeks 3-6
The upper-limit workouts would be good enough. Still, full recovery will take the same duration as the optional eight-week healing. Within the next few weeks, a white and fresh scar will return to its natural look.
Emotional and Hormonal Changes
During this postpartum period, a woman’s body produces and gets rid of many hormones, restoring its physical state before pregnancy.
It can cause:
- Mood swings or baby blues
- A longing to be sad
- Experiencing anxiety
- Crying without an obvious reason
- Being short-tempered
While the physical signs cease in about two weeks, the “more severe form” called postpartum depression requires medical attention.
This is why family and relatives need to be pretty patient and supportive here!
Factors Affecting Healing Time
The healing time after childbirth depends on several factors.
Type of Delivery
- Vaginal delivery – usually the recovery after vaginal delivery is much faster than the recovery after a C-section.
Most women feel completely healed after about six weeks; however, some minor discomfort can last longer, especially if there are tears or an episiotomy.
- C-section – it means major abdominal surgery and requires a longer recovery period. This healing time usually lasts 4-6 weeks, but it usually takes eight weeks or more to feel fully recovered.
Pre-Pregnancy Health and Fitness
Many women who were fit and healthy before delivery recover more quickly postpartum.
Also, women who maintain a healthy weight, eat properly, and exercise regularly during pregnancy are more likely to recover faster.
Severity of Tears or Episiotomy
Minor tears usually heal pretty quickly, while significant tears or episiotomies require a longer healing time and more care by the patient. Proper wound care and pain management are essential in the latter case.
Quality of Sleep and Nutrition
Every woman giving birth needs more sleep than she is used to, but the quality of this sleep is also vital for recovery.
Quality sleep helps the body repair itself. However, experts always recommend a healthy diet to speed up recovery time.
Support System
Support from the woman’s husband, partner, family, and friends can be vital for her.
The help from them with the housework, childcare, and the delivery of emotional support can greatly reduce the physical and emotional burden on the mother and her baby.
5 Tips for a Smooth Postpartum Recovery
Postpartum recovery is essential for women to restore their strength and physical and psychological well-being. The following tips can help to spend this period efficiently:
- Being Well-Rested
The rest for the women who have just given birth is one of the most important aspects of postpartum recovery. It is advised that women should sleep every time the baby is sleeping and try not to overwork. Even short naps can be helpful.
This is why, new mothers should focus on comfort in their sleep and consider establishing a relaxing atmosphere.
- Proper Nutrition
Eating right is essential as vital nutrients help to heal and recover.
Fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein sources are those that should be present in the diet formed. It should be remembered that hydration is also crucial, especially in cases of breastfeeding.
- Seeking Help
Breastfeeding requires learning the technique, as it can be quite difficult in the beginning. If a further stay in the maternity ward is needed, not only mothers but also lactation consultants or the hospital staff can be contacted.
- Contact with a Healthcare Provider
It is crucial not to forget about consulting with a doctor. Mothers should remember all of the postpartum check-ups.
Moreover, many doctors recommend red light therapy for postpartum as it helps speed up the healing process.
- Listening to the Body
Above all, every reaction of your body demands attention. The pain of different frequencies, chronic fatigue, and emotional instability should not be neglected. Early help prevents complications in the future!
Article and permission to publish here provided by Samia Ahmed. Originally written for Supply Chain Game Changer and published on June 11, 2024.
Cover image provided by Samia Ahmed.