"YOUR BODY REBOUNDS"

Giving birth causes numerous changes in your body. Many of them are prompted by a drop in levels of the hormones estrogen and progesterone shortly after delivery. This is a normal process, but it's good to know what you can expect and even better to know that these conditions are only temporary.

In addition to experiencing the effects of pregnancy on your breasts, uterus, and urinary tract, you may notice subtle changes in your hair and skin. During pregnancy, many women find that their hair becomes particularly thick and lustrous and does not shed at the usual rate. After delivery, hormonal shifts may increase shedding and your hair may thin out. Changes in the fluid balance of your body can also cause dryness of the hair and skin. You can help combat this by drinking 8 glasses of water each day and avoiding harsh shampoos and cleansers.

You may also notice that you are perspiring more. Again, this is usually not a cause for concern. You are simply sweating out the additional fluids associated with pregnancy. This heavy perspiration will probably stop after a few weeks. Until then, wear loose clothing and consider placing a towel over your pillow at night to keep it dry.

Some of the changes you experience at this time will be welcome. The stretch marks you may have developed during pregnancy will begin to fade, changing from red to pale silver. Your darkened nipples will lighten, and the spidery lines you may have developed on your chest and shoulders will fade as well.

It is normal to drop about 4.5 kg to 9 kg (10–20 lb) immediately after delivery. The rest of your pregnancy weight gain will be lost gradually. Of course, the best way to get back into top shape is through a program of good nutrition and exercise.


"BREAST CARE"

Pregnancy affects your breasts whether or not you choose to breastfeed. Some women can express (start the flow of) fluid from their breasts as early as the fourth month of pregnancy, simply by squeezing the area around their nipples (known as the areola). Because your body prepares itself naturally for the process of breastfeeding, there is very little that you need to do. However, there are a few breast care and feeding tips that can help to prevent or correct minor problems.

(For both nursing and non-nursing mothers)

-Wear a supportive bra that is not too tight.
-If you experience breast discomfort, alternate between hot and cold packs—depending on what gives the best relief.
-If your nipples become cracked or sore, do everything possible to keep them dry and warm.
-Application of warm, dry heat may relieve soreness. Avoid plastic nursing pads (which hold in moisture) and expose your breasts to air when possible. You may also express a bit of milk and let it dry on your nipples. It will form a protective coating that may help in the healing process.
-Change your bra as soon as it becomes wet. Use, and frequently replace, breast pads if you have a problem with leakage.


"URINARY TRACT CARE"

After delivery, you may have some difficulty emptying your bladder and may feel a burning sensation when you urinate. This burning is due to vaginal sensitivity and will pass. Some women may have a harder time sensing when they need to urinate because the bladder has been slightly numbed from bruising during delivery. Fortunately, normal sensation returns very quickly.

Giving birth to a child affects the whole area surrounding the uterus. Whether or not you deliver vaginally, your urinary tract has been squeezed by your baby for the last few months of your pregnancy. If you have delivered vaginally, your cervix has been completely dilated. This can make you more vulnerable to bacterial infection.


"EPISIOTOMY CARE"

An episiotomy is an incision made in the perineum—the area between the anus and the vagina—to enlarge the birth canal when it is considered advisable to avoid tearing your skin during childbirth. Doctors perform this procedure because a tear would be more painful and slower to heal than a surgical cut that is stitched closed.

Recovery from an episiotomy can be the most uncomfortable part of having a baby, but there are many things you can do to help ease the pain and help the healing process:

-Use local anesthetic creams and sprays as suggested by your doctor.
-Keep your genital area dry and clean by bathing and changing sanitary napkins frequently.
-Use alcohol swabs after urination and bowel movements to prevent infection and speed healing.
-Take warm baths in plain water.
-Sit on a pillow or use a "donut cushion" made for people with hemorrhoids.
-Put an ice pack on the area as soon after giving birth as possible.
-Be careful not to use ice or heat if your genitals are numb from an anesthetic spray or cream—you won't be able to feel warning sensations if the temperature is too extreme.


"STOMACH-FIRMING EXERCISES"

These simple exercises can help flatten and firm your stomach after the birth of your baby. It is recommended that you do these exercises at least 3 times a week on a carpeted surface or exercise mat.






"RESUMING INTIMACY"

Experts generally recommend that you wait about 4 to 6 weeks after childbirth before resuming sexual intercourse. Of course, the recommendation may be different if you have had a cesarean section or episiotomy. It's a good idea to check with your physician to learn what is best for you.

Waiting a few weeks gives your body a chance to return to its prepregnant state. It also allows stitches to heal and helps avoid the chance of infection. When your lochia (the discharge of blood, mucus, and tissue) disappears, it is an indication that the placental site has healed. This usually signals that you are physically ready to resume intercourse.

When you return to intimate relations, you may experience slight discomfort at first. With relaxation, lubricants, and tender loving care from your partner, the discomfort won't last long. If your vagina feels a bit too relaxed and open when you become sexually active again, ask your health care professional about exercises that may help increase vaginal tone.

Some women have a decreased interest in sexual relations following delivery. This is usually due to lowered estrogen levels and the physical and emotional demands of caring for a new baby. Your partner may also have a temporary decrease in interest after being part of the birth experience or because of fear of hurting you.

Remember that sexual intimacy can reduce tensions and help build a positive self-image. Intimacy also helps affirm that you are still attractive to your partner and even releases hormones that enhance your body's return to its prepregnancy state.