Your
post-baby body
Carrying and giving birth to a baby changes your body irrevocably, but knowledge is power. Pregnancy and general osteopath Sarah Boughtwood (sarahboughtwoodosteopath.co.nz) explains what to expect when you’re done expecting.
E
very birth is unique, but there are some common physical and psychological changes that occur in those first few days. Your midwife or obstetrician will discuss with you some of the common things you may notice after birth and the symptoms to look out for. Always speak to your health professional if you have any concerns and to check your symptoms are normal.
FIRST FEW DAYS POSTNATAL BLEEDING
Postnatal bleeding (lochia) refers to the extra blood and tissue that your womb sheds and while it replaces its lining after birth. Please ask your midwife or obstetrician to make sure your level of bleeding is normal and if there are any associated symptoms.
BREAST CHANGES
Typically, your milk “comes in” around day two to three postpartum, and your breast size can go up one to three cup sizes. As an osteopath, I encourage you to get properly fitting breastfeeding bras. These need to be the correct size, underwire-free, and feel supportive. The increase in breast volume puts a great deal of strain on the back, neck, shoulders, and your posture, which over time can start to cause aches and pains. Sometimes when your milk comes in, you can get night sweats. Please inform your midwife, obstetrician, or health professional if you develop night sweats. Typically, this
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Pregnancy BUMP & baby
is due to the hormonal changes during postpartum and settles down over a few weeks, but it can be a sign of other illnesses, so always check with your health professional. Breastfeeding comes naturally to some women and for others it can be a little harder to establish. Your midwife will help you will get breastfeeding established. If you are struggling with breastfeeding, your midwife might recommend a lactation consultant or seeing an osteopath who treats postpartum women and babies. Due to birth or the baby’s position during pregnancy, your baby’s neck, jaw, chest, and back muscles and joints might be a bit tight or compressed, making it hard for the baby to latch. Your baby might also have a tongue tie, which is a short, tight band of tissue tether, joining the tip of the tongue to the floor of your baby’s mouth. A lactation consultant and osteopath can assess both the mother and baby to identify any issues that might be influencing breast feeding and help resolve them.
A TEAR DOWN THERE
Perineal tearing (between your vaginal opening and anus) can occur in labour, which can make those first few days or weeks uncomfortable. Stitches can be used to help the tear heal, but extra caution is needed when passing stools. Ask your midwife or LMC if you are unsure.
