- Drink as much water as you can, preferably 6-8 glasses per day.
- Call the office for any of the following:
- If you notice burning during urination or pain above your pubic bone.
- If you begin soaking a maxi pad every hour, or if you notice a foul or “bad” odor to the discharge.
- If you have a fever greater than 100.4 for 6 hours.
- Exercises: chin lifts and kegel exercises five time morning, noon, and night. You can take short walks after the first week home and gradually increase the length of your walk. Please do not begin a vigorous exercise program until your 6-week postpartum appointment. Swimming is allowed when your bleeding has completely stopped.
- If you have stitches or hemorrhoids, you may soak your bottom in a warm bath 3 times a day. You may add a cup of Dreft laundry detergent to speed the healing. You may take a tub bath when your bleeding has completely stopped.
- Your body is healing. Protein and adequate vitamin C (at least 500mg a day) will help. Citrus fruits are the best source of vitamin C.
- Continue taking your prenatal vitamins.
- If friends or relatives want to help, be specific about your requests. You need clean laundry,meals, help with older children and a clean bathroom. Ask for help!
- You may notice night sweats. These are normal – it is your body retnrning to its non-pregnant state.
- If you had an epidural, expect some swelling in your lower extremities on day 3-5. The swelling will go down by drinking extra water and position changes:
- Call the office during your first week home to schedule your 6-week postpartum appointment.
- If you have discomfort, but not enough to take the prescription medication, you can take OTC Motrin 600mg every 6 hours, or 8OO mg every 8 hours. (Most aTC tabs are 200mg, so that will be 3-4 tablets.)
- It is not uncommon to cry easily or be emotional for the first 7-10 days. If it lingers for more than 2 weeks, call the office.
- Most of all, enjoy the new addition to your family!
