What to expect
What to expect
Dilation
Stages
Cervical Dilation Size
What to do
Contractions
Supporting Person(s)
AFTER BIRTH
More contractions to push placenta out
1) Due to hormonal changes you'll feel very shaky and jittery. A reaction to anesthesia and endorphin release.
2) Stitches or episiotomies. For minor vaginal tearing, you'll need stitches. You won't feel the stitches if you have had an epidural. If not, your midwife will give you a shot to numb your vagina.
3) Doctors and nurses will press your belly and massage your uterus to help shrink it down to normal size. Every 15 minutes for the first 2 hrs after delivery. This can be very painful if you didn't have epidural.
4) You will lose large amounts of blood during postpartum. You'll continue to bleed from 4 - 6 weeks after delivery.
5) Vagina swelling. Use ice packs to help numb the discomfort and bring swelling down. This is more common with first time mums.
6) If you had a C-section, you'll be bedridden> Staying in bed for at least 12- 24 hrs. Legs and spinal chord becomes too weak for walking.
7) Don't be surprised if your baby is not interested in breastfeeding. Don't push the baby to breastfeed. Just hold the baby close to the nipple. Skin contact is important.
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