Your whole life has changed and there is no right or wrong way to feel right now. Some women will feel overwhelmed at the idea of being a parent and managing the needs of a tiny baby others will be more relaxed and assured.

It is natural to experience a rollercoaster of emotions thanks to your postpartum hormones. A combination of intense love, intense joy, intense uncertainty, intense sleep deprivation and even intense boredom…all in the same 24 hours.

Physically you may feel sore and tired. It takes about six weeks for your body to recover from being pregnant and go through the changes back to normal. Give yourself time, try and relax and rest whenever you can. Above all celebrate the amazing job you have done.

SEE HOW WE CAN HELP YOU

In hospital after birth

Use your time in hospital to rest and recover, bond with your new baby and learn to care for them

We will see you in hospital after the birth to ensure you have a full understanding of the delivery, answer any questions and address any concerns

We’ll ensure your body is recovering how it should and ensure you are coping emotionally.

 

You will have regular reviews by your midwives to check:

  • Your pulse and BP
  • Your uterus is contracting normally
  • Your caesarean wound (if you have had one) is healing well with no signs of infection
  • The stitches in your perineum (if you have them)
  • How you are feeling
  • How your are feeding
  • That you are coping well in caring for your baby

 

There are also a number of other professionals on hand to provide you assistance when you need:

  • Paediatrician: to monitor the health of your baby
  • Lactation consultants: To help you with the difficult task of breastfeeding
  • Physiotherapists: to help you with exercises for your back and pelvic floor

 

At your six-week check

  • We will continue to ensure your body is recovering how it should and that you are coping emotionally.
  • We will assess your bleeding, bowel and bladder functions, assess any scars (caesarean or perineum) and perform a pap smear if necessary.
  • We will also discuss your plans for future pregnancy and discuss contraception options
  • We will assess how you have been handling life since your baby has arrived and addressed any emotional concerns you may have.

 

You can help your body recover by

  • Eating well
  • Resting as much as possible
  • Limit visitors to allow you to rest and bond with your baby
  • Asking for pain relief if you need it
  • Use regular ice packs on stitches on your perineum
  • Drinking plenty of water and keeping your diet full of fibre to avoid constipation

 

Remember, if at any time you are worried about how you are feeling, physically or emotionally, talk to someone