Care for the mother after delivery

• The maternity assistent regularly checks your heart rate, temperature, blood loss and the height of the uterus.
• The cervix contracts and gradually becomes smaller. These contractions can be uncomfortable.
• If you have stitches, these may be uncomfortable when you sit down. Rinse your vagina with water every day to keep it clean and ease the pain.
• Get enough rest.
• You lose blood for up to 6 weeks after delivery. First the blood is bright red. Then it becomes a brown colour. Later on, it can become yellow or white. The amount of blood decreases. Change sanitary towels regularly.

Around 6 weeks after delivery, your menstrual period returns. If you breast-feed your baby, it can take longer.

During pregnancy, the pelvic floor muscles stretch. After delivery, these muscles need exercise to recover. Ask your midwife or gynaecologist for advice. You might be referred to a pelvic physiotherapist.