Postpartum After Care
You may think that the end of your pregnancy journey is the big bang of giving birth, but the journey actually continues with postpartum aftercare.
The postpartum period is defined as the first six weeks after childbirth. These weeks contain the absolute joy of caring for a newborn and the complicated navigation of caring for your body and adjusting to motherhood.
Below we break down a few tips to help you find your way and take care.
Manage Lochia
Postpartum bleeding, or lochia, can last up to six weeks after giving birth. Lochia is made up of leftover blood, tissue from your uterus, and mucus. Bleeding is heaviest for the first three to 10 days; then, similar to your period, it will begin to lighten. We also mean this in color; it will go from red to pink, to brown, to yellowish-white. If you ever have concerns about the amount you are bleeding or notice blood clots, contact your doctor immediately.
To help manage the blood and ensure your comfort, consider thick pads (the hospital may even gift you a few) or adult diapers. Remember to be kind and patient as your body heals.
Tend to Your Perineum
If you didn’t know, your perineum is the area between your anus and vulva. Whether you tear or not during birth, you will want to give this area some love afterward. Below are some tools for taking care.
- Many moms swear by the Frida Mom Upside Down Peri Bottle; the angled neck is ergonomic and effective.
- Witch hazel pads
- Perineal ice packs that you can potentially place in your diaper to help with swelling
- Dermoblast
- Numbing spray
In addition, try warm sitz baths for 20 minutes a day to soothe the pain, avoid standing or sitting, and opt to sleep on your side.
Get Comfy
After giving birth, your body needs time to find equilibrium. Gift yourself with comfortable, supportive clothing that you can easily maneuver in while tending to yourself and your newborn. This may include a cooling nursing bra, pull-down nursing shirt, postpartum underwear, and opting for larger sizes.
Care for Your C-Section Scar
Of course, this is only applicable if you had a C-section. If you didn’t, look at our large selection of other silicone solutions.
Your doctor should have walked you through how to clean and care for your C-section incision. Be sure to gently clean it once a day, and confirm what to avoid, like carrying heavy objects and vigorous exercise. You can also begin working on the scar outside of caring for the incision.
We recently released a new silicone patch designed for C-section scars. We took the same technology that has been delivering exceptional results and adapted it for mamas looking to heal and erase their C-section scars.
Our silicone patches create a microclimate that boosts moisture and collagen production. This process smooths out scars, lightens discoloration, and, over time, ultimately reduces the appearance of scars. Our non-invasive, chemical-free silicone patches work on old and new scars and keloids. See results in as little as one hour, but continue for 30 - 90 days for best results.
Use this as a starting point for approaching postpartum aftercare, and remember that as you discover motherhood and caring for your new baby, you and your body are also essential to take care of and put first.
