Giving birth is a life-changing experience that takes a serious strain on your body and emotions. Whether you had a vaginal delivery or a C-section, your body needs time and gentle care to heal. In those first few weeks, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. You’re sore, tired, and adjusting to your new baby’s needs. But during this time, it’s just as important to take care of yourself.
At Jennifer Carly Aesthetic, we believe every new mum deserves support, rest, and clear guidance through recovery. You don’t need to feel guilty for putting your health first. To help you heal properly and avoid setbacks, we’ve highlighted five things you should never do after giving birth.
1. Don’t put anything into the vagina
After giving birth, your body goes through many changes, especially your vaginal area. You might bleed more than expected or feel like you’re healing quickly. Still, no matter how you feel, avoid putting anything into your vagina until your doctor says it’s safe.
Usually, doctors give the green light at your 6-week postpartum checkup. Until then, don’t use tampons, menstrual cups, or have sex. This is because your uterus and vaginal tissues are still healing. Any internal product can introduce bacteria and cause infection during this sensitive time.
If you had stitches or tears, the area needs time to close and recover fully. Even if your bleeding stops early, continue using sanitary pads. Ensure to change them often and wash your hands regularly to avoid infection.
When it comes to sex, most doctors suggest waiting 4 to 6 weeks. That gives your cervix time to return to normal. It also lowers your risk of pain and further injury.
Once you are cleared for recovery, you can explore gentle and non-invasive therapies like Vtone treatment. It helps strengthen your pelvic floor muscles and improves bladder control. These are common concerns many new mums face after delivery. Vtone is safe, effective, and requires no surgery or downtime. It is a great option to support your postpartum healing.
2. Don’t smoke or misuse drugs
Smoking after birth is dangerous for you and your baby. If you or your partner smokes, ask your doctor for help quitting. Secondhand smoke puts your baby at serious risk, even if you’re not smoking nearby.
One of the biggest concerns is sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Secondhand smoke is a major risk factor. It can affect your baby’s breathing, heart rate, and how their body handles carbon dioxide.
Your baby’s lungs and brain are still developing after birth. Breathing in smoke slows that process and causes harm. It can lead to infections, asthma, ear problems, and even lower brain function over time.
Drug misuse is also harmful. Substances like opioids, meth, cocaine, or even cannabis can put your life and baby’s life in danger.
3. Don’t Forget to Use Birth Control
After giving birth, many mums don’t realise how soon they can get pregnant again. The truth is, pregnancy can happen as early as six to eight weeks after delivery. That’s why it’s important to consider birth control early to stay on the safe side.
There are plenty of options available. You can start using condoms as soon as you’re cleared for sex. If you’re thinking about hormonal birth control, you may need to wait a little longer. This often depends on whether you’re breastfeeding or have any health concerns.
Some common options include an IUD, birth control implant, injection, or progestin-only pills. You can also ask your doctor about combined hormonal methods or even sterilisation if you’re sure you’re done having children.
Every woman’s body is different, so ovulation may return sooner than expected. To avoid an unplanned pregnancy, it’s best to speak with your doctor and start a reliable form of birth control.
4. Don’t neglect your nutrition
After giving birth, most women focus all their energy on their baby’s needs. But your own body still needs love and care, especially when it comes to nutrition. Eating well helps you heal, keeps your energy up, and supports breastfeeding if you choose to nurse.
If you’re breastfeeding, your body needs around 450 to 500 extra calories each day. This supports healthy milk production and helps you feel strong. For many women, this means aiming for about 2,500 calories daily.
To support your recovery, fill your meals with whole foods like fresh fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. These foods give your body the nutrients it needs to repair and regain strength. Additionally, try to limit junk foods that are high in sugar and unhealthy fats.
Also, do not forget to keep taking your prenatal vitamins or switch to a postnatal one. These help fill any nutrient gaps in your diet. Staying hydrated is very important, especially when nursing. Experts suggest drinking about 16 cups of fluids each day to stay fully hydrated.
5. Don’t Ignore Signs of Postpartum Depression
Mood swings affect nearly 80 percent of new mothers within the first two weeks after delivery.
During this time, you may feel extra emotional, anxious, or even cry without a clear reason. These feelings are common and usually fade away within ten to fourteen days.
However, if your mood stays low beyond two weeks, it might be more than mood swings. This could be postpartum depression, which affects around one in five mothers.
Signs of postpartum depression include constant sadness, anger, or feeling distant from your baby and loved ones. You may stop enjoying things that once made you happy. You might feel like you’re failing at motherhood. Some mothers even worry they might harm their babies.
It’s important to know this condition is not your fault. Anyone can experience it, and it is treatable. Some things can increase your risk. These include having little support, having a past history of depression, or difficult childbirth. Health issues in your baby or giving birth to twins or more can also play a role.
You don’t have to suffer in silence. The first step is speaking up. Talk to your partner, a close friend, or a certified practitioner.
