You have made it through months of being pregnant and the not so glamorous deliv­ery. Your sweet bundle has been placed into your arms. NOW WHAT do I do with this little crying, peeing, pooping machine? Rest assured that it will all work out! You have crossed into the postpartum period. This is a time of adjustment for the baby, you, and your partner. Your body and yes your mind will revert back to pre-pregnancy state. This new leg of your pregnancy has its own unique set of questions.

How long can I expect to have vaginal bleeding?

Bleeding after delivery (whether by vaginal or cesarean delivery) could continue for up to six weeks. It may be light to heavy. Normally, it will get heavier at home because your activity level increases. Return to your normal period is based on if you breast or bottle feed your baby. Breastfeeding can delay the return to a normal period. It is recommended to use pads during this time.

What type of activity can I do?

Usually, it is rec­ommended that you engage in light activ­ity, nothing heavy or strenuous. The heavi­est thing should be your newborn. Excessive activity can lead to excessive bleeding. Nothing should be entered into the vagina including tampons, douches, or intercourse for six weeks. One can usually return to driving within two (for vaginal delivery) to six weeks (cesar­ean section). The question that everyone wants to know but does not want to ask is… How about sexual intercourse…I know you are thinking: How about it”. Don’t blame the men; it really is not their fault. You can return to intercourse around six weeks postpartum. Be mind­ful that you can get pregnant during this time. A female will ovulate before getting a period. Breastfeeding can reduce not pre­vent your chances of pregnancy. When returning to sexual inter­course, make sure that the vagina is well lubricated. If necessary, use an external lubricant such as olive oil. Yes, I said olive oil. This can be purchased as a medical prod­uct in pharmacies or a vitamin store.

Breastfeeding: to do or not to do that is the question…

This one is a personal deci­sion. The decision is yours to make. Breastfeeding is recom­mended by both the College of Pediatrics and Obstetrics/ Gynecology. It provides the new­born with nutrients, immune factors and calories. It will also help you to lose the “baby weight” faster. Not a bad perk! It will take time and patience to learn this new skill. Both you and your newborn must learn how to breastfeed. E at a well balanced diet, drink plenty of liquids, and get plenty of rest. Remember a baby feeds every two to three hours all day. In general, if the baby is wetting diapers and gaining weight, then the baby is getting enough breast milk. Your pediatrician will follow the new­borns weight and make recom­mendations as needed.

If breastfeeding is not the choice for you or the baby, it is not so bad. You should not feel any less of a Mom if you make bottle feeding the choice that is best for you and your baby. Current infant formulas are developed to support the nutri­tional requirements of an infant. Your pediatrician is the reliable resource to determine which for­mula is approp riate. Even if you chose to bottle feed, you will still begin milk production, to allevi­ate the pain and stop the milk from producing it is best to wear a tight sport or support bra, avoid any stimulation to the breast as this may cause pain and engorge­ment. Hint: cabbage leaves in your bra cup will help to dry up any breast milk also applying a frozen bag of peas to your breasts will help to relieve the discomfort.

How do I know if I am experiencing post partum depression?

Women experience many changes in their mood and emo­tions after delivery. Feelings such as tearfulness, anxiety, irritability, insomnia, hyper-somnia (too much sleep), decreased appetite, loss of libido are all normal, but review these with your Ob/Gyn ASAP. In addition to these symp­toms, fear or feelings of hurting the baby or yourself are signifi­cant signs of postpartum depres­sion. Postpartum depression occurs in approximately 10% of all pregnancies. You should notify your health care provider if you have any symptoms that you feel are not normal or manageable to you. Some important things to remember:

• Take time for yourself
• Get plenty of rest, plan to sleep when the baby sleeps
• Let family members or friends help
• Let housework wait or have others take care of those tasks for now

What are some things I can do to lose the weight I gained while pregnant?

A gradual return to exercise should be a part of your postpar­tum plan. The type and level of exercise is based on the type of delivery and should be reviewed with your health care provider. Prenatal yoga is an excellent low impact type of exercise. Specific exercises to strengthen the pelvis such as Kegel exercises are strong­ly recommended. Be patient, it took many months to gain this weight and it will take time to lose it.

Most important it is best to maintain and open relationship with your Obstetrical provider. Their job is not done with the delivery of your baby; they are a valuable resource in the postpar­tum period.

It is important to continue the healthy habits you began while you were pregnant. A plan of healthy eating, exercising and plenty of rest will ensure that your time as a new mother will be a rewarding and happy time for bonding with your newborn.