New Mothers - Post-Natal Expectations

Although your new baby will undoubtedly provide you with intense and emotional satisfaction, you will probably be physically uncomfortable. After all, your body has gone through significant changes during pregnancy and it will take some time for your body to return to its pre-pregnancy condition. Around six weeks after the birth your medical practitioner should examine you to ensure that everything is okay with your body, this additionally provides you with the opportunity to discuss any concerns you may have and the doctor will also test your blood pressure and take a sample of your urine.

The doctor should examine your abdomen and take your blood pressure also checking that any stitches you may have had are healing correctly. An internal examination to determine the size and position of your uterus may also be conducted and you may also be referred to have cervical smear test if you are due to have one.

When your baby is born in hospital the doctor or midwife will undoubtedly talk to you about contraception before returning home. If you haven't discussed this when at the hospital, you can also discuss it during the six-week check. Don't believe the old wives tale that breastfeeding mothers do not require any contraception - this is not true.

Almost right after birth your breasts start to produce colostrum which is a high protein liquid packed with antibodies. Once your pregnancy hormones begin to decline your main milk supply will come in, normally around the third or fourth day. You will notice at this time your breast beginning to swell, feel hard and possibly painful to the touch. If they are painful bathing them with warm water can help to relieve the pain. Allowing your baby to feed frequently will also help reduce any suffering. If you have elected to bottle feed your baby your breast will remain full for 3 to 5 days following birth until they slowly stop producing milk.

Your breast may never quite be as firm as they were pre-pregnancy and a good support bra and regular exercise will help you get back into shape quickly. Following the delivery of your baby your abdomen will be quite stretched and wrinkled as a consequence of relaxed muscles and stretched skin. Gentle exercising will again help to re-establish the shape of your abdomen and vagina muscles so do remember to try and focus a few minutes every day on exercising.

Almost all mothers undergo vaginal discharge following the birth of their child. This will be akin to a very heavy period which will last couple of days. The discharge will gradually become less until it disappears completely after a couple of weeks. Have a good supply of maternity pants or large sanitary towels available to help contain the discharges.