You should also drink plenty of fluids and eat healthful foods. If you have an episiotomy, hemorrhoids or an incision from a cesarean section, you may feel uncomfortable bearing down to have a bowel movement. Fluids and fiber found in vegetables and fruit will help keep your stool soft and reduce pain caused by straining. A good diet will also help provide the proper nutrients in breast milk. Soaks in a warm bath or shower will also help relieve pain from an episiotomy and hemorrhoids and prevent bacteria from infecting them.
Resuming sexual activity
As a general rule, when your bleeding stops, you may have intercourse. This usually takes 6-8 weeks. You can get pregnant during this time even if you are breastfeeding, so you may want to consider using some form of birth control. You should check with your clinician to see if there are any specific indications to avoid intercourse for a longer period of time. (Click here for more information on postpartum intimacy.)
When to call the doctor...
You should call your clinician if any of the following occur before your next visit:
- Heavy bright red bleeding or large clots (light bleeding is normal for 1-2 weeks after delivery)
- Continuous mild to moderate bleeding beyond 10 days
- Fever or chills
- Painful cramps that don’t decrease after taking pain medication
- An incision that is red, draining, hot in one area or appears to be opening
- A painful reddened breast that is hard
- Pain, swelling or redness in your leg
- Feeling of shortness of breath or painful breathing
- Feeling extremely depressed and unconnected to things that used to make you happy.
