Postpartum Recovery: Symptoms, Healing Tips + Product Essentials! | Recovering From Childbirth

Postpartum recovery can be tough, and every mom heals at a different rate. But you'll be feeling more like yourself again soon.

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Transcript:

Postpartum recovery can be tough, and every mom heals at a different rate. But you'll be feeling more like yourself again soon.
What to Expect When: You're Recovering From Childbirth
Before
Do Kegel exercises. Doing Kegels throughout your pregnancy may help you recover from childbirth faster. Try to do them for 5 minutes, three times a day.
Stock up on postpartum recovery products: Acetaminophen and ibuprofen, maxi pads, ice packs, witch hazel pads, a sitz bath, a peri or squirt bottle, cotton underpants, nursing pads, lidocaine spray, stool softener and/or a heating pad.
Line up help, if possible. You'll appreciate the extra sets of hands while you recover.
During
Technically, the postpartum recovery period lasts 6 to 8 weeks. But it can take 6 months or longer to feel like yourself again. Here are some symptoms you can expect right away.
Heavy bleeding (lochia)
It usually lasts 3 to 4 days. Lighter spotting can continue for 4 to 6 weeks.
Perineum pain
Expect soreness for a few weeks. For relief: Ice every few hours, take sits baths, sleep on your side and avoid sitting or standing for long stretches.
Afterbirth pains
You'll feel intense cramps for the first few days after birth. It's your uterus shrinking back down to normal size. The pain is worse while breastfeeding. Ease aches and pains with acetaminophen or ibuprofen, hot showers and heating pads.
Constipation
Eat fiber-rich foods or use a gentle stool softener.
Breast changes
Whether or not you choose to breastfeed, most women will have their milk come in a few days after birth. You may become uncomfortably engorged. Release extra milk with massage or a manual breast pump.
Mood swings
You may feel extra irritable or weepy. This is normal — you're adjusting to motherhood, and your hormones are fluctuating wildly. Look out for postpartum depression symptoms: feeling worthless, unable to sleep, excessive worrying, intense sadness, or lack of interest in your baby.
After
The bulk of your physical recovery lasts about 6 weeks. At that point, most women have a postpartum checkup. You'll probably be cleared to exercise and have sex. But it's okay if you're not ready.
Your body may experience more changes in the weeks and months to come.
Hair loss
Your hair probably got thicker while you were pregnant. Now that your hormones are leveling out, it's time to shed that extra hair.
Return of your period
Not breastfeeding: It'll return 6 to 12 weeks postpartum. Exclusively breastfeeding: Every woman is different. Many don't see their period return until they stop breastfeeding.
Postpartum recovery looks different for every mom. Give your body all the time it needs to heal. Reach out to friends, family or your doctor if you need more support.