Postpartum care
Your recovery after childbirth is just as important as your baby’s care.
Whether you’ve had a vaginal delivery or cesarean birth, our postpartum care resources provide trusted information to help you navigate physical healing, emotional well-being and the transition into life with a new baby. Learn what to expect during recovery, recognize warning signs that need medical attention, discover practical self-care strategies and find support for your mental and emotional health as you heal and adjust.
Call our nurse line at 763-581-CARE anytime to get answers to questions about your recovery and guidance on when to seek care.
On this page
What to expect during recovery
During your postpartum hospital stay
- Your provider will visit daily during your stay.
- Check your room whiteboard for planned care and discharge date.
- Arrange transportation home before discharge.
Uterus and cramping
- Cramping is normal as the uterus shrinks back to its pre-pregnancy size.
- Cramping may be stronger while breastfeeding or if this is not your first delivery.
Vaginal bleeding (lochia)
Red: Days 1–13
- Similar to a heavy period
- Small clots may occur
- Flow may increase when standing, breastfeeding, or being active
Pink/Brown: Days 3–10
Yellow/White: Around days 10–14 or longer
Call your provider if:
- You soak a pad in an hour.
- You pass clots larger than an egg.
- Bleeding suddenly increases significantly.
Urination
- You will be encouraged to urinate soon after delivery.
- Due to swelling, tenderness, or medication, urination may be difficult or uncomfortable in the first few days after delivery.
- Utilizing a peri bottle filled with warm water, sitting in a shallow bath, or taking a shower may help start the flow if you are having difficulty.
- Normal bladder function usually returns within 5–7 days.
Recovery after delivery
Perineal care (vaginal birth)
- Use a peri bottle with warm water after using the bathroom.
- Rinse front to back.
- Pat dry gently.
- Continue peri bottle use for at least one week or longer if needed.
- Warm baths or sitz baths (15–20 minutes) 2–3 times daily can help discomfort.
- Tucks pads, witch hazel pads, or numbing spray may provide relief.
- Perineal stitches usually dissolve in 5–7 days.
- Watch for redness, warmth, drainage, or fever.
Preventing blood clots
- Walk several times daily.
- Move ankles and feet frequently when resting.
- Call your provider for red, swollen, warm, or painful areas in your legs.
Cesarean section recovery
- Support your incision with a pillow when coughing or laughing.
- Wear loose clothing.
- Increase activity gradually.
- Consider an abdominal binder if recommended.
- Cesarean/incisional stitches generally dissolve in 2–3 weeks.
- Watch for redness, warmth, drainage, or fever.
Pain management
Continue prescribed pain medications as directed.
Helpful non-medication options:
- Ice or heat packs
- Pillows for support
- Deep breathing and relaxation exercises
- Music
- Massage
- Rest
- Walking as tolerated
Activity and self-care
Activity guidelines
Okay to do
- Walk right away.
- Begin light activity as tolerated.
- Accept help from family and friends.
Wait until cleared
- No tampons, douching, or sexual intercourse for 6 weeks or until your provider approves.
- Avoid heavy lifting or straining for 2 weeks (use baby’s weight as your lifting guide). Accept help from family and friends (utilize Entourage)
- Drive only when:
- You are no longer taking narcotic pain medication.
- You can press on the brake pedal comfortably without pain.
Warning signs to call your OB clinic immediately
Call your OB clinic immediately if you have:
- Bleeding that soaks through 1 pad per hour
- Clots larger than an egg
- Foul-smelling discharge
- Fever ≥100.4°F (38°C) or chills
- Breast redness, pain, tenderness, or red streaks
- Red, swollen, warm, or painful calf
- Incision redness, opening, or drainage
- Painful, difficult, or very frequent urination
- No bowel movement within 4 days
- Trouble breathing
- Dizziness, fainting, or blurred vision
- Severe headache that won’t go away
- Feeling depressed, overwhelmed, or crying frequently
Call 911 if you experience any of the following:
- Pain in your chest
- Obstructed breathing or shortness of breath
- Seizures
- Thoughts of hurting yourself or baby
Nutrition and self-care
Nutrition
- Eat a balanced diet with:
- Continue prenatal vitamins for at least 6 weeks or while breastfeeding.
- Drink fluids according to thirst (often about 12 caffeine-free drinks daily).
- Limit caffeine to 2–5 cups per day.
Self-care ideas
- Rest when baby sleeps.
- Practice mindful breathing.
- Spend time outdoors.
- Take a warm shower or bath if approved by your provider.
- Get support from family and friends.
- Create a postpartum support plan before and after discharge.
- Utilize the Entourage App option build a support system
Recommended postpartum immunizations
Discuss with your provider whether you need:
- Flu vaccine
- Tdap (whooping cough protection)
- MMR (Rubella booster)
Postpartum mental health
Key reminder
Rest, accept help, nourish yourself, watch for warning signs, and reach out early if something doesn’t feel right—physical recovery and emotional recovery are equally important.
Baby blues (common)
May begin a few days after birth and include:
- Mood swings
- Irritability
- Increased emotional sensitivity
Usually resolve within 2–3 weeks.
Signs of postpartum depression or anxiety
Seek help if symptoms last longer than 2–3 weeks or interfere with daily life:
- Persistent sadness or anxiety
- Feeling empty or hopeless
- Loss of interest in normal activities
- Extreme fatigue
- Changes in sleep or appetite
- Guilt or worthlessness
- Difficulty concentrating
- Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby
- Thoughts of death or suicide
Treatment works
Effective treatment may include:
- Therapy
- Support groups
- Medication compatible with breastfeeding
- Family and community support
Crisis and support resources
- Call or text 988 for immediate mental health crisis support.
- Postpartum Support International: 1-800-944-4773
- Pregnancy & Postpartum Support Minnesota: 1-800-944-4773