مراقبتهای بعد از زایمان طبیعی یکی از مهمترین مراحل بازگشت سلامت و انرژی مادر است. Your body needs rest, repair, and support after giving birth, and taking the right care can make the recovery process faster and safer. In this article, you will learn practical and simple tips that take care of stitches, perineum and breasts and control bleeding and pain. We also introduce ways to keep calm and take care of mental health so that the recovery period will be easier and safer.
Consultation and appointment with Dr. Fatemeh Alizadeh, specialist in gynecology, childbirth and infertility
You can contact Dr. Fatemeh Alizadeh to check the condition after delivery, get expert advice and solve your physical concerns.
This table is a summary of the most important points raised in the article.
| Section | Key Points | Time / Repetition |
|---|---|---|
| Hygiene | Washing the perineum area with lukewarm water, drying with a towel or cold wind, avoiding perfumed soap | After every urination or Stool |
| Change sanitary napkin | Change every 2-4 hours, don't use tampon | Daily until the bleeding stops |
| Bath and shower | Take a bath daily, avoid pulling fibers on the suture | Daily |
| Care for the suture and Wound | Avoid prolonged sitting, cold compresses for the first 48 hours, lukewarm baths after that | Until the stitches are fully healed (about 1-2 weeks) |
| Nutrition | Protein foods, fruits and vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy products, plenty of fluids | Daily |
| Activity Physical | MentalAttention to mood swings, talk with family or counselor, prevention of isolation | Always |
| Breastfeeding and breast care | Adhering the baby properly, using lanolin or drops of milk, changing breast pads | Each breastfeeding appointment |
| Sexual intercourse | Avoidance until the bleeding stops and heals the perineum, use From lubricant | Usually 4-6 weeks postpartum |
| Warning signs | Fever, heavy bleeding, increasing pain, foul-smelling discharge, leg or chest pain, vision problems | Call a doctor immediately |
health care after natural birth
Each mother has her own recovery period after natural birth and health care is of particular importance; In the following, the main points for speeding up recovery and reducing complications after natural childbirth are explained.
1. Suture and perineum care
The suture area after childbirth is sensitive and prone to inflammation or infection, so keeping it clean and dry is very important. After each urination or defecation, gently rinse the area with lukewarm water and then dry with a clean, soft towel or a gentle stream of cool air from a hair dryer to remove moisture. Using scented soaps, washing gels or creams without a doctor's prescription can cause skin irritation or infection and should be avoided until complete recovery.
Also, avoid sitting on hard surfaces for a long time, and if necessary, use a circular medical pillow to reduce the pressure on the stitches and speed up the healing process. If you feel pain or swelling, changing your position frequently, taking short breaks and keeping your legs elevated can help reduce pressure and increase your comfort. Following these simple but effective tips can speed up your recovery process and prevent possible complications.
2. Bleeding control and sanitary napkin replacement
Regular replacement of sanitary napkins after natural childbirth is very important and it is better to do this every 2 to 4 hours to keep the vaginal area clean and prevent infection. Using a tampon during this period is not recommended at all, because it can irritate the area, increase the risk of infection and slow down the healing process of the stitches. Also note that tight underwear blocks air flow and creates a suitable environment for bacteria to grow, so loose and comfortable underwear is the best option.
If you notice heavy or prolonged bleeding, or the discharge has a foul smell, or you experience fever and chills, contact your doctor or midwife immediately. These symptoms can be a sign of infection or another problem after delivery and require prompt investigation. Following these simple but vital tips can speed up your recovery process and reduce the risk of complications after a natural birth.
3. Showering and bathing
After a normal delivery, daily showering is allowed and can even help the mother feel clean and relaxed, but you should be careful of the suture area. Avoid pulling fiber directly on the suture or the perineal area so as not to irritate the wound and delay the healing process. Gentle washing with lukewarm water and using soaps without fragrance or for sensitive skin are recommended so that the skin of the area is not damaged and the risk of infection is reduced.
In the first 48 hours after delivery, a cold compress can be effective in reducing pain, swelling and inflammation and make you feel more comfortable. After this time, a lukewarm bath with light warm water can help improve circulation and reduce pain without damaging the sutures or sensitive area. Following these simple but effective tips will make your recovery time pass more easily and the healing process will go faster.
