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In a recent episode of the Healthful Woman podcast, “Recovery from Vaginal and Cesarean Delivery,” Podcast host Dr. Nathan Fox and Dr. Sara Kostant discussed the early stages of recovery for new mothers after delivery. In this episode, she and Dr. Nathan Fox explain what patients and their loved ones can expect immediately after delivery through the first postpartum visit. This includes care for vaginal and perineal tearing, swelling, breastfeeding, and more.

The First Days After Delivery

Immediately after childbirth, the body begins its healing process. Labor can involve significant blood loss, strain, and tears. Dr. Fox shares that he begins discussing recovery even before the epidural wears off, so patients know what to expect. Dr. Kostant typically recommends Motrin or Tylenol around the clock for the first couple of days after a vaginal or Cesarean delivery to reduce cramping, perineal, or Incisional pain.  Narcotic pain medications are provided in the hospital if needed. Patients who have a vaginal delivery are less likely to need narcotic pain medications than patients who had a Cesarean; however, patients with more severe vaginal tears may need narcotic medications as well.  These pain medications can be used while breastfeeding.   Good pain control help patients walk sooner after delivery, which can prevent medical complications after delivery, and also help them enjoy bonding with their newborn.

Many women with vaginal tears are nervous about caring for this area, and using the bathroom for the first time after delivery. Patients are encouraged to rinse the perineal area with a spray bottle after using the bathroom rather than wiping.  This cleans the area, often provides relief of discomfort, and helps prevent infection.

Swelling in the legs is common in patients who receive IV fluids in labor.  However, the swelling should appear evenly in both legs and the calves should not be painful.  The swelling should not be “pitting”, where pressing a finger into the skin leaves a mark.  If swelling gets worse, or calves are painful, patients should reach out to their doctor right away. Walking and compression socks can help reduce swelling, and this can sometimes take a week to resolve.

Within a few days after delivery, many new mothers also notice their milk coming in. Lactation consultants are available in the hospital to help patients breastfeed; some are available to do consults at home.  Dr. Kostant reassures patients that a newborn’s stomach is very small, so frequent but small feedings are normal.

Recovery After Vaginal Delivery

Before discharging a patient after a vaginal delivery, Dr. Kostant evaluates pain management, bleeding, mood, and emotional well-being, and whether the patient has support at home. Those who experienced a longer labor or extended pushing may need more time to feel normal compared to someone with a shorter delivery.

Fatigue and feeling run-down are common, and sleep deprivation can make normal recovery symptoms feel worse. Dr. Kostant says that by the six-week postpartum visit, “from a physical standpoint, by then most women are pleasantly surprised” at how much better they feel-however, the recovery period continues after this. Women who had a more complicated delivery may not feel fully healed by the 6 week visit, and may need additional visits after this.

Recovery After Cesarean Delivery

Women who have spinal anesthetic for their C section will have additional pain control the first 24 hours from medications used in the spinal. Dr. Kostant advises taking Motrin regularly and using narcotics while still in the hospital to manage pain effectively. She reassures mothers that only trace amounts of prescription medication transfer into breast milk and that it is safe to breastfeed while taking these pain medications.

Dr. Kostant also works to inform patients about the C-section incision, explaining how to care for this area so the healing process feels less intimidating. Most patients will use prescription pain medication for about a week, though recovery may vary. Those who resume activity sooner may need medication slightly longer. Women who have a Cesarean will have more lifting restrictions than women who had a vaginal delivery until their 6 week visit.

Learn More

To learn more about postpartum recovery, listen to the full episode of the Healthful Woman podcast. For more information on postpartum care, contact Maternal Fetal Medicine Associates today by completing the online contact form.

Maternal Fetal Medicine blogs are intended for educational purposes only and do not replace certified professional care. Medical conditions vary and change frequently. Please ask your doctor any questions you may have regarding your condition to receive a proper diagnosis or risk analysis. Thank you!