Lochia

After the birth of your baby you will experience period like bleeding called lochia.

This can be quite heavy the first couple of days but then gradually reduces and changes colour from red to brown.

It is best to wear maternity pads at this time. Do not use tampons as these can cause infection.

If you notice a foul smell from the lochia it is important to tell your community midwife or GP and they can arrange further tests or treatment.

Please contact the maternity unit urgently if you are;

• Passing large clots bigger than the size of a £2 coin or soaking pads within 1 hour.

Prevention of infection

It is important that you maintain your personal hygiene to reduce the chances of developing an infection. Try to shower or bath daily.

You need to wash and dry your hands well before touching any wounds.

If you have vaginal sutures ensure you keep the area clean and dry, and change pads regularly, the sutures will dissolve and do not need to be removed.

If you have an abdominal wound following a caesarean birth, ensure to keep the area clean and dry. It is best to shower, until the dressing is removed. Your community midwife will check that your wound is healing but if it becomes red, inflamed or omits a foul smell, you will need to inform either your midwife or GP.

Please contact the maternity unit urgently;

• If you have a high temperature above 38 degrees Celsius
• Or you feel flu-like – hot/cold or shivery with aches and pains as this may be the sign of infection.

 Breast engorgement

Many women experience temporary changes to their breasts. They may feel a little tender but this should start to ease by day 5. Wearing a supportive bra and taking analgesia can help with this.

However, if you have a red, hot painful area on your breast and feel unwell, you may have an infection called mastitis. It is important to contact your midwife or GP urgently for advice and treatment. If you are experiencing pain in your nipples whilst breastfeeding, ask your community midwife to check that your baby is latched correctly.

Swelling in lower limbs

Some ankle swelling is common as your body is trying to clear excess fluid.  Drink plenty of water and elevate your legs on a pillow or stool, if required.

However, less often it may be a sign of high blood pressure.

You will need to contact the hospital urgently if you have any of the following symptoms;

• A persistent headache with floaters or visual disturbances
• Nausea, vomiting or upper abdominal pain

All women are at an increased risk of developing a clot following childbirth, so it is important you are vigilant to the signs and seek urgent medical review, if required.

Symptoms of a blood clot include;

• A pain in one calf with swelling, redness or warmth
• Difficulty breathing, feeling short of breath or experiencing chest pain

If you have additional risk factors and are prescribed blood thinning medication it is important that you finish the course. Try to wear your compression stockings, until you are back on your feet again.

Going to the toilet

Passing urine can be stingy at first but this should pass quickly – try to drink plenty of fluids.

If you are experiencing any urgency, frequency, stinging or burning, or the feeling of being unable to fully empty your bladder speak to your midwife or GP.

Constipation is also common – eat a healthy balanced diet with good fibre sources like wholegrain breakfast cereals, wholemeal bread, fruit and vegetables to encourage your bowels to move.

If you haven’t passed a motion within the first few days after birth, please discuss this with your midwife or GP.

For more information, please visit

• The NHS website Your body after the birth – NHS (www.nhs.uk)

 Mental health following birth

Having a baby is a life changing experience, and it’s natural for parents to feel overwhelmed and anxious. You might notice that you have a range of mixed emotions the first few days but these should settle as you get used to your new role.

However, if low mood or anxiety continues for longer than 2 weeks it is important to seek help from your family, midwife, HV or GP.

Fathers or partners may also need support with their mental health at this time.

It is important to be aware of, less common, maternal mental health conditions which require urgent treatment, such as Postnatal Psychosis – symptoms can include; inability to sleep, hallucinations or confusion, and unusual thoughts and behaviours.

Please seek urgent medical attention if you are experiencing a mental health crisis.

It is advisable to exercise caution around alcohol and substances in the postnatal period, as these can have a negative impact on your emotional wellbeing.

Relationships

Relationships are also going through a transition so it is important that you try to support each other and accept any help that is offered to you.

If you are a single parent, reach out for support from your family and friends or speak with your midwife.

If you are having relationship concerns or feel unsafe it is important to talk to someone you trust. You can contact the domestic and sexual abuse helpline on  0808 802 1414.