Post partum period

Research suggests menstruation returns by 12 weeks postpartum about 70% of the time, in the absence of breastfeeding. If You Breastfeed If you are nursing you will typically not have your normal period for many months, depending on the amount and frequency of nursing and a number of supplemental feedings, if any. Research suggests only 20% of people who breastfeed will get their period back within the first six months. Once you have weaned, your period will usually follow within a month or two. You may also see your period return as your baby begins to eat more solid foods or if you begin to supplement with formula or solids. This is normal as the amount of breastfeeding is less, meaning you are more likely to ovulate. • Lee YJ, Yi SW, Ju DH, Lee SS, Sohn WS, Kim IJ. Obstet Gynecol Sci. 2015;58(5):353-358. doi:10.5468/ogs.2015.58.5.353 • Lewis PR, Brown JB, Renfree MB, Short RV. Fertil Steril. 1991;55(3):529-536. • Van der Wijden C, Manion C. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2015;(10):CD001329. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD001329.pub2

While everyone's postpartum experience is unique, the post-delivery recovery timeline is usually fairly predictable. For example, it's always advised to avoid housework, heavy lifting, and other strenuous physical activity immediately after giving birth and during those first days and weeks postpartum. However, some new parents will need a bit more or less time to be ready for various activities like having sex, driving, or starting to take on regular household work after delivery. Most importantly, be gentle and flexible with yourself. Your body is unlikely to snap right back to its pre-pregnancy state. And the emotional whirlwind of new parenthood needs to be processed as well. So, honor when you feel like you need rest and/or to postpone certain things until you're feeling ready. In other words, focus on Take a shower Once your epidural wears off and the baby's been checked over thoroughly, you'll likely be transported together from the delivery room to the postpartum recovery room. This is often on a different floor of the maternity ward, and the nursery is typically on this floor as well. Here, you'll be able to enjoy your first postpartum shower. (Just gently pat yourself dry down there!) Use the bathroom on your own Your first trip to the restroom after giving birth may be a bit more awkward (and uncomfortable) than you expected. That's because you'll be accompanied by your attending nurse, who will ensure you're steady on your feet, help navigate cords, wires, and ...

When refering to evidence in academic writing, you should always try to reference the primary (original) source. That is usually the journal article where the information was first stated. In most cases Physiopedia articles are a secondary source and so should not be used as references. Physiopedia articles are best used to find the original sources of information (see the references list at the bottom of the article). If you believe that this Physiopedia article is the primary source for the information you are refering to, you can use the button below to access a related citation statement. Cite article Contents • 1 Introduction • 2 Postnatal Clinical Presentation and Considerations • 3 Physical Therapy's Role in the Postnatal Period • 4 Specific Interventions • 4.1 Diaphragmatic Breathing • 4.2 Exercise • 4.3 Pelvic Floor Exercises • 4.4 Hydrotherapy (Aquatherapy) • 5 Clinical Takeaways • 6 References Introduction [ | ] The postnatal or postpartum period is the period that occurs immediately after childbirth. The postnatal period is a critical, yet often neglected period in a new parent's life. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) The postnatal period is generally distributed into three distinct, but continuous phases: • Acute Phase: 24 hours immediately following delivery • Sub-Acute Phase: can last 2-6 weeks following delivery • Late Phase: can last from 6 weeks - 6 months following delivery The length of the Late Phase is dependent on major muscle tone an...