Postpartum Timeline: Here’s How Soon After Birth You Can Do Things?

The postpartum phase refers to the first six weeks following giving birth. This is a stressful moment that needs extensive care for both you and your kid. Outlining when new moms may resume certain activities such as holding the baby, coming home, exercising, and consuming alcohol.

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You've been impatiently expecting the birth of the baby, but let's be honest: you've also been yearning for a salmon roll, a glass of sauvignon blanc, and your usual gym regimen. Pregnancy restrictions practically all disappear after delivery since they are almost exclusively linked to the risk of premature birth. Furthermore, by the time your six-week postpartum visit arrives, you should be able to perform the majority of the activities you were warned not to do immediately after giving birth.

When can you hold a baby?

Providers usually make every attempt to encourage skin-to-skin contact as soon as possible after a vaginal delivery or C-section. They generally encourage skin-to-skin contact with the baby on Mom's chest as soon as possible after birth as long as it's safe, even in the operating room. Following a C-section, you will usually be transferred from the operating room to a recovery room, where you may have skin-to-skin contact more comfortably.

Your doctor’s team can perform many post-birth newborn procedures while the baby is with Mom, such as checking vital signs, administering vitamin K injections, and applying eye ointment. Immediate skin-to-skin contact helps to promote bonding and breastfeeding, and can even help your baby transition to life outside the womb.

When can you go home?

The length of your stay after delivery is determined by the hospital and your specific birth experience, including the presence of problems. However, physicians often aim for mom and baby to return home one to two days following a vaginal delivery and three to four days after a C-section.

While some mothers want to leave the hospital as soon as possible, others want to remain longer—as long as their insurance allows it. Because of how late we originally checked in, they let us stay an extra night, bringing our total to nearly five nights.

When can you have champagne for a celebration?

The good news is that you can have one a few hours after giving birth, if you truly want to. Of course, for nursing mothers, the timing of the drink is important. To be safe, the ideal time to indulge is immediately after feeding the infant. To prevent transmitting alcohol to your child via breast milk, you should wait two to three hours before nursing after a single drink.


When can you take a bath?

After all that time in the hospital, you may question, "When can I take a bath after giving birth?" Doctors often advise not bathing, swimming, or using hot tubs for at least six weeks, or until you see a doctor for a follow-up appointment. Early on, you'll most likely be advised to take a sitz bath, which is a small bath meant to aid in perineal healing.

Following a C-section, physicians often apply Steri-Strips, also known as small adhesive bandages, to your incision before applying another dressing on top. The outer dressing is typically removed one to two days after birth, and if the incision looks good your doctor will let you know if you can shower. Waiting at least two weeks after giving birth before using post-C-section baths or hot tubs. Some providers suggest waiting longer.

When can you drink coffee?

Within hours. You could certainly have one with your post-delivery dinner. If you drink coffee while nursing, the amount of caffeine that gets into breast milk is small. If you're concerned, schedule your coffee break so it comes just after you breastfeed rather than before.

When can you exercise?

Within one to six weeks. Mothers who have vaginal deliveries can generally return to exercise sooner than those who have had C-sections, but both can do light exercise, such as walking, whenever they feel ready. We're not talking about intense exercise or high-impact aerobics. However, walking and Kegel exercises are excellent methods to ease back into shape. Furthermore, activity may have several significant benefits: activity may improve sleep, reduce the risk of blood clots, and improve physical health and overall well-being. As long as everything is healing properly, your doctor will most likely clear you for all sorts of exercise during your six-week postpartum visit.

When can you swim?

Many sites indicate you should wait until your postpartum bleeding has stopped before going swimming. This often occurs approximately six weeks after delivery.

When can you drive a car?

You may usually get behind the wheel within one to six weeks. Women using narcotic pain relievers should not drive, but other than that, it all depends on how your specific recovery is doing. Doctors recommend trying this first, especially if you had a C-section. Sit in the vehicle and practice shifting your foot from accelerator to brake and turning to look over your shoulder numerous times. See if you can accomplish it effortlessly and painlessly. Some women may do this a few days following surgery, while others may need a few weeks. Women who had a vaginal birth but had a large tear or an episiotomy may need to take a break from driving for a time.

When can you take birth control?

If you don't want to conceive, you should start using birth control when you're ready to resume sexual activity. Many individuals are "cleared" to have sex after six weeks, however bear in mind that ovulation may occur as early as three weeks postpartum.

Medically approved by Dr. Geeta Komar, Senior Consultant- Gynecologist and Obstetrician,, Kinder Hospitals, Bangalore.


FAQs on Postpartum Timeline: Here’s How Soon After Birth You Can Do Things?


  1. When may I resume domestic chores after giving birth?
    After three weeks, you may begin performing additional housework. However, do not overdo it. Instead, rely on your support network as much as possible. Listen to your body, and take breaks as needed!
  2. What activities should be avoided after giving birth?
    Avoid sit-ups, crunches, and stomach curls. These might provide pressure to your scar. For the first six weeks following delivery, do not lift anything heavier than your infant. If you need to lift anything around the house, tighten your belly and maintain a straight back.

About the Author

Utkarsha Gupta is a seasoned freelance writer with 7 years of professional experience and a PGDM degree from FMS IRM, Jaipur. Despite her roots in management, her passion for writing led her to transition into the content industry. Utkarsha works as a freelancer with Pregatips who excels in crafting SEO-optimized content and specializes in a diverse range of topics, including pregnancy related articles/blogs, fashion trends, health industry insights, technical writing, and news articles. Committed to delivering engaging and unique content, she relies on thorough research and a keen understanding of audience interests to create impactful and timely pieces.

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