PART2: How to recover from a vaginal birth

It is common to have bloodshot eyes, facial bruising and muscle/joint pain related to the strain of pushing during labour and this won't last long.

- The uterus will take approximately six to eight weeks to shrink to its pre-pregnancy size and the contractions may be felt as "after pains" for the first few days after giving birth, especially when breastfeeding and in later pregnancies.

- Stretch marks that develop during pregnancy (mainly on the stomach and breasts but often on the thighs and buttocks as well) may turn from red and purple streaks to a silver or pearly colour and may itch after pregnancy is over. Treating stretch marks with Vitamin E creams as soon as they appear, in addition to trying not to gain too much weight during pregnancy, will help to reduce the extent to which stretch marks evolve, but for the most part, they will never fade completely.

- Breast pain caused by engorgement (as the breasts begin milk production), mastitis (if milk ducts become blocked) or cracked nipples affect lots of new mothers and can usually be treated with creams or antibiotics. 

- Other symptoms such as fever and/or chills, inflammation, having difficulty passing urine that resembles a urinary tract infection, a very strong vaginal odour, a lack of appetite, hot flashes, night sweats or dry skin could be an indication of infection or circulation problems so it's best to advise your GP as soon as they occur.

- Even several months after giving birth, some women may feel a lack of libido due to dips and spikes in hormonal activity, while others may have a lack of vaginal lubrication even if libido levels seem fine. Both should pass with time.

- Most women are aware of what post-partum depression is but may be unsure how to differentiate between it and the less severe baby blues. Post-partum hormonal instability causes a rush of emotions and mood swings that range widely between elation, sadness, anxiety and agitation, but this is very normal. More extreme emotions such as persistent despair, anguish and rage may be felt by some women, and are suggestive of post-partum depression. It can manifest as panic attacks, suicidal thoughts and insomnia, and can surface anywhere between the early days following birth and up to twelve months later. Counselling, antidepressants and oestrogen replacement therapy are several different alternatives that are available to mothers who are suffering from depression, and often doctors will recommend all three things be used in conjunction with one another.

• Why do I still look pregnant?

Your tummy muscles have been stretched and weakened and your uterus needs time to shrink down. After a vaginal birth, it's recommended that you start exercising your tummy muscles as soon as possible. This will help you get you back into shape and lowers your chances of getting a bad back.

Start off gently with any exercise programme. Listen to your body. And take advice from a midwife or physiotherapist before exercising if you had back or pelvic pain when you were pregnant.

• Will I have milk to feed my baby?

As soon as you've given birth, your body gets to work again. Your baby's suckling and two hormones called prolactin and oxytocin stimulate milk production. If those first breastfeeding sessions cause some tummy cramps, it's because oxytocin also triggers uterine contractions, or afterpains.

Each time you breastfeed your baby, your body sends signals to your brain to make more hormones to produce more milk. It's a supply and demand process. If you decide not to breastfeed, your body will produce milk to start with, perhaps making your breasts feel very full. But without the demand to make more, your milk will dry up.

The first, rich milk is called colostrum, and is only produced in small quantities. After two to five days, your milk should come in. Nearly all mums are able to produce plenty of milk. If you're worried your baby's not getting enough milk talk to your midwife or a breastfeeding specialist. You'll probably find it's to do with your baby not latching on properly to your breast.

• When will I be able to sit down comfortably?

It's common during a vaginal birth to have a small tear to the area between your vaginal opening and back passage (perineum). This usually heals quickly, but a more severe tear or a cut (episiotomy) may take longer to heal. Stitches may be painful for a few days or even weeks.

Talk to your midwife if you are worried about pain or how your perineum is healing, and don't forget your pelvic floor exercises. Doing the exercises may help to reduce swelling and speed up healing.

• Why are my emotions all over the place?

Like most new mums, you may be feeling up and down. There may be for many reasons for this, including:
(1) physical discomfort after your baby's birth
(2) the demands of caring for a new baby
(3) worries about being a parent
(4) sleep deprivation
(5) hormonal changes

Whatever the cause, it's normal to feel overwhelmed and weepy for a few days after you've given birth. This is called the baby blues. If the feelings of anxiety and upset don't fade in the first few weeks or you're feeling worse rather than better, tell your health visitor or doctor. You could have postnatal depression, and, if that's the case, you'll need help to get better.

• I'm exhausted. How can I cope?

If just reading about all this makes you feel like a nap, it's no wonder. The dramatic change from pregnant woman to new mum is exhausting. In just a few weeks your body reverses changes that took nine months to happen.

It's a really good idea for you to get some extra rest during the day when your baby is sleeping. This can be hard if you have other children to care for, so try to get friends and family to rally round. Listen to your body and take a nap if you can. You'll get through these early days, grabbing rest when you can, and with the help of that most glorious of distractions: your beautiful new baby.