What you need to know about post-birth care and support

Recovering from birth

This is a unique experience that every new mum will feel differently. Your midwife and healthcare team will guide you through this stage, but there are some things to be prepared for.  

Bleeding 

Postnatal vaginal bleeding (also known as lochia) is normal in the days and weeks after giving birth, whether you’ve had a vaginal birth or a caesarean section (C-section). It’s important to understand when to check in with a healthcare professional. Heavy bleeding is expected at first, especially if you’re breastfeeding. It will eventually darken in colour to a brownish shade and become lighter in flow until it stops. If you notice you’re losing blood in large clots, contact your midwife or GP. Use high absorbency sanitary pads for at least the first six weeks, rather than tampons.  

Bladder control 

You might find you don’t have as much control over your bladder after birth. If you notice you’re leaking urine, particularly when you laugh, cough, or sneeze, pelvic floor exercises could help. This video from the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy is recommended by the NHS to learn how to do pelvic floor exercises. 

Piles (haemorrhoids) 

Piles can be very common soon after birth but usually disappear after a few days or weeks. Eating a diet rich in fibre and drinking plenty of water will help as this should make going to the toilet more regular and less painful. Opt for wholegrain cereals and wholemeal bread, plenty of fresh fruit, salad, and vegetables. Explore our range of piles and haemorrhoids products in our Health & Wellness Shop here.

Coping with stitches 

If you experienced a tear during vaginal labour or had a procedure called an episiotomy (small cut between your vagina and bottom to assist with your baby’s delivery), stitches are common. They may cause some discomfort that can be managed with over-the-counter pain relief, but if you’re finding they’re painful, speak to your midwife. Bathe them daily to help minimise the chance of infection and gently pat the area dry after a bath or shower. Your midwife or GP will let you know if your stiches are the type to dissolve on their own or if they’ll need removing by a healthcare professional.

Breastfeeding

If you decide to breastfeed, you may have done some research before having your baby and had support from your midwife. There is a lot of additional guidance and support to help you with positioning and attachment, expressing, and tackling any problems you might run into. Speak to your GP surgery or midwife about local support groups. Some areas have peer support volunteers who are also mums who have breastfed. They can provide support over the phone, online, or sometimes face-to-face. There may also be drop-in groups you can attend and other forms of support available. It’s good to find out what’s available locally so you know where to go for help and advice if you need it.  

There are a range of products available to help ease discomfort and support breastfeeding. Like postnatal recovery, breastfeeding is an individual journey so what works for you and your baby will be unique to you. Speak to other mums and your midwife or health visitor about your experience.  

Remember the saying, fed is best. Whether you choose to bottle feed or breastfeed, the most important thing is that you and your baby are physically and mentally well, and your baby is gaining weight as they should be. You’ll find a range of bottle-feeding products and accessories in our Pharmacy Shop if you decide to express your breastmilk or use infant formula.

Cramps or afterpains

You might experience cramps or afterpains after having your baby as your uterus contracts to gradually return to size. These may last for a couple of days, but over-the-counter pain relief can ease any discomfort. Always follow the guidance on the pack and speak to your pharmacist, midwife, or GP if you’re breastfeeding.

Mood changes

Emotional ups and downs in the days and weeks after your baby is born are very common due to hormonal changes after birth. Often referred to as ‘baby blues’, many women experience sadness, fatigue, and feeling tearful around a week or two after giving birth. Again, everyone will experience these feelings differently, and if you find you’re not coping or you’re concerned about your mental wellbeing, speak to your midwife, health visitor, or GP about what support options are available.  

Sex after birth

It’s possible to get pregnant again as little as three weeks after giving birth, so consider what contraception you’ll use after having your baby. Your midwife or healthcare professional will talk to you about recovery time before having sex again, although it’s broadly recommended to wait at least six weeks to allow for the internal wound where your placenta was attached to heal. You’ll most likely have a post-birth health check around six weeks, so if you have questions about sex after birth, this is a good time to ask. Remember, your body has been through a significant amount of physical and emotional change during pregnancy and labour, and when you feel ready to have sex again will be a personal decision for you.    

Diet and nutrition

This may not be your top priority after giving birth, but your health and wellbeing are important too. A balanced diet with plenty of nutrients plays a key role in your physical and mental recovery after birth. If friends and family members are offering to help, consider asking them to batch cook some meals you can freeze or lean on your partner to take charge of the cooking as you adjust to life as a new mum. Keep plenty of water on hand around the house so if you’re feeding your baby, you can stay hydrated. Handy snacks like fresh fruit and nuts can be a good source of nutrition, and again, you can keep these in places you’ll regularly be with your baby so they’re easy to access.  

Sleep

There is no doubt that your sleep patterns will change. Frequent nightly wake-ups to feed or check on your baby will become the norm, so it’s important to rest when you can. That might be sleeping when your baby sleeps or getting extra support from your support network to give you time to catch up on sleep or take a bath or shower.  

Remember, the newborn phase is just that. It’s temporary and the transition should become more manageable as you develop routines that work for you and your family. You’re not on your own and it’s important to lean into the support you have available from friends and family, your healthcare team, and local postnatal services in your area.