5 things to know about recovery from a vaginal birth
So what does recovery actually look like after a vaginal birth? This isn’t exactly on the agenda at your baby shower.
Here are five things you should know so that you can prioritize your healing during this delicate and vulnerable time:
Photo Credit: Evidence Based Birth
1. All the cramping and bleeding? That’s a part of the healing. ⚠️
The bloody, mucousy discharge you see through postpartum — that’s lochia. It comes from the wound where the placenta detached from the uterine wall. Cramping is a sign the uterus is shrinking, releasing that discharge as it’s healing. Lochia tends to last for up to 6 weeks. If it gets heavier or brighter at any point, that’s a good sign to slow down and rest. Call your provider if you're soaking a pad in an hour while laying down, you have a fever, a foul smelling odor, or any clots larger than a golf ball.
2. Oh My! Sweat? Gas? Hemorrhoids? 💨
Sweating is a way the body releases excess fluids built up during pregnancy and labor. Gassiness comes from the digestive organs having room again and the pelvic muscles being a little extra loose. Hemorrhoids are often caused by straining to poop (or pushing a baby out). Witch hazel pads and creams can help. You can also use a sitz bath for use 2-3 times a day for 10 min. The hospital should provide you with a sitz bath to bring home.
3. Prepared bathroom trips are good bathroom trips. 🚽
First pee or poop? You’ve got this! Prepare with sitz bath mixes, peri bottles with warm water or herbal mixes, warm compresses, and frozen maxi pads. If you had a catheter or any tears, it’s normal for peeing to sting a bit. If you've got stage fright, use a pad and hold it on the perineum to apply pressure as you’re pushing, then remove and stool will go out the body. This will reduce strain on those sensitive parts. Take your time, be encouraged you’ll heal more each day, and when in doubt ask a professional.
4. Caring for your perineum. 💦
Ice packs or frozen maxi pads can reduce swelling and offer relief, while heat encourages blood flow, healing and tissue regeneration (some traditions suggest avoiding cold). Warm baths a few times a day (skip soap, but pour the sitz bath mix!) is comforting and healing. Just peed? Squirt with a peri bottle and gentle pats to dry! These routines support healing, along with any instructions your care provider provides.
5. You’re not in it alone.📞
Having someone to help with dishes, laundry, and tidying — or just to talk to after sleepless hours with your sweet (crying) babe can make a world of a difference. Don’t hesitate to delegate and reach out for help! Seriously.
❤️Bring in your village of helpers—neighbors, friends, family members.
❤️Take a childbirth and labor class (like this one) so you know what to expect and how to cope.
❤️Take a 1-hour postpartum planning session with Boston Area Doulas.
❤️Hire a labor doula for physical, emotional and educational support.
❤️Hire a postpartum doula. Since it will be 4-8 weeks until your first OB post-birth visit, ur doula’s check-ins offer a more timely opportunity to ask questions or express concerns. They’ll ask, “how is your head? Your heart? And your bottom?”
About the Author: Kathleen Stern, the founder of Boston Area Doulas, is a certified infant feeding specialist, and labor and postpartum doula. She believes in the power of support, connection, increasing access to resources and increasing one’s confidence in parenthood. She lives in Boston with her two girls and husband.
