You Shouldn't Do These 12 Things After Giving Birth
Medically reviewed by Alyssa Dweck, MS, MD, FACOGMedically reviewed by Alyssa Dweck, MS, MD, FACOGAfter having a baby, you might feel like your body has gone through the wringer. You're physically uncomfortable, and you're balancing new parenting responsibilities with the urge to collapse into bed from sleep deprivation. Your body is trying to tell you something important: take it easy during those first few weeks postpartum.Regardless of whether you had a vaginal birth or a C-section, you need time to heal from birth, and you shouldn't feel guilty for taking care of your needs alongside the needs of your baby. To help your postpartum journey, we assembled 12 things you should not be doing after giving birth. Follow these expert-approved pieces of advice, and you will transition to parenthood without compromising your healing along the way.
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1. Don't Put Anything in the Vagina for About 6 Weeks After giving birth, you should allow your uterus time to heal and return to its original shape and size. This takes about six weeks. Avoid putting anything in your vagina during this time to prevent infection; this includes tampons, menstrual cups, and douches.Likewise, having penetrative sex is off limits too, says Suzy Lipinski, MD, a board-certified OB-GYN and medical director at Pediatrix Medical Group in Colorado. “This is because the cervix opens a little with delivery, even if you have a C-section, and bacteria can travel up into the uterus and cause infection.”2. Don't Overwork Your BodyAvoid doing more than your body can handle after birth, especially when it comes to postpartum exercise or heavy housework. In fact, you should steer clear of strenuous exercise for about six weeks, says Rikki Baldwin, DO, a board-certified OB-GYN with Memorial Hermann in Texas. “I recommend gentle stretches and walking for physical activity,” she says. “This helps with healing and not straining the pelvic floor muscles and the rest of the body.” Your health care provider will let you know when you can do high-impact movements again.3. Don't SmokeNewborn exposure to second-hand smoke is the only modifiable risk factor for SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome), says Dr. Lipinksi. “It's thought that exposure to secondhand smoke or maternal smoking in pregnancy causes an altered cardiovascular response in newborns," she says. "There is also an impaired response to increased carbon dioxide exposure.”What's more, babies continue to develop their organs after birth, especially their lungs and brains, adds Dr. Baldwin. “Secondhand smoke interferes with this development and can increase their risks of infections and SIDS.”Secondhand smoke exposure also has been linked to ear infections, respiratory tract illness, and asthma in babies. Even cognitive performance can be impacted by exposure to secondhand smoke.4. Don't Skip MealsAlthough you're primarily focused on feeding your newborn, you should be mindful of your own nutrition too, says Carolyn Kuhn, MD, a board-certified OB-GYN at Rush University System for Health in Chicago. “A well-balanced diet is essential during the postpartum recovery period to provide energy necessary for physical healing and lactation.”Dr. Kuhn suggests developing a meal plan that includes the following:Protein for tissue repair and muscle strengthIron to replenish blood stores after deliveryCalcium for bone strength, which decreases during pregnancy and breastfeedingVitamins and minerals for wound healing and immune functionFiber for digestive health and to relieve postpartum constipationComplex carbohydrates for sustained energyWater for hydration, overall health, and breastfeeding5. Don't Ignore Signs of Postpartum DepressionThe first few weeks postpartum involve many changes in the body, including hormonal and physical adjustments. Many people experience feelings of sadness called the baby blues, says Melanie Lagomichos, MD, an OB-GYN, obstetric and gynecology clerkship director, and assistant professor at TCU Burnett School of Medicine. If symptoms are severe or last longer than a few weeks, you may have postpartum depression.According to Dr. Lagomichos, early signs of postpartum depression can include:Extreme sadnessExcessive cryingDifficulty sleepingMood swingsLack of energy or fatigueWithdrawal from social settingsTrouble concentratingAppetite changesFeelings of guilt, worthlessness, or hopelessnessTrouble bonding with the babyIrritability and angerRestlessnessThoughts of harming yourself or others“Try not to ignore these early symptoms of postpartum depression,” says Dr. Lagomichos. “Internalizing your feelings and not asking for help early on can isolate you in the postpartum period." Your health care provider can set you up with proper resources and treatment. Dr. Kuhn suggests reaching out to the Postpartum Support International (PSI) Hotline by calling or texting 1-800-944-4773. You also can call or text the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline at 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262).
