Your baby’s finally here, and you’re excited, but you’re also exhausted, uncomfortable and on an emotional roller-coaster. No matter how you birthed your baby, the physical changes of the post-partum period are immediately visible, unlike the gradual changes of pregnancy.
WHAT TO EXPECT
■ TENDER BREASTS
Your breasts may feel full and tender for several days when your milk comes in, and your nipples may be sensitive at first. You will have colostrum in your breasts until the mature milk comes in within three to six days after delivery. If you have any breastfeeding problems, talk to your midwife or a lactation specialist. She can advise you on how to deal with any breastfeeding problems. Relieve clogged milk ducts with breast massage, frequent feeding, feeding after a warm shower, and warm moist compresses applied throughout the day. Tender breasts will feel better as soon as your breastfeeding has found a rhythm.
■ WEIGHT
Your post-partum weight will probably be about six to seven kilograms below your full-term weight (the weight of the baby, placenta and amniotic fluid) before additional water weight drops off within the first week as your body regains its balance.
