1. Will my period/menstrual flow change after giving
birth?
A. Once a woman's period returns after having a baby, they
commonly do not experience any change in their periods, since the
body generally returns to its pre-pregnant state by the sixth week
after childbirth. However, if you find that you are having problems
with your periods e.g. a heavier flow or increased cramping, then
it is a good idea to discuss this with your doctor.
2. Can I wear tampons after having a baby?
A. While most of us may prefer to use tampons, it is not
recommended in the early weeks after having a baby. This is because
your cervix or neck of the womb is still partially open and the
placental site has not healed, making you vulnerable to infection.
Wearing a tampon will only add to you vulnerability and increase
your risk of getting an infection.
Therefore, wearing maternity pads are the best choice. They are
specifically designed for this time of your life and will offer you
the best protection.
3. How long will I bleed for after my baby is born?
A. Whatever type of birth you have had, you will bleed from the
vagina, because the special lining of the uterus (womb) is no
longer needed. The colour should gradually lighten from bright red
to pink/brown and by the tenth day it should be a whitish yellow.
It should stop entirely after three to four weeks.
Notify your midwife or doctor if the discharge has a foul smell
(the discharge should have the same smell as your normal menstrual
flow); if a large clot is passed on more than one occasion or if
you are worried about anything to do with the amount or consistency
of your blood loss.
4. Can you give me some tips to help with pain/swelling around
my vagina after birth?
A. Sometimes it is bruising that causes the discomfort. This can
be relieved with ice packs applied to the area for the first few
days after delivery. The following are some other comfort measures
that you may find useful to help reduce the pain and/or
swelling:
- Wear loose clothing and cotton underwear.
- Change your maternity pad regularly to help prevent
infection
- Avoid constipation by eating plenty of fibre and drinking
water.
- It is important to commence regular, gentle exercise e.g. going
for a walk with your baby and to do pelvic floor exercises as
instructed by your doctor or midwife, as this will improve
circulation and healing.
- Inform your midwife or doctor if the pain or swelling is
causing you a lot of discomfort.
5. After having my baby when will my period return?
If you are not breastfeeding your baby, your next period will
probably start two to four weeks following the birth. However, if
you are breastfeeding, you may not have any periods until your baby
is weaned
6. Can I become pregnant even before my periods have
returned?
A. Yes, most definitely. If this is not what you want then it is
a good idea to have a chat with your doctor or midwife about the
most suitable method of contraception for you and your partner.
7. Do you have less blood flow after a caesarean section and
why/why not?
A. Interestingly, the amount you bleed from the vagina after
having a caesarean birth should be about the same as if you had a
vaginal birth. This is because it is the lining of the womb that is
being shed and the type of birth that you have will not alter
this.
8. I find when I breastfeed that my blood loss gets heavier -
is this usual?
A. Yes, many women experience an increase in flow when they are
actually breastfeeding, as the hormones released by the stimulation
of breastfeeding encourage the womb to contract. This is why
breastfeeding is thought to help you get your figure back more
quickly!
9. Can you explain why my flow seems to change during the
day?
A. Most women find the flow will vary throughout the day. It
usually increases when you stand up after lying down for a while.
You may have less discharge at night when you are lying down, but
the flow might suddenly increase just after standing up in the
morning, as a result of gravity. If you are breastfeeding you may
notice the flow increasing as you actually breastfeed your baby.
You may also pass some clots, though they shouldn't be too big. If
you are concerned about anything to do with the amount or
consistency of blood loss, then talk to your midwife or doctor.
10. Why does it sting when I go to the toilet?
A. During the birth of your baby you may have had some grazes or
a tear to the skin around the vaginal opening. These grazes are
usually the cause of the stinging when you pass urine during the
first few days following childbirth. It is very important to:
- Keep the area clean and dry.
- Change your maternity pad regularly to avoid infection
- After every visit to the toilet, always wipe from the front to
the back, wash yourself with plain water and dry gently with toilet
tissue.
- Drink plenty of water to dilute the urine.
You should find that the stinging will go away after a few days.
However, if it persists it could mean that you could have a urinary
infection. Always report any signs of a urinary infection to your
midwife or doctor such as frequency, a temperature, persistent
burning or stinging when passing urine.
