A Guide To Your New Family's First Weeks - Meriter Health Services

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Nutrition and Weight Loss Most new mothers find it helpful to eat smaller, more frequent meals. Eat moderate amounts of healthy foods such as fruits, vegetables and protein sources. If you are breastfeeding, more diet information is available on page 31. It is normal to lose 10 to 15 pounds immediately after childbirth, depending on how much you gained. Although it may be discouraging to have given birth and still “feel pregnant,” do not go on a strict diet after giving birth. All mothers need a nutritious, wellbalanced diet to recover from childbirth. Sexual Intercourse For most postpartum mothers, the suggested waiting period before resuming sexual intercourse varies from three to six weeks. You will be physically ready for intercourse when your flow is no longer bright red and when you can insert a finger or tampon into your vagina without pain. (Otherwise, you should not use tampons during this time unless you discuss it with your care provider.) The time required before you are mentally and emotionally ready for sexual intercourse is highly individual. Remember, intercourse is not the only way to express physical affection. You may find it helpful to use a water-soluble lubricant, like K-Y Jelly, Liquid Silk or Astro Gel. Have some on hand before you attempt lovemaking in case you need it. You might begin by using a position with the woman on top or side. There is less pressure on an episiotomy or cesarean incision and the woman can control the speed and depth of penetration. If you have continued pain with sex, call your provider. Physical therapy may be helpful. Birth Control It is possible to become pregnant soon after giving birth, regardless if you are bleeding or breast feeding. • Talk to your health care provider about birth control before you go home. • Foam and condoms used together is usually the preferred form of contraception right after birth. • While breastfeeding can postpone the return of your menstrual period, it does not guarantee pregnancy prevention. • Diaphragms used before pregnancy will no longer fit correctly. • Some hormone shots and pills can affect a breastfeeding mother’s milk supply. If you choose birth control shots or pills, consider waiting at least six weeks to start this method. • Talk to your provider about a birth control method that won’t affect your milk supply. 18
Recovery From Cesarean Birth Because a cesarean birth is surgery, there is more involved in your recovery. The information in this section will help you understand what you are experiencing, and help you recover more quickly. Pain Relief You usually use Patient-Controlled Analgesia (PCA) for approximately 12-24 hours. We connect the PCA to your IV; it allows you to control your pain medication. Talk with your nurse about your plan for pain control. You can begin oral pain medications when you can tolerate liquids without nausea. Respiratory We will encourage you to turn, cough and “deep breathe” frequently until you are walking independently. This will help keep your lungs clear and prevent pneumonia. Incision We usually remove dressings 24 hours after surgery. We often remove skin staples on the third day after surgery prior to going home, or later at a clinic visit. <strong>Your</strong> provider may then place small pieces of tape called “steri-strips”, over your incision. These may be washed and will wear off in about seven to 10 days after surgery. If not, you may remove them. “Let others help you, so you can rest and get to know your baby.” Audrey, RN Signs and Symptoms of Infection The first few days after surgery, you may experience pain or discomfort. The wound may appear mildly reddened or swollen and have some clear or bloodtinged drainage. This is normal and will decrease gradually each day. Notify your surgeon if you experience any of the following: • Fever higher than 100.4 degrees, or chills. (Make sure you are drinking plenty of fluids.) • Increased surgical site pain or swelling not related to activity. • Increased drainage from the incision, particularly if it has changed color or smells foul. • The incision opens up and/or becomes hot, red and tender. Urinary Catheter We will insert a small tube, called a urinary catheter, into your bladder before surgery. This is usually done after your spinal anesthesia and will stay in until the next day. Keep your wound clean and dry. This allows faster healing and helps prevent infections. Follow your surgeon’s instructions. If you did not receive wound care instructions, follow these steps: • Using a clean washcloth, wet the wound with clean water. • Wash with soap, cleaning any soil or drainage, gently but completely. • Pat dry with a clean towel. • Apply a fresh clean dressing, if needed. • Repeat the above steps, if needed during the day. Activity After your cesarean birth, your nurse will help you get up to the bathroom about 6 hours after you return to your room. Changing position every two hours will help with your recovery. The nursing staff will assist you in getting out of bed or repositioning until you are able to do this on your own. Patients who are out of bed and moving sooner recover more quickly. Walking and changing to oral pain medication as soon as possible helps bowel function return. We encourage you to walk at least every six to eight hours. 19
Page 1 and 2: A Guide To Your New Family’s Firs
Page 3 and 4: If You’re Expecting.... We look f
Page 5 and 6: Nutrition and Feeding: Formula Feed
Page 7 and 8: Postpartum Medication Log and Infor
Page 9 and 10: Turn to this book and your doctor,
Page 11 and 12: • Your nurse will check on you ro
Page 13 and 14: Head The bones of your baby’s hea
Page 15 and 16: Mother Care The first weeks after g
Page 17 and 18: Postpartum Medication Information B
Page 19: Hemorrhoids Hemorrhoids are varicos
Page 23 and 24: Nutrition and Feeding: Breastfeedin
Page 25 and 26: Helping Your Baby Latch to the Brea
Page 27 and 28: How Your Milk Changes Your body mak
Page 29 and 30: latching correctly, the easier and
Page 31 and 32: Expressing and Storing Breast Milk
Page 33 and 34: Lifestyle Issues Nutrition for Moth
Page 35 and 36: Nutrition and Feeding: Formula Feed
Page 37 and 38: During the first days of life, a ba
Page 39 and 40: Common Skin Conditions and Cord Car
Page 41 and 42: Caring for the Foreskin and Decidin
Page 43 and 44: the first few days of life, but can
Page 45 and 46: Tub Bath When the cord has fallen o
Page 47 and 48: Recognizing Illness Illness in a ne
Page 49 and 50: Why And When Do Babies Cry Crying i
Page 51 and 52: What Do I Do If I Feel Like I Am Lo
Page 53 and 54: Finding Childcare (The City of Madi
Page 55 and 56: To prevent flat head molding due to
Page 57 and 58: Sibling Relationships Most families
Page 59 and 60: Baby Blues The most common, least s
Page 61 and 62: Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scal
Page 63 and 64: • Car seats should only be carrie
Page 65 and 66: Postpartum Medication Log To assist
Page 72 and 73:
How Is Breastfeeding Going Answer t
Page 74 and 75:
First Weeks Index 2010 Activity....
Page 76 and 77:
Rooming In.........................
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Notes Use this section to take note
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The Birthing Center 202 S. Park Str
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A Guide To Your New Family's First Weeks - Meriter Health Services

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