4. Proper nutrition
Balanced diet after natural childbirth plays a very important role in the faster recovery of the mother and providing the necessary energy for breastfeeding. Consuming enough protein from healthy sources such as eggs, fish, legumes, and dairy helps repair tissues and rebuild the body, while fiber in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can prevent constipation and regulate the digestive system. Paying attention to the variety of food and the balance between different food groups will make your body and the baby meet their needs well during breastfeeding.
In addition to choosing the right foods, drinking plenty of water and fluids is vital to staying hydrated, as breastfeeding causes dehydration. Avoid heavy and fatty foods, salty foods, undercooked or raw meat, alcoholic beverages and excessive caffeine consumption, as they can damage the body and reduce the quality of breast milk. It is recommended to have small and frequent meals to reduce the pressure on the digestive system and reduce the risk of constipation and impaired repair of stitches. Following these simple tips will increase your energy and ability during recovery and baby care.
5. Physical activity and rest
Balanced diet after natural childbirth plays a very important role in the faster recovery of the mother and providing the necessary energy for breastfeeding. To have a proper nutrition, you can observe the following points:
- Consumption of sufficient protein from healthy sources such as eggs, fish, beans and dairy products helps to repair tissues and rebuild the body.
- The fiber found in fruits, vegetables and whole grains prevents constipation and regulates the digestive system.
- Drinking plenty of water and fluids, especially during breastfeeding, is essential to stay hydrated.
- Avoid heavy and fatty foods, salty foods, half-cooked or raw meat, alcoholic beverages, and excessive caffeine consumption.
- Have small and frequent meals to put less pressure on the digestive system and speed up the repair of stitches.
Observing these simple tips will increase your energy and ability during recovery and care for the baby, and the recovery process will be faster after natural delivery.
6. Breastfeeding and breast care
The correct attachment of the baby to the breast during breastfeeding is of great importance and is considered one of the main factors in preventing pain and cracking of the nipple. After each feeding, it is recommended to pour a few drops of milk on the nipple and let it air dry so that excess moisture does not irritate or damage the skin. It is also necessary to change the breast pads regularly and it is better not to use plastic pads in order to establish air flow and prevent infection or skin irritation. Observing these simple tips will make the breastfeeding experience easier and maintain the health of the breasts.
postpartum mental health care
After natural childbirth, the mother's mental health plays an important role in physical and emotional recovery; In the following, the key points for taking care of the mental state and preventing anxiety or depression after childbirth are explained.
1. Recognizing psychological changes after childbirth
After childbirth, hormonal changes and physical and emotional pressures can cause mood swings and changeable emotions. To better understand this situation, it is useful to pay attention to the following points:
- Mood swings, sadness or anxiety in the early days after childbirth are normal and are considered normal to some extent.
- Extreme fatigue and lack of sleep can intensify these fluctuations.
- The pressure of new responsibilities and taking care of the baby may increase the mother's anxiety and worry.
2. Methods of improving mental health
To maintain mental health after childbirth, it is very important to get enough rest and share work with family or close people and it helps to reduce stress and fatigue. Also, maintaining social contact and avoiding isolation plays an important role in improving mood, so talking to your spouse, friends or mothers' support groups to share feelings and experiences is recommended. Doing light and fun activities, such as taking a short walk, listening to relaxing music or breathing exercises also helps to reduce stress and improve the mood of the mother.
3. Professional care if needed
In some cases, the need for professional postpartum care is felt, especially if the mother has persistent depression, severe anxiety, or feelings of hopelessness. In this situation, it is better to consult a psychologist or a doctor to develop a suitable treatment plan. Professional care can include:
- Short-term psychotherapy for managing negative thoughts and feelings,
- Breastfeeding training and baby care techniques to reduce stress and anxiety,
- Stress reduction methods such as breathing exercises, meditation or relaxing activities.
4. Return to sexual activities and self-care
Starting sexual intercourse after childbirth is allowed when the bleeding has stopped and the perineum has been completely restored and is done with the doctor's opinion. It is also recommended to use lubricants and choose positions that put less pressure on the perineum to have a more comfortable and safer experience.
