8 Common Post-delivery Issues to Expect & What to Do

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Eyinade Eweje

Now your baby is safely here and another round of upsets to your body has kicked off – post-delivery issues. These tips will help you make the healing/recovery process more convenient, so you get back to your regular self in record time.

1. Painful and infrequent bowel movement

Haemorrhoids, healing episiotomies and sore muscles don’t make bowel movements any easier, especially during the first week postpartum.

*Try using a low footstool that raises your knees and puts you in more of a squatting position than sitting.

*Use stool softeners offered by the hospital. Don’t use laxatives, suppositories, or enemas without your doctor’s approval.

*Eat lots of fiber rich fruits, vegetables and easily digested meals, not forgetting to drink lots of fluids.

* If your doctor approves, exercise can also be quite helpful.

2. Breastfeeding hurts

When the milk comes in the first week, breasts may become engorged and quite sore. Engorged breasts will feel better as your breastfeeding pattern becomes established. Meanwhile;

*Relieve clogged milk ducts with breast massage, frequent nursing, feeding after a warm shower, and warm moist compresses applied throughout the day.

*If you develop a fever, chills or your breast becomes tender or red, you may have an infection (mastitis) and need antibiotics. Consult your doctor if this happens.

*Continue nursing or pumping from both breasts and express milk when engorged.

*Drink plenty of fluids. Have a glass of water whenever your baby nurses to make sure of that.

*Take a breastfeeding class or see a lactation consultant for more suitable advice on dealing with breastfeeding problems that may arise.

3. Episiotomy

If your perineum was cut or tore during childbirth, the stitches may make it painful to sit or walk for a little while during the healing process. Coughing or sneezing may also be painful.

*Continue sitz baths (sitting in just a few inches of water and covering the buttocks up to the hips in the water). Use cool water for the first few days, then warm water afterwards. Squeeze the cheeks of your bottom together when you sit to avoid pulling painfully on the stitches.

*Use a squirt bottle with warm water to wash the area with water when you use the toilet and pat dry. Wipe from front to back to avoid infection.

*Reduce swelling with ice packs or chilled witch hazel pads.

*Talk to your doctor about taking an anti-inflammatory drug like ibuprofen to help with the pain and swelling.

4. Haemorrhoids

Haemorrhoids are varicose veins of the anus. They may swell during pregnancy and ‘pop’ out during labour. They will eventually ‘pop’ back in, but in the meantime;

*Alternating warm sitz baths and cold packs can help with haemorrhoids.

*Try sitting on an inflatable doughnut cushion.

*Talk to your doctor if you’re concerned. There are treatments for severe cases.

5. Sexual relations

Doctors usually recommend waiting between 4 – 6 weeks to have sex to reduce the risk of infection, increased bleeding, or re-opening healing tissue. You’ll probably notice reduced vaginal lubrication too. This is due to hormones and is usually temporary.

*Begin slowly, with kissing, cuddling, and other intimate activities.

*Using a water-based lubricant may help with vaginal lubrication. Try to find positions that put less pressure on sore areas and are most comfortable for you.

*Let your spouse know if you’re sore or scared of experiencing pain during intercourse. This may help both of you feel less anxious and more secure about resuming your sex life.

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6. Urinary/Fecal Incontinence

The stretching of your muscles during delivery can lead to accidentally passing urine when you cough, laugh, or strain. It resolves gradually as your body gets back to its pre-pregnancy state.

*Talk to your doctor about any form of incontinence you may experience.

*Kegel exercises which help strengthen the pelvic floor muscles may help. To find the correct muscles, pretend you’re trying to stop urinating. Squeeze those muscles for a few seconds, and then relax.

*Wear a sanitary pad for protection.

7. Baby blues

Irritability, anxiety, crying or unhappiness beginning within days or weeks of delivery is common with new mums and may be due to hormonal and physical changes, unexpected birth experiences, exhaustion and the demands of caring for a baby. These will help;

*Devise ways to relax, be happy, have fun and bond with your baby and spouse.

*Hire a nanny or solicit help from friends and family to take some pressure off you.

*Talk with other new and experienced mums and create an informal support group.

*Join mummy forums to relate with other new mums with similar experience.

*Listen to good music and get lots of fresh air.

8. Postpartum depression (PPD)

PPD is a grave condition present in 10 – 25 % of new mums which causes mood swings, persistent sadness, anxiety and guilt, lasting several months after childbirth. Consult your doctor if you experience these symptoms for longer than few weeks postpartum.

Remember, total recovery from the strains of pregnancy and labour will not happen overnight, especially if you had a C-section. Putting this in mind and making conscious efforts to be healthy will foster your speedy recovery goals.