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Avoid Inserting Anything into the Vagina
Your body needs about six weeks to heal after childbirth, whether you had a vaginal delivery or a caesarean section. Your uterus and cervix are still recovering during this time. So inserting anything into your vagina shortly after delivery can increase the risk of infection. These are some important things to avoid:- No tampons or menstrual cups: Use sanitary pads instead, as tampons or cups can introduce bacteria into areas that are still healing. This is even more important if you have stitches or have had an episiotomy. Change pads frequently and wash your hands before and after to keep yourself clean and reduce infection risks.
- Avoid douching: Douching can disrupt your body’s natural healing and increase the chance of infections. Let your vagina heal on its own without any extra rinsing or washing.
- Hold off on sexual intercourse: Wait until your doctor says it’s safe, which is usually after the six-week postpartum checkup. The cervix remains slightly open after delivery, making the uterus vulnerable to bacteria.
Don’t Overdo Physical Activity
Your body has just been through a major event, and pushing yourself too hard can slow recovery or cause injury. Giving yourself time to rest is important for proper recovery.- Avoid strenuous exercise: Stick to gentle activities like walking or light stretches until your doctor approves more intense workouts. This helps protect your pelvic floor muscles and prevents strain.
- Limit heavy lifting: Don’t lift anything heavier than your baby in the first few weeks to avoid hernias or damaging sutures, especially if you had a caesarean section.
- Listen to your body: If you notice increased bleeding or pain during activity, it’s a sign to slow down. Overdoing it can lead to muscle strain or feelings of overwhelm.
Don’t Ignore Pain or Worrisome Symptoms
Feeling some discomfort is normal after childbirth, but certain symptoms could signal a serious issue. Paying attention to your body and seeking help early can prevent complications. Normal pain includes cramping as your uterus shrinks, soreness around stitches, discomfort in your neck, back, or joints, or breast engorgement. But be aware of severe symptoms like:- Heavy bleeding.
- Blood clots larger than an egg.
- Fever above 38°C (100.4°F).
- Foul-smelling discharge.
- Severe headaches, especially with vision changes.
- Painful urination that worsens.
- Pain, swelling, or redness in one breast area, possibly with a fever (could indicate mastitis).
- Chest pain, shortness of breath, or leg swelling.
- Incision sites that open, leak pus, or smell bad.
Don’t Neglect Mental Health
The postpartum period often brings strong emotions caused by hormone changes and the challenges of caring for a newborn. Knowing when to reach out for support is very important.Baby Blues
Baby blues refer to mild mood swings, feelings of sadness, and emotional ups and downs that up to 70 to 80 per cent of new parents experience in the first 10 to 14 days. This usually fades within two weeks. Baby blues are common and part of adjusting to the changes and demands of new parenthood.Postpartum Depression
You might be experiencing postpartum depression if feelings of sadness and anxiety persist beyond two weeks or worsen. Its symptoms include:- Frequent crying or anger.
- Feeling withdrawn from loved ones.
- Loss of interest in activities you usually enjoy.
- Doubting your ability to care for your baby.
- Feeling disconnected from your baby.
- Excessive worry about harming yourself or your baby.
Risk factors
Lack of support, a history of depression, birth complications, or health issues with your baby can increase your chances of postpartum depression. Don’t internalise these feelings. Reach out to your partner, a friend, or your doctor. Early management can make a big difference.Don’t Skip Meals or Neglect Nutrition
Your body needs proper nutrition to heal and support breastfeeding, if you choose to do so. Missing meals or eating poorly can slow your recovery and leave you feeling tired.- Avoid ignoring hunger: Focus on a balanced diet with protein, iron, calcium, fibre, complex carbs, and vitamins and minerals for immunity and healing. Continue taking your prenatal or postnatal vitamins to avoid nutrient depletion.
- Don’t skip hydration: Drink 16 cups of water daily, especially if breastfeeding. Staying well hydrated supports milk production and overall health.
- Avoid a “bounce-back” mindset: Don’t focus on rapid weight loss. Your body needs nourishment to recover from childbirth, not restriction.
