Follow-Up

Please call the office for an appointment BEFORE LEAVING THE HOSPITAL.

Activity

Take it easy for the first few weeks after discharge from the hospital, then you can gradually increase your activity. Walking is very good exercise and can be done as soon as you get home. Avoid strenuous activity such as aerobics for four to six weeks. You may drive after ten days if you are not uncomfortable.

Diet

If breastfeeding, continue to take your prenatal vitamins. If not breastfeeding, a good over the counter multi-vitamin is recommended.

Hygiene

You may shower or bathe at any time. Avoid swimming for 2-3 weeks. Do not douche, or use tampons until after your 4-6 week checkup.

Bowels

Try to keep your stools soft. Colace is a good over-the-counter stool softener if you need it. Bran and prunes are good natural laxatives. Drink a lot of fluids. If you need a laxative, try Milk of Magnesia or Senokot tablets as directed on the package.

Bleeding

Vaginal discharge may continue up to six weeks. You may have to wear a pad. The discharge may be quite heavy and bloody. This is normal. Your first period may be somewhat heavy and you may pass clots.

Perineal/Vaginal Repair

Sutures are absorbed over about 3 weeks. You may notice a pulling or sticking sensation. A warm sitz bath may help the pain. If your repair or hemorrhoids are painful, you can try Tucks or Americaine Spray.  Once your repair is no longer painful, no special treatment is needed,

Menstruation

If you bottle feed you will probably resume menstruation by 8-10 weeks after delivery. If you breastfeed, you may not menstruate for at least 3 months after delivery or longer. As previously mentioned, your first period may be quite heavy.

Sex and Birth Control

You may resume sex after your postpartum visit if you are no longer sore. Be sure to discuss contraception with your doctor at your postpartum visit. Remember, nursing does not prevent you from getting pregnant.

Circumcision

You may remove the white gauze on the circumcision after you get home. The circumcision site will be raw and may ooze a little blood. Wash only with warm water and apply Vaseline until healed.  Do not submerge your son in bath water until healing has occurred, usually about 6-7 days.

Mood

Don't be surprised if you feel a little blue after you get home. After all the excitement, it is normal to feel a little down. Also, the fact that the baby's schedule is unpredictable makes it a harder to get the rest you need. Just remember that this is normal and does not usually last long. If this is particularly severe, please let us know.

Special Instructions

Call if you experience any of the following problems:

• Heavy, profuse bleeding
  
• Burning or pain in voiding
  
• Severe abdominal pain
  
• High fever and/or chills 1010
  
• Redness and pain in the breast, especially if you are breastfeeding.