What to Expect in the Postpartum Period: For the Parent
Click on the area of interest!
Area of Interest
Breasts / Nipples
What is Normal
➢ A good latch is important to prevent/improve sore nipples, your midwife will help you with this
➢ Air dry your nipples after feeds, consider applying expressed breastmilk or use lanolin cream for sore/cracked nipples
➢ Avoid tight fitting bras/clothing as it may increase the chance of a blocked duct
➢ Breasts can feel larger, tender or “engorged” when your milk comes in usually between Day 3-5 postpartum. Try applying warm compresses before a feed and cold compresses after to help with your discomfort
➢ Hand express a small amount of milk before a feed to soften the area around your nipple to help your baby latch properly. Be sure to consult your midwife prior to pumping your breasts at this time as it may make the engorgement worse
When to Call the Urgent Phone Line
➢ Red, hot, tender and painful area on the breast
➢ Fever of 38.0C or higher, chills, flu-like symptoms
Area of Interest
Vaginal Bleeding
What is Normal
➢ Bleeding is heaviest in the first 24 hours and will taper off in the first week. Vaginal bleeding occurs after a vaginal birth or a caesarean birth and this is normal
➢ Small blood clots (the size of a loonie or twoonie) are normal, especially if you’ve been sitting or breastfeeding
➢ Keep the area clean with peri-bottle and change your pad often
When to Call the Urgent Phone Line
➢ Soaking a large postpartum pad front to back, side to side in an hour or less
➢ Passing clots the size of your fist or larger
➢ Bleeding from your vagina that smells foul
➢ Fever of 38.0C of higher, chills, flu-like symptoms
Area of Interest
Uterus
What is Normal
➢ You may feel cramping after your baby is born, these are called afterpains. This is very common in the first few days postpartum, especially if this is not your first baby. To ease discomfort, empty your bladder often, apply heat and continue with pain medications like Tylenol and Advil
When to Call the Urgent Phone Line
➢ Bleeding from your vagina that smells foul
➢ Fever of 38.0C of higher, chills, flu-like symptoms
Area of Interest
Perineum
What is Normal
➢ Use a peri-bottle with warm water each time you use the bathroom to rinse your vulva
➢ Soaking in a Epsom salt bath 1-2 times per day can aid healing
➢ Soaking menstrual pads in water or witch hazel, and freezing them, can make great ice packs for perineal healing
➢ It is normal to see pieces of suture material fall out in the first few days postpartum if you’ve had a tear repaired
When to Call the Urgent Phone Line
➢ Foul smelling odour, increased pain
What is Normal
Cesarean Incision
Area of Interest
➢ Rest is important but moving around each day is also important for circulation and to help pass gas
➢ Keep the incision clean, dry and give it some air time each day. Itchiness and occasional sharp pains are normal is it heals
When to Call the Urgent Phone Line
➢ Foul smell or oozing pus from the incision site ➢ Bleeding from the incision
➢ Hot, red, painful area around the incision
Area of Interest
Bladder / Bowels
What is Normal
➢ Empty your bladder often, especially before each breastfeed, and use the peri-bottle to decrease stinging
➢ Drink lots of water and increase fibre in your diet to ensure easier bowel movements
➢ It may take a couple days to have a bowel movement after giving birth; some find it comforting to place toilet paper or a wash cloth over their hand and support their perineum while they have their first bowel movement.
When to Call the Urgent Phone Line
➢ Unable to empty your bladder once you are discharged home
Area of Interest
Mood
What is Normal
➢ It is very normal for this to be an emotional time. There are a lot of changes and a lot of learning in the first days with a new baby. There are also hormonal changes happening
➢ Try to sleep when your baby sleeps / or at least lay down and close your eyes
When to Call the Urgent Phone Line
➢ Worsening mood
➢ Any thoughts of harming yourself or your baby