Postpartum Essentials

YOUR BELLY 

If you think you’re going to be out of those maternity pants before leaving the hospital, think again. On average, it takes 6-8 weeks for your uterus to go back to its pre-pregnancy size (now that doesn’t mean, YOU will go back to your pre-pregnancy size… and THAT’S OKAY!) So all those cute videos of big brothers and sisters asking their mama why their belly is still big are totally accurate. Your belly will still be big, you will still look pregnant, and that is beautiful! Just be sure to wear the most comfy things for a happy healing!

BLEEDING STAGES 

On average the healing process takes between 6-8 weeks with different stages of bleeding within those weeks. 

Stage 1:  Lochia Rubra lasts for 3-4 days postpartum and is usually a bright or dark red color. The first few days are the heaviest and you’ll often see small clots. (no larger than a quarter) You’ll probably feel cramping as your uterus is shrinking. (breastfeeding actually helps this along) Remember! Anything larger than a quarter – talk to your doctor.

Stage 2: Lochia Serosa can last for about 2 weeks after delivery and is usually a pinkish brownish color. In this stage your bleeding will lighten and you might still see some clots, but they should be very small.

Stage 3: Lochia Alba is the last stage, which can last 2-6 weeks. At this point you will notice a whitish yellow color with some occasional spotting of blood. Mostly what you’re seeing is white blood cells leaving your body after helping your uterus heal. How beautiful is that?! 

Don’t be alarmed if any of these things last slightly longer than expected, as that is the experience I had! But of course, reach out to your doctor if anything feels weird, you know your body best! Two of my favorite products that really help with the bleeding are… 

Frida Mom Peri Bottle – I specifically liked this type of peri bottle as opposed to others (like the one you get at the hospital) because of its angled neck. So much easier to get everything nice and clean. Pro tip: use slightly warm water, it’s much more soothing. 

Always Discreet Adult Diapers – I preferred wearing these to the pads because nothing slipped or moved ever! It’s all “built in”, I guess you could say. It’s super easy to line the diaper with witch hazel pads or foam and just pull them up. You do however have to fully take your bottoms off to change yourself, so if you plan to go out and about during this time, just be aware of that! I even wore these when I just had some slight bleeding because of how much more comfortable they were than underwear and pads or liners! 

PAIN MANAGEMENT (swelling and itching) 

Cooling Pad Liners – I remember being in the hospital and the angel of a postpartum nurse helped me make my very first “pad-sicle.” Now, if you don’t know what that is, it’s basically what it sounds like, an ice pack pad that goes in your diaper to help ease your pain, postpartum. (Frida makes the most wonderful easy version of these) But I also remember another nurse. I had almost used up all the ice packs and I asked if there was a way I could get more. She responded by saying something along the lines of, “Oh, sure, normally you only use 1 or 2 of those and then you don’t need it anymore.” I was a little embarrassed because I felt like I still needed it, I still had pain, why would I not use it? Luckily I brushed it off and reminded myself that I know my body best and continued to use them, even when I got home. I especially wore them at night because it soothed the pain allowing me to fall asleep a little easier. 

Witch Hazel Healing Foam or Witch Hazel Pads – These are both great tools to help with the pain and swelling as well! Add them on top of your pad liner or inside your diaper for an extra layer of cooling. I especially loved the foam when I wore the diapers because it was so easy to do a few pumps of foam and be on my way! 

Dermoplast pain spray – This is probably my #1 product for the pain and itching! It’s so easy to use and gives instant relief. Not only was it great during the early stages of healing but it also became my best friend in the later stages. Something that I completely didn’t think about in regards to the healing process was what was going to happen when the stitches began to dissolve. I’ve never had stitches anywhere before, let alone down there, so I simply didn’t know. I found myself googling “vaginal stitches itchy” because I truly didn’t expect it. Just know this is totally normal and temporary! 

No matter if you’re early pregnant and doing research, about to deliver and doing last minute shopping, or have already delivered and are looking for some advice, please remember how incredibly beautiful your body is and how amazingly strong you are. Women are real life super heroes! 

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