Congratulations on bringing home your new baby!

While caring for your little one is your top priority, and if it is your first you may be overwhelmed by all the new things that are now a part of your responsibility, you have to remember to also take care of yourself. After all, you did just give birth, and your body does need to be cared for.

As you have already found out throughout pregnancy, your body goes through many different changes during pregnancy and even postpartum. After childbirth you may deal with hair loss, sore breasts, vaginal soreness, skin changes and more.

Depending on what type of delivery you had, and possible complications involved, you may require different care at home after childbirth. Your doctor or midwife will speak to you about postpartum care before you are discharged. And if you develop new symptoms later, you should speak to your OBGYN for further help.

After a vaginal delivery, you may suffer from vaginal soreness. If you had an episiotomy or tear, it is likely you’ll feel the wound for a few weeks or longer. To ease the pain, use ice pack or Witch Hazel pad. Use the squirt bottle provided by the hospital to keep the perineum area clean, and soak in a warm bath. Do you Kegel exercise, to help your pelvic floor muscles strengthen. If you see or feel any signs of infection (intensified pain, tear area becomes hot or swollen), contact your healthcare provider immediately.

Regardless of the type of birthing experience you have had, you will be bleeding for up to six weeks postpartum. This bloody discharge is called lochia, and starts with a heavy flow of blood (and sometimes blood clots) for the first few days, and usually gets lighter after the first week. It gradually tapers off. While lochia lasts, do not use tampons. Instead, use sanitary napkins. Call your doctor if you pass clots larger than your fist, have a fever, or soak a sanitary pad within an hour while lying down.

During the first few days after delivery, you may feel contractions, which usually feel like menstrual cramps. These contractions actually help compressing the blood vessels in the uterus, and by so prevent excessive bleeding. The contractions usually take placed during breastfeeding. If you are experiencing them, speak to your doctor, who may recommend over the counter pain reliever.

You may experience difficulty urinating. That is typically caused by swelling or bruising of tissue around your bladder. Contracting and releasing the pelvic muscles while sitting on the toilet may help you urinate.  This usually resolved on its own. Contact your doctor if it hurts to urinate, you feel you cannot empty your bladder completely or if you experience unusual frequent urination. Kegel exercises can help as well.

Hemorrhoids are stretched and swollen veins in the anus or lower rectum. Due to all the pushing you did during childbirth, you may be suffering from hemorrhoids, which are typically more noticeable during a bowl movement. To ease the discomfort, soak in a warm bath, apply chilled Witch Hazel pads, and speak to your healthcare provider for a medication.

It is normal to experience constipation after childbirth. If you find you are avoiding bowel movement because you fear hurting your perineum or aggravate the pain of hemorrhoid or episiotomy tear, you are not alone. To help things going again, eat foods high in fiber such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Also drink plenty of water.

Four days to a week after childbirth, your milk will come in and you may experience engorgement. To ease the discomfort of full, hard and tender breasts, nurse your baby or express milk. Take a warm shower and ask your doctor about over the counter pain relieve medicine.

If you are not nursing, wear a firm, supportive bra. Compressing the breasts helps stop milk production. Do not pump or express milk since this will continue your milk production. To ease the pain and help dry you up, put chilled cabbage leaves in your bra.

Leaky breasts are a common problem of new moms. Usually that stops when your body learns the amounts your baby needs. In the meantime wear nursing pads in your nursing bra.

Six weeks postpartum you will meet your OBGYN for your postpartum checkup. Make sure to ask any questions you may have and remember to discuss contraceptives, if that’s the route you want to go.