{"id":316778,"date":"2024-10-15T12:32:57","date_gmt":"2024-10-15T16:32:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.oviahealth.com\/?post_type=article&p=316778"},"modified":"2024-11-25T10:24:46","modified_gmt":"2024-11-25T15:24:46","slug":"your-guide-to-postpartum-healing","status":"publish","type":"article","link":"https:\/\/www.oviahealth.com\/guide\/316778\/your-guide-to-postpartum-healing\/","title":{"rendered":"Your guide to postpartum healing"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

According to Ovia Health Coach, Lilly Schott, postpartum healing isn\u2019t always linear. \u201cYou may go back and forth for a little bit in your healing process,\u201d she explains. Still, she emphasizes that your postpartum symptoms should generally improve in the weeks and months following birth. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Healing looks different for everyone. Those who give birth via C-section tend to have a longer recovery timeline than those who give birth vaginally. Recovery can also be a bit slower if you had a more difficult birth due to your baby\u2019s position or size (bigger babies can be more likely to cause tearing and pelvic floor issues).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Physical healing, though, is only one part of the postpartum healing process. It\u2019s essential to think about how you\u2019re feeling too, and to note any changes you notice in your mood and general mental health. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let\u2019s review some of our most-asked postpartum healing questions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What should I do if something is still bothering me postpartum?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

During the postpartum period, time should<\/em> heal all physical wounds. But there are some physical warning signs, including bleeding, fever, and pain that isn\u2019t improving with your prescribed medication. \u201cThese are always good reasons to reach out to your healthcare provider,\u201d says Schott. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Additionally, if you\u2019re experiencing pain while breastfeeding, hard red breasts, or fever, then you should reach out to a provider for help. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What happens to my pelvic floor after childbirth?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The pelvic floor<\/a> is a group of 26 muscles that support the uterus, bladder, and rectum. Childbirth can strain or injure the pelvic floor. After birth, when you\u2019re cleared to, there are a range of ways to strengthen your pelvic floor. If you\u2019re experiencing pain or urinary incontinence, physical therapy can help tremendously to restore your pelvic floor functions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What should I expect from my postpartum mood?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Your provider or health coach will probably warn you that you may experience mood changes after giving birth. \u201cWe tell people to expect some up and down moods for the first two to three weeks postpartum,\u201d Schott says. Any scary, harmful thoughts that are preventing you from sleeping and going about your daily activities should be addressed right away.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What are some postpartum depression symptoms?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Those who suffer from postpartum depression<\/a> may experience the following symptoms:<\/p>\n\n\n\n