How to Recover From Labor and Delivery

You've spent your entire pregnancy learning about the baby growing inside you, preparing your home for the new arrival and bracing yourself for childbirth. You've considered how you'll care for your newborn and perhaps even thought about what type of parent you want to be. That's all important, but you may not have given much thought to what state you'll be in immediately after labor and delivery. It's crucial that you spent a little time thinking about how you'll survive the physical and emotional aftermath of childbirth.

Instructions

    • 1

      Prepare yourself for the physical changes you're likely to notice after labor and delivery. Your breasts may be sore and uncomfortable for several days when your milk comes in. Bowel movements may be difficult and painful a few days after delivery. If your perineum was torn or had to be cut by your doctor during childbirth, it may be painful until it heals, particularly when sitting or walking. Your uterus continues to contract for a few days after delivery, which is more apparent during nursing. If you gave birth by cesarean section, you may experience some pain around your wound area and find certain positions uncomfortable.

    • 2

      Take care of your physical health after labor and delivery. Drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration and constipation. The USDA's Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends 8 to 10 glasses per day. KidsHealth.org suggests having a glass of water every time you feed your baby to meet your fluid intake needs. Eat a healthy, balanced diet that includes plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, lean protein and whole grains. New mothers should eat at least 1,800 calories per day, says the Association of Reproductive Health Professionals, and an extra 500 calories is recommended for breastfeeding moms. Get plenty of rest. Whenever your baby sleeps, you should sleep too, whether it's day or night. Take all pain medications prescribed by your doctor.

    • 3

      Expect to go through some emotional highs and lows in the days and weeks following childbirth. Many new moms experience the "baby blues" (sadness, anxiety, irritability and tearfulness), which normally go away within a week or so. Ten to 25 percent of new moms suffer from postpartum depression, according to KidsHealth.org. This is more serious than the baby blues and can be diagnosed up to a year after childbirth. Common symptoms are mood swings, anxiety, guilt and ongoing sadness.

    • 4

      Create a strong support network for yourself. Ask for help from family members and friends if you feel overwhelmed. Leaving your baby for half an hour to go for a walk, relax with a magazine or listen to music can help lift your mood and allow you to feel in control. If you don't want to leave your baby with anyone yet, ask for help with grocery shopping or other errands. Don't put pressure on yourself to keep up with housework or cook every meal from scratch. Make your baby's and your own well-being your priorities right now.

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