Things to Consider After Childbirth

Things to Consider After Childbirth

Just like during pregnancy, we need to pay attention to some serious matters during the postpartum period. Nowadays, it is necessary to spend 1 day in the hospital after a normal birth and 2 days after a cesarean section. Mothers who go home after giving birth are free to eat and drink whatever they want and is not bothersome. Doctors recommend eating foods rich in protein and fresh, clean vegetables and fruits. If the mother is breastfeeding, she should consume between 2600 and 3000 calories per day. Mothers who go home after childbirth, whether by cesarean or normal birth, are advised to rest, which is the most important recommendation. However, by rest, do not mean lying down constantly. Doing simple household chores and walking around slowly at home supports blood circulation and significantly increases self-confidence.

If you do not want your baby to deal with issues like constipation after they are born, supplement your baby's diet with fibrous foods and plenty of fluids. These will also be very beneficial for your baby.

A shower is recommended on the 3rd day after a cesarean section, but immediately after a normal birth. If you do not strain yourself while bathing, water will not enter the vaginal area. Washing the vaginal area is a risky activity. The "episiotomy," which is opened and then stitched during normal birth, usually occurs on the right side of the vagina. However, if your doctor is left-handed, they will stitch the left side of the vagina. Do not put too much weight on the stitched area while sitting or lying down. Another recommendation from doctors is to strengthen your abdominal muscles after childbirth. Exercises are recommended for this. However, you need to wait 6 weeks to start exercising, and you should avoid exercises that may strain your abdominal muscles. It is quite normal to experience a decrease in sexual desire after childbirth. Doctors attribute this to psychological reasons. However, your desires will return to normal by the end of the 12th week. Sexual intercourse is appropriate 25 days after childbirth. During breastfeeding, the "prolactin hormone," which means milk hormone, will be secreted at high levels, causing a significant increase in estrogen hormones. This increase can lead to vaginal dryness. If your complaints increase, it will be beneficial to contact your doctor.