Don’t Assume Breastfeeding Prevents Pregnancy
You can ovulate as early as 6 to 8 weeks after giving birth, even if you’re breastfeeding. Assuming breastfeeding is a reliable form of birth control can lead to an unplanned pregnancy.- Avoid relying on breastfeeding alone: Lactational amenorrhea (suppression of ovulation from breastfeeding) only works if you breastfeed every 4 hours during the day and every 6 hours at night without missing feeds. This method becomes unreliable if your baby sleeps longer or misses feeds.
- Don’t delay contraception: Talk to your doctor about safe birth control options which you can use as soon as you resume intercourse.
Don’t Smoke or Misuse Substances
Smoking or using drugs during the postpartum period can seriously harm you and your baby. Secondhand smoke increases the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and can cause respiratory issues, ear infections, or asthma in your baby. It may also affect their cognitive development. If you or your partner smokes, talk to your doctor for support to quit and keep your baby’s environment smoke-free.Don’t Isolate Yourself
Caring for a newborn can feel overwhelming. Staying isolated can make these feelings of stress or postpartum depression grow stronger. This is why social support is important during this time for your emotional and mental health.- Avoid turning down help: Accept offers from family or friends to cook meals, do laundry, or watch your baby while you rest.
- Don’t stay disconnected: Reach out to loved ones or join an online parents’ group to share experiences and feel less alone.
- Avoid letting guilt stop you: Taking time for yourself doesn’t make you a bad parent. It helps you recharge so you can care for your baby better.
Don’t Neglect Hygiene
Maintaining good hygiene is very important after childbirth because your body is still healing and more vulnerable to infections. Take a look at some of these hygiene tips:- Avoid neglecting stitches or pads: Wash your hands before and after changing pads or touching stitches from a caesarean section or episiotomy. Keep these areas clean and dry as per your doctor’s advice.
- Don’t use harsh products on breasts: Clean your breasts with water or wet cotton balls before breastfeeding to avoid irritation. Avoid lotions or scrubbing around the areola, as this can cause clogging or discomfort.
- Avoid public pools or hot tubs: Stay out of swimming pools or hot tubs until bleeding stops and stitches heal to reduce infection risks.
Don’t Rush Weight Loss
Your body needs time to shed pregnancy weight naturally. You may even lose 5 to 6 kg immediately after birth (baby, placenta, and amniotic fluid). It's best not to rush weight loss for a smooth recovery.- Avoid extreme diets: Do not skip meals or restrict calories, as you need 450 to 500 extra calories daily for milk production.
- Don’t start intense exercise too soon: For vaginal births, light exercise like walking can start within days. But wait for your doctor’s permission for caesarean section recoveries or intense workouts. Heavy lifting should be avoided for at least a month.
Don’t Compare Yourself to Others
Every postpartum care journey is different. Comparing yourself to others on social media can make you feel low and affect your mental well-being. Don’t judge your progress and focus on your own path by giving yourself time to heal. Seeing unrealistic images of other parents “bouncing back” can lead to body dissatisfaction or feelings of inadequacy. Avoid using social media until you feel more settled, and celebrate your milestones instead of comparing them to others.Don’t Ignore the Importance of Rest
Sleep deprivation is common in newborns, but neglecting rest can worsen fatigue.- Avoid using nap time for chores: Sleep when your baby sleeps to catch up on rest. This helps your body heal and improve your mood.
- Don’t stay up late: Avoid late-night scrolling or TV binges, as this can lead to a cycle of sleep deprivation.
- Avoid stressing about your baby’s sleep: Newborn sleep patterns are unpredictable. Focus on resting when you can rather than worrying about their schedule.
When to Contact Your Doctor
Reach out to your doctor if you notice:- Signs of infection (fever, foul discharge, excessive bleeding).
- Stitches or incisions that aren’t healing.
- Breastfeeding difficulties or signs of mastitis.
- Symptoms of postpartum depression or thoughts of harming yourself or your baby.
- Severe pain, breathing issues, or seizures.
FAQs on Common Postpartum Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
- Is it safe to have sex soon after childbirth?
It’s best to wait until your six-week postpartum checkup and get medical clearance. Your body, especially your cervix and vaginal tissues, needs time to heal. - What hygiene practices should I follow after giving birth?
Keep stitches and sensitive areas clean and dry. Avoid harsh products, public pools, and hot tubs until fully healed.
