Post delivery healing: A gynaecologist tells you about it

The birth of a child is an emotional life event, and it is natural for a mother to experience changes and struggle with recuperating. Both the body and mind undergo a sea of changes post delivering a baby, and it is vital for a new mother or mom-to-be to be mindful of the healing process that follows.

To better understand the healing process post delivering a baby, we spoke to Dr. Indu Taneja, Head of Department and Director, Obs & Gynaecology, Fortis Escorts Hospital, Faridabad.

Dealing with healing post-pregnancy

Dr. Taneja made it clear that pregnancy should not be treated as a disease as it’s a physiological process. She said that during pregnancy, certain changes happen to a female’s body, which impact all systems and functions of the body. Post-pregnancy, these bodily changes revert to their pre-pregnancy state, and it takes about 6 weeks for these changes to get back to normalcy.

Factors that boost healing post-delivery

While the healing process is natural, certain factors can boost the recuperation in a healthy and timely way:

1. Maintaining hygiene

Also Read

Best orthopedic mattress: 6 options to support your back and spine Read Now

As a new mother, you’re not just responsible for yourself but also your baby’s health. Hence, maintaining hygiene is extremely important. A couple of precautions for the same will ensure that you minimise your risk of infection and also your baby’s. According to Dr Taneja, you must wash your hands frequently, change your sanitary napkin after going to the loo and change your clothes regularly. She also advised washing the perineal area regularly with water.

2. Regular bathing

At times, new mothers may feel too tired and at other times, certain traditional practices may include skipping bathing for a couple of days post delivery of the baby. But, you must make it a point to bathe on a daily basis. This, too, will help avoid infections and stay hygienic.

3. Don’t give in to the internet fad of ‘padsicles’

There are multiple posts on the internet about ‘padsicles’ which are basically sanitary napkins that have been lined with ingredients like aloe vera gel and frozen before usage. You should avoid them because they not only raise the risk of infection but may also cause further irritation and pain. Dr Taneja recommends using the sanitary napkins in their original state as these are already sterilised. Moreover, you can simply use an ice pack over the area where you’re experiencing pain.

4. Get some sleep and rest

Sleeping and resting actually aid the body’s healing process and it is no different for new mothers. The only thing is that new moms may not find enough time for it! Dr. Taneja recommends that mothers must make time for resting and catching up on sleep. Not only will it help your body heal but will also help you avoid mood swings that result due to excessive fatigue.

5. Do not hesitate to speak to a doctor if you notice alarming symptoms

Dr. Taneja mentioned that new mothers are called in for a check-up post 2 weeks after the delivery, and then at 6 weeks. However, she added that if you face any symptoms such as fever, wound related complications and unbearable pain, then you must speak with a doctor immediately.

6. Avoid rigorous physical activity but go for light physical activities

“You must not tell yourself that you’re unwell. You should continue life just the way you want to. Be it eating or physical activity, do whatever you want to do. At the same time, you should avoid activities that involve lifting heavy objects and bending. Light physical activity is recommended but rigorous physical activity should wait till after 6 weeks of delivering the baby,” said Dr Taneja.

So, ladies, be mindful of these factors, and boost your healing process post delivering your baby!