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POSTPARTUM DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS: VAGINAL BIRTHS
Call our office within the next week to make an appointment for your six week postpartum check-up unless advised to return earlier. Please keep your appointment for your six week check-up even if you are still having some bleeding. Report any fever over 100.4 degrees, or increased vaginal bleeding (more than a pad an hour) or pain.
You should not have sex until after your six week check-up. Please do not use tampons or douche for six weeks.
You may shower or wash your hair as soon as desired. Don’t take a bath until all vaginal bleeding has stopped for one week.
Cramping is normal, especially if you are breastfeeding. You may use 600 mg of ibuprofen (Motrin) every 6 hours or 650 mg of Tylenol every 6 hours as needed.
Your vaginal bleeding (lochia) may continue for four to six weeks. This may be followed by a yellow or white discharge for several more weeks.
Please continue your prenatal vitamins for at least six weeks.
Breastfeeding mothers should continue taking your vitamins for as long as you are nursing. Breastfeeding mothers should notify us if you notice red, sore, or tender breasts associated with a fever. You may have mastitis which will need to be treated with antibiotics.
Bottle feeding mothers will notice engorgement about 3 days postpartum. Your breasts will be sore and hard. You will need to wear a tight fitting bra or sports bra 24 hours a day. Tylenol and ice packs can be used for relief of the discomfort. A breast binder may also be used (a baby blanket or towel clasped with diaper pins).
You may use a mild laxative such as Senokot, Metamucil, or Colace as necessary.
Please keep stair climbing to a minimum for the first week. You may resume exercising 6 weeks postpartum, although walking as tolerated may begin as soon as heavy bleeding has stopped. Please start slowly and as tolerated for exercise resumption.
Avoid crowds and friends or family members who are sick for a minimum of two weeks.
Birth control may be started six weeks postpartum. Please ask our physician or providers for a prescription or other options at your 6 week appointment.