How to Steer Clear of the Most Common Postpartum Problems

The joys of motherhood can easily be shadowed by several physical and psychological postpartum problems. Luckily, medicine and psychology have both advanced enough to help ups prevent most of these problems or, at least, deal with them quickly and efficiently.

1. Postpartum Depression

This is perhaps the most dreaded of the postpartum problems. Depression is a silent enemy that creeps in without us even noticing it. Here’s what you can do to escape it or minimize its effects:

• Get help immediately if you feel apathetic or down for more than three days in a row. Don’t wait any more than this!
• Surround yourself with a support system: family, friends, even online communities – everything is beneficial. Most new moms tend to isolate themselves, but this is the worst thing for your psyche.
• Exercise as soon as the doctor allows it. It’s not just good for your figure, but also for your mental health.

2. Perineal Pain

This ranks very high when it comes to postpartum problems that women who delivered their baby vaginally have to deal with. Your odds of dealing with perineal pain increase if you also had an episiotomy. Some pain in the area is quite common. You can relieve if with a doughnut pillow, Kegel exercises and OTC medication (avoid aspirin if you’re breastfeeding). If the pain persist for more than a week and is unbearable, seek medical advice. Perineal pain can be a symptom of more complicated conditions.

3. Kidney Infections

Be very careful with these, as they may hurt even more than delivering a baby! Kidney infections are common postpartum problems that occur when bacteria from your bladder reach the kidneys.

In order to prevent it, make sure to drink a lot of fluids, especially water, in order to cleanse the kidneys as often as possible and prevent the infection from spreading. Also, ask your doctor to take urine samples before leaving the hospital with your baby.

4. Swollen Breasts

You might not even count this among postpartum problems, as it is quite natural. Your breasts will be filling with milk in two to four days after delivery, so expect to feel some (or a lot!) of tenderness in the area.

Worry not, the unpleasantness should decrease as soon as you get into a breastfeeding pattern. You can relieve some of the pressure by expressing the milk (manually or with the help of a breast pump). If you’re not breastfeeding, then avoid doing so. This will confuse your body and it will start producing more milk to compensate. Also, it is advisable to avoid hot showers.

At the Dr. Fefelova clinic, we want to make your first weeks with your baby problem-free! If you’re experiencing some of the postpartum problems above (or any other ones), get in touch and schedule an appointment. Our team of seasoned doctors will help you get past your problems and enjoy your baby’s first days of life to the fullest.