Postpartum Care

Physical Postpartum Symptoms

For a vaginal delivery with no major medical complications for mom or baby, you will typically return home within a day or two after delivery. During these first few days to weeks, you may experience symptoms such as:

• Bloody vaginal discharge that will turn to brown and then whitish in color
• A tender vaginal area, especially if stitches were needed to repair a tear or episiotomy
• Painful contractions as the uterus shrinks to its normal size
• Breast engorgement as you start to produce breastmilk
• Fatigue and soreness

Managing Postpartum Symptoms

• Get adequate rest: Sleeping while your newborn naps during the day can help make up for the sleep you lose at night waking to feed your baby; however, sometimes nighttime REM sleep may be necessary to function well. Have a partner or family member help during those middle of the night hours to ensure a few hours of sleep.
• Breast care: wear a supportive bra, use cold packs for swelling and engorgement, and try warm compresses to stimulate milk letdown. If you do not plan to breastfeed, use ice packs and bind your breasts for several days to help ease engorgement.
• Sitz baths (soaking in warm shallow water) can ease soreness and speed healing in the perineum (area between vagina and anus), especially if stitches were needed after delivery.
• If you had a C-section, keep the incision clean and dry to promote healing.

Baby Blues

Learn about the symptoms of “baby blues” and how it differs from postpartum depression.

Postpartum Mental Health

In addition to the physical symptoms, many women experience emotional symptoms during the postpartum period as well. These are often mild and temporary, but sometimes can be signs of more serious conditions such as postpartum depression or postpartum anxiety. It is important to recognize these symptoms so that you can speak to your healthcare provider and get the treatment you need.

Baby Blues

Many women (50 –80 percent) experience the "baby blues" during the first few days or weeks after delivery. The baby blues can be attributed to the hormonal changes happening in your body and worsened by lack of sleep and other stressors of new parenthood. Symptoms may include crying for no known reason, trouble sleeping, irritability, anxiety and restlessness. The baby blues usually go away within about two week and usually do not require treatment.

Postpartum Anxiety

Symptoms of postpartum anxiety include persistent, intrusive thoughts that often revolve around the health and safety of your baby. These “what if” thoughts often involve imagining worst-case scenarios and can be preoccupying and hard to get out of your mind. Postpartum anxiety can also manifest in physical symptoms such as feeling restless or unable to sleep, increased heart rate and shortness of breath.

Learn about how postpartum anxiety and the treatment options available for it.

Postpartum Psychosis

Postpartum psychosis is fortunately rare, occurring in approximately one to two out of every 1,000 deliveries. The onset is usually sudden, often within the first two weeks after delivery. This condition is often associated with the onset of other psychiatric conditions such as bipolar disorder or schizoaffective disorder. Symptoms can include:

• Delusions or strange beliefs
• Hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not there)
• Feeling very irritated
• Hyperactivity
• Decreased need for or inability to sleep
• Paranoia and suspiciousness
• Rapid mood swings
• Difficulty communicating at times
• Thoughts of harming self or baby

Treatment for Postpartum Mental Health Disorders

If you experience any of the symptoms of a postpartum mental health condition, do not delay talking to your healthcare provider about your concerns. Getting treatment can help ensure that your newborn stays safe and properly cared for. It also helps ease symptoms so you can experience all the joys of motherhood.

Treatment may include:

• Medications such as antidepressants
• Psychotherapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy, interpersonal therapy and other techniques
• Peer support such as support groups and educational classes
• Stress management and relaxation training
• Exercise