11. Do you have more blood loss if you have twins?
A. You may have a slightly heavier blood loss though it
shouldn't exceed a maternity pad per 3 - 4 hours. If it does exceed
this, then advise your midwife or doctor.
12. What is the best way to care for my stiches after having a
tear or episiotomy during the delivery?
A. During the birth you may have had a natural tear or an
episiotomy and required stitches. These can be quite sore for
several days. The stitches don't have to be taken out; they should
dissolve on their own. To follow are some general tips on relieving
the painful area and how to avoid problems:
- Keep the area clean and dry.
- Change your maternity pad regularly to avoid infection
- After every visit to the toilet, always wipe from the front to
the back, wash yourself with plain water and dry with toilet
tissue.
- It may be helpful to use a hairdryer to the area for a few
seconds to ensure it is dry after showering.
- Ice packs applied to your stitches for the first few days after
delivery should help to reduce swelling.
- Wear loose clothing and cotton underwear.
- Avoid constipation by eating plenty of fibre and drinking
water.
- When your bowels open it is a good idea to avoid straining and
hold a clean maternity pad over the stitches to support them.
- It is important to do pelvic floor exercises regularly and
gentle exercise, as this will improve circulation and healing.
- Inform your midwife or doctor if your stitches are causing you
a lot of pain or discomfort.
13. What should I do if I experience heavy clotting or heavy
bleeding?
A. It is very important that you report this to your midwife or
doctor. This should always be investigated. Keep track of how many
maternity pads you use a day and the approximate number/size of the
clots that you pass, as it is likely that you may be asked for this
information.
14. How can I avoid constipation after having my baby?
A. Whilst it is common not to have a bowel motion for a few days
after delivery, many women find that constipation is a problem in
the early days. This can be due to a number of factors e.g. fear of
going to the toilet if you have stiches. In order to avoid
constipation a high fibre diet, drinking plenty of water and gentle
regular exercise such as walking is recommended. If you are
experiencing pain in the perineum (area between the vagina and
anus) it is a good idea to take pain relief medication as
recommended by your midwife or doctor e.g. paracetamol, before
passing a bowel motion. It may feel more comfortable if a clean
maternity pad is held against the perineum (area between the vagina
and anus) when passing a bowel motion. If the condition persists
report this to your midwife or doctor.
15. Can you tell me what my 6-week check-up will be all
about?
A. Generally about 6 weeks after you have had your baby, your
doctor should check that your body has more or less returned to its
pre-pregnant state and that any problems are identified. Here are
some of things that he/she will be checking/examining:
- Your abdomen will be examined to check that your womb has
returned to its pre-pregnancy size.
- If you had a Caesarean section the wound site will be
examined.
- The area between your vagina and anus will examined
particularly if you have had stitches to check for healing.
- You will probably be offered a cervical smear test if you have
not had one in the last two years. It is wise to take this
opportunity to have a smear test if you have not had one
recently.
- You will be given an opportunity to discuss family planning and
the various methods of contraception. Even if you are
breastfeeding, you can still get pregnant.
- You will probably be asked about your energy levels and your
mood/emotions.
- Bring your baby, as the doctor will probably have a look at him
or her also.
- You should be given a chance to discuss any worries or
concerns. Try not to be embarrassed as the problem may not go away
without treatment and there are solutions. You will not be the only
new mum feeling as you do.
Remember, if you have any concerns or worries it is
really important that you consult a health professional e.g. your
midwife, obstetrician, G.P., or the nurse at your local Early
Childhood Health Centre. Many women encounter difficulties after
childbirth so don't be embarrassed to tell them.
Author: Rosemarie Bartels, Midwife. Note: The author does not
accept any liability for any advice given in this general
information site. All information in this article is intended for
your general knowledge. It is not a substitute for professional
medical advice or treatment. You should at all times seek prompt
medical advice on any health matter, however minor, that concerns
you. Resources used to support this information:
Bibliography
- Henderson, S., & MacDonald, C. (2004). Mayes'
Midwifery: A textbook for midwives. (13th ed.). Sydney: Bailliere
Tindall.
- Fraser, D. and Cooper A. (Eds). (2003). Myles Textbook
for Midwives. Sydney: Churchill Livingstone.