Signs of Infection or PPH Postpartum
It is important to know signs of infection or PPH, while it is not extremely common - I find parents often are unsure what is "normal" after birth and they generally think its expected to feel shit.
While you may be tender post birth - the symoptoms listed here are signs you may have an infection and it is recommended you call your care provider (midwife or obstirician) to get assessed. If your gut instinct is that something is wrong, listen to it. Do not doubt yourself - the quicker you get help reduces the impact on your body.
Where you can get help:
*Your local maternity hospital A&E (24 hours a day)
*Your maternity care provider
*Your GP
💕 You can keep your baby with you if you need to go for assessment. Often an antibiotic, rest and good hydration is all that is required to fight the infection so try not to worry. You can continue to breastfeed (let your doctor know you are breastfeeding so they perscribe appropriate medications)
If you have had a casearean birth, check your incision, if the skin around it is very pink and tender, if there is discharge or a bad smell it could have an infection.
All previous information on bleeding/infection
Often women will find they bleed less after caesarean birth
Tenderness with moving / tight clothing
Normal to need pain medication for the first 10 days. Speak to care provider if still needing pain medication after six weeks
Staples removed after 5 days, dissolvable stitches go on their own
Call care provider if wound becomes red, swollen, painful or has a discharge or smell.
Normal to have numbness around scar (which may or may not fade over time)
If you had a vaginal birth, your postnatal bleeding should not have a foul smell - remember to change your maternity pads regularly and use sits baths / shower or bath with no soap daily. A bad smell or excessive bleeding could be a sign of infection or PPH (post partum Haemorrhage)
Lochia can be like a heavy period for up to 10 days, then it will taper off, going from bright red to dark red, to pink then brown to yellowish-white.
Vaginal and Perineal tenderness is normal during the first six weeks, longer if instrumental birth.
Care when lifting for 6 weeks.
Don’t over do it with exercise including walking
Regardless of how you are feeding your baby, your milk will still come in and you can potentially get an infection in your breast. Look out for sore, red areas.
#doulacareireland #postpartuminfection #pph