6. Don’t Reject Offers for HelpCaring for a newborn is not easy, and trying to handle it alone isn't recommended. “Ask for help when you need it and call your doctor with questions or concerns," says Dr. Lipinski. "This is a stressful time, and you will need the support of friends and family.”Likewise, if a loved one offers to help you, let them. They can bring meals, assist with laundry, care for your baby while you nap, or anything else you might need.Remember, the postpartum period is such a major time of hormonal fluctuations, physical pain, exhaustion, sleep deprivation, and, oftentimes, anemia and vitamin depletion, says Dr. Kuhn. Having a strong support network is key to navigating it all.7. Don’t Neglect Self-Care When you have a newborn, all of the feedings and diaper changes can make it feel like you’re on call 24/7. But you shouldn't neglect your own body during this time—it has been through a lot in the past few months.Pay attention to how you feel and listen to cues that you need to slow down. Overdoing it after birth can lead to increased bleeding or injury. New parents can also feel overwhelmed if they don't take a breather.Sleep when your baby is asleep and take naps when other people are around to care for the baby, suggests Dr. Lipinski. “It's OK if things aren’t perfect. Your body needs to recover and you need to take care of yourself.”8. Don’t Lift Heavy ThingsDon't lift anything heavy during the postpartum period, especially the first few weeks after birth. Doing so can cause a hernia or possibly damage your sutures that haven't completely healed yet, says Dr. Lagomichos“Initially, I recommend that patients avoid lifting anything greater than 15 to 20 pounds, or around the weight of your baby in the car seat,” she says. “Once this starts to feel more comfortable, you can progress from there." Keep in mind that guidance differs depending on your delivery method and complications; ask your health care provider for their recommendations.9. Don’t Forget to Use Birth ControlMost OB-GYNs advise against sexual intercourse for up to six weeks postpartum. Once you're ready to have sex again, use an effective form of birth control—even if you're breastfeeding. “A common misconception is that you won’t be able to conceive while breastfeeding,” says Dr. Lagomichos. “However, this is false and [breastfeeding] should not be used as a reliable form of birth control.”Dr. Lagomichos recommends allowing your body to recover for at least 18 months before attempting a new pregnancy. “This is not only important for your physical health, but also for your mental health," she says.Your body needs adequate time to recover after birth, and becoming pregnant too soon can be dangerous, adds Dr. Baldwin. “Short interval pregnancies can increase the risk of preterm delivery and complications for the next pregnancy.”10. Don’t Ignore Worrisome SymptomsThere's a certain amount of pain and discomfort expected postpartum, but severe symptoms might raise red flags. Dr. Lagomichos recommends calling your doctor right away if you experience worrisome symptoms, including the following:Postpartum bleeding that soaks pads every hourBlood clots larger than the size of an eggAny temperature above 100.4 degrees FahrenheitSignificant pain The opening of an incision site or discharging pus or drainage from an incision A strange odor Inability to urinate or having pain with urinationSevere headache or blurry visionChest pain, shortness of breath, or pain in the upper right quadrant Elevated blood pressure above 140 systolic or 90 diastolic11. Don’t Compare Yourself to OthersSocial media can be a great way to gather information, but it can also be a dangerous trap, especially if you start down the slippery slope of comparing yourself to others. For example, if you come across overly aesthetic videos about parenting, you might feel like you don't "live up to expectations."Research has also shown that postpartum parents are particularly vulnerable to body dissatisfaction, especially if they see unrealistic images of others after childbirth. This might cause you to feel frustrated and jealous, and it could undermine your postpartum experience and recovery.Instead, resist the comparison game—or even better, avoid using social media altogether—until your baby is a little older and you’ve had time to recover.12. Don’t Forget to Celebrate Your Postpartum VictoriesDuring the postpartum period, you deserve to enjoy every snuggle, bask in that newborn baby smell, and stay in bed as much as you need to feel human again. And don't forget to celebrate your little victories along the way. Things like taking a shower, having a successful nursing session, going on a walk, asking for help, or eating a nutrient-packed lunch are all worth celebrating. It's important to feel victorious about what you're accomplishing, no matter how small or insignificant it may seem. For more Parents news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on Parents.
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