Stages of Pregnancy : Postpartum

While the life of a new mother is rewarding and certainly an adventure, the days, weeks and months following delivery are a time of adjustment. You can learn a lot through classes, books and articles, but a great deal of parenting know-how comes from experience. You and your baby simply must get to know each other.

Don't put too much stock in your emotions. You may be euphoric or depressed or something in between. Or you may vacillate between one emotion and another, like you're on an emotional roller coaster. This, of course, is all very normal. New mothers typically experience mild depression, also known as the baby blues. It usually subsides seven to 10 days after birth. If your depression deepens or persists, contact your doctor or Woman's Hospital. Prompt treatment is a must.

Parenthood is not a cake walk. Don't expect to be the perfect mother from day one. You'll likely need some time to get the hang of it. You might have trouble with breastfeeding, for example, despite having taken breastfeeding classes. Woman's Hospital can be a good resource, as well as your My Woman's account. We offer a Breastfeeding Support Group for new mom's to have their questions answered. And don't be reluctant to ask for help and advice from people who have been through the early stages of motherhood before, specifically your mother and friends with children.

Don't expect to return immediately to your pre-pregnancy figure. Even though you may have dropped 20 pounds with childbirth, you still likely won't fit into your old clothes right away. It will take weeks for your uterus to fully contract and your stomach to flatten. But losing all your baby weight will take time and work. Woman's Hospital offers Baby Steps fitness classes designed to help women get back in shape after pregnancy.

There are also physical challenges to contend with during the post-pregnancy period. Vaginal soreness, breast soreness and painful bowel movements are common. Physical effects will vary depending on whether you had a vaginal birth or a C-section. Your practitioner will let you know what to expect.

Know that all the negative effects of childbirth will pale in comparision to the amazement and love you feel for your new child. You'll find that the difficulty, the pain, the sleepless night will have been well worth it.

Woman's offers a variety of classes to help you prepare for childbirth, and you can access helpful articles, tools and information by signing up for My Woman's. You can also schedule a tour of Woman's Labor and Delivery Department, so you'll know what to expect. Remember, being informed eases anxiety

Recommended Classes:

Baby Steps

This class provides light exercise for moms to do with their babies. The class focuses on strengthening the abdomen, pelvic floor, back and legs. Liability release required for all participants. Physician release required less than six weeks postpartum. You may sign up for one class at $12, or choose to buy a pass; $60 for a six class pass; $110 for a twelve class pass. Class pass expires six months from date of purchase. Classes held at Destination Maternity. See the upcoming schedule and register online now.

Breastfeeding Support Group

This group will serve as an opportunity for mothers to meet, share ideas and encourage one another to be successful in breastfeeding. Mothers are invited to bring their breastfeeding babies 12 months and younger. The group is led by an experienced RN who teaches breastfeeding classes. There is a $20 fee for first meeting, $15 for each additional meeting. See the upcoming schedule and register online now.

Woman's Hospital Resources:

NICU Parent Support Group

Kegel Exercise

Fitness Club Training

The Spa Services

Birthplace Photos

Bon Apetit

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Health Articles:

Postpartum Care The postpartum period begins after the delivery of the baby and ends when the mother's body has returned as closely as possible to its pre-pregnant state. This period usually lasts six... more

Low Birthweight What is low birthweight? Low birthweight is a term used to describe babies who are born weighing less than 1,500 grams (3 pounds, 4 ounces). In contrast, the average newborn weighs a... more

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Preparing | First Trimester | Second Trimester | Third Trimester | Special Needs