Recovery and Postpartum
Whether you are a new mother or adding another child to the family, you will have a team to support, guide, and comfort you before, during, and after your delivery. The newborn is expected to stay in the room with mom, but we do have a nursery/NICU that we have access to for procedures, assessments, and intensive one to one care.
Preparing for Discharge
Infants will have these tasks prior to discharge:
- Bath, hearing screen, newborn screen, heart screen and check bilirubin levels
- If necessary, some infants meet the criteria to have additional tests done like blood sugar testing or bilirubin blood level screening
If you request to have your newborn baby boy circumcised, that is usually scheduled the morning of planned discharge and performed by the on call obstetrician.
Warning Signs for Mom During the Next 12 Months
Get medical care right away if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Headache that won't go away or gets worse over time
- Dizziness or fainting
- Changes in vision
- Fever of 100.4 or higher
- Extreme swelling of your hands or face
- Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby
- Trouble breathing
- Chest pain or fast beating heart
- Severe nausea or vomiting
- Severe belly pain that doesn’t go away
- Severe swelling, redness or pain of your leg or arm
- Heavy vaginal bleeding or discharge after pregnancy
- Overwhelming tiredness
Normal Body Changes After Birth
Every woman's recovery from birth will be different based on her delivery experience and health. Here are some common issues following delivery:
- Abdominal pain
- Contractions
- Constipation
- Hemorrhoids
- Urination problems
- Hormonal shifts
- Sore nipples and breasts
- Healing around stitches
- Fluid retention
- Gradual weight loss
- Perineum pain
- Vaginal soreness
- Vaginal discharge
Postpartum Blues vs. Postpartum Depression
Postpartum Blues usually happens right after birth to two weeks postpartum. Some women may feel depressed, anxious, and upset. Symptoms may include crying for no reason, having trouble with eating, sleeping, or decision making, or other daily tasks. Some women may question their preparedness or be discouraged about new responsibilities.
Postpartum Depression can present the same symptoms as the postpartum blues, but do not improve or resolve within two weeks postpartum. There can be more intense feelings, sadness or anxiety that limit daily tasks. These can last 1-3 weeks postpartum or up to a year.
If you are concerned about your mood, please let your doctor or nurse know.
Within the first six weeks after birth, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends all women undergo a comprehensive postpartum visit. Schedule an appointment with a CHI St. Vincent OBGYN for your follow-up visit.
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