Most women can’t wait to get back to their pre-pregnant state and shape. It is important to know that your body also makes effort to return.

Your womb starts to reduce gradually to the non-pregnant size. This process is called involution, it is helped by breastfeeding. The involution is painful, so you may feel lower abdominal cramp when your baby is breastfeeding.

Also, your breast becomes fuller in the first 3-5 days after childbirth. This can cause you some soreness.

You will also have some bleeding via the vagina for 2-4 weeks after childbirth. The bleeding will gradually change in colour and stop. You may have some soreness in the vagina especially if you had a tear or episiotomy. Women who had caesarian section will also experience pain at the operation site.

What to do to recover early

1. Breastfeed your baby exclusively for 6 months except otherwise directed by your doctor.
2. Take analgesics e.g. paracetamol if abdominal pain or vaginal soreness is much.
3. Use sanitary pads instead of tampons to avoid infection. Change the sanitary pad each time you visit the toilet.
4. Do regular sitz bath; it helps to reduce vaginal soreness
5. Avoid lifting of heavy objects
6. Avoid sexual intercourse until after six weeks or as recommended by your doctor.
7. Eat balanced meal, take vegetable, fruits and plenty water.
8. If you have had caesarian section, do regular dressing in the hospital

Contact your doctor if;

• You develop high temperature
• Your breast is swollen, hot, red, and painful
• You have heavy bleeding from the vagina (frequently soaked pad, or passing of clots of blood)
• The discharge from your vagina is fouls smelling
• If you have pain while urinating.