A certified nurse midwife, Barbara Bechtel heads Dahlia Midwifery in Brooklyn New York. As part of her work as a midwife, Barbara Bechtel helps women through the birthing process and provides postpartum care during recovery.
The time period after giving birth can present many emotional and physical challenges. For instance, while you might want to focus on caring for and getting to know the new baby, take care to get enough rest. Letting others pitch in and help around the house, especially during the early days after giving birth, can be a great help, as can lying down for naps while the baby sleeps. While friends and family members might be eager to spend time with the baby, long visits might be a better idea later on in the recovery period.
Additionally, a number of physical changes are to be expected as the body recovers from the birth. For instance, cramping, vaginal discharge, and swelling of the feet might occur. Women often experience muscle soreness in areas such as the jaw and arm due to the strain of the birth. Many women also find that they urinate more frequently, since the birthing process frequently affects the bladder nerves and muscles. With time and the support and monitoring of a health professional, these and other physical effects lessen as the body returns to normal.
The time period after giving birth can present many emotional and physical challenges. For instance, while you might want to focus on caring for and getting to know the new baby, take care to get enough rest. Letting others pitch in and help around the house, especially during the early days after giving birth, can be a great help, as can lying down for naps while the baby sleeps. While friends and family members might be eager to spend time with the baby, long visits might be a better idea later on in the recovery period.
Additionally, a number of physical changes are to be expected as the body recovers from the birth. For instance, cramping, vaginal discharge, and swelling of the feet might occur. Women often experience muscle soreness in areas such as the jaw and arm due to the strain of the birth. Many women also find that they urinate more frequently, since the birthing process frequently affects the bladder nerves and muscles. With time and the support and monitoring of a health professional, these and other physical effects lessen as the body returns to normal.