1. What to expect after your baby is born
Postpartum Care
What to expect after your baby is born

2. Bonding
Emotional, psychological connection between baby and parent

3. Recovery takes 6 weeks!
Puerperium – 42 days (6 weeks) after delivery – recovery period
Involution – uterus returns to normal size and shape
Weight loss – 17 to 20 lbs., more if you breastfeed
Lochia – uterus sheds its lining – 10 days to 6 weeks

4. Recovery (continued) Lactation begins about 72 hours after delivery
Colostrum – first milk – contains antibodies
Weakness in pelvic floor muscles – do Kegel exercises
Perineal pain (especially if there was an episiotomy or perineal tear) – ice, warm water

5. Recovery (continued) Recovery takes longer after a Cesarean delivery
Fertility may resume as soon as 6 weeks after delivery; 3+ months if you breastfeed
Emotional ups and downs are common

6. Postpartum Depression
“Baby Blues”
Caused by hormonal changes
May last 2 – 4 months; more common with 2nd or subsequent pregnancies

7. Symptoms of Post-Partum Depression
Loss of interest
Guilt
Agitation
Difficulty concentrating
Appetite up and down
Feeling inadequate
Exhaustion
Highly anxious
Loss of energy
Sleep disturbances
Feelings of helplessness
Suicidal ideations