The following several pages contain postpartum and post cesarean instructions:

Remember, although you may feel great, it will take several weeks for your body to heal. Involution of the uterus (womb) involves the process by which the uterus sheds its thickened lining. This causes a considerable amount of discharge called lochia. For the first few days, the discharge contains blood and other cellular debris and is red in color. In ten days or so it is light brown or yellow in color. After several weeks, the discharge will disappear completely. The length of time the discharge persists is variable. Bleeding longer than this is not necessarily abnormal, particularly for breast-feeding mothers. You my experience some "cramps" (after birth pains) for the first few days after delivery. Often they are more severe when nursing. These are a normal part of involution.

If your baby is bottle fed, you will probably resume menstruation in four to ten weeks. If you are breast-feeding, you may not menstruate for several months or until after weaning your baby. You may experience some constipation after delivery. Try increasing fluids everyday. As you become more active this problem will improve. A mild laxative such as Milk of Magesia or Metamucil is okay in order to avoid straining. It is better to avoid enemas. If problems with constipation or hemorrhoids are severe, please let us know. It is advisable to take a stool softener until there is no more discomfort from the stitches. Soaking your episiotomy in warm water three to four times a day helps promote the healing process. . Although this maybe difficult at times, please make an effort to soak. At home you may cleanse your cesarean incision with peroxide twice a day. It is helpful to clean the area in the shower prior to this. Pat the area dry and try to keep it as dry as possible. Some red/yellow drainage is normal. If the area becomes red or you begin to run a temperature (>100.5) please let us know. If you are breast-feeding and have questions, please contact the hospitals lactation department.