Puerperium: meaning and duration of the postpartum phase
The puerperium is the time necessary for the female genital system to resume its normal functions after childbirth. More precisely, it is the period from two hours after the birth of the child to the reappearance of the puerperium. It is a more complex process when the mother has had a caesarean section, because this is equivalent to a real surgery.
How long does the puerperium last?
If everything goes well, the duration of the puerperium is not excessive. It takes very little to return to normal: the uterus recovers its previous size within 7-10 days, the abdominal and pelvic organs regain their position in the abdomen within a few weeks. And if the new mother suffered from swelling and water retention during pregnancy, she will see her body eliminate excess fluids in a few days with a consequent rebalancing of blood circulation.
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Physiology and disorders of the puerperium
The puerperium is also characterized by the "onset of lochiations, bleeding that will last about 3-4 weeks. At the beginning they will be abundant and bright red in color, but after the first week they will be less frequent and will take on a pink color as well as an appearance. "serous". That is until they cease completely. The duration of discharge is reduced for women who are breastfeeding, since oxytocin (the hormone that stimulates milk output and the ability of the uterus to contract during diastasis of the rectum, but also from poor emptying of the bladder, from poluria and profuse sweating, hair loss and even from depression.
Going home after giving birth. What to do?
The first days after childbirth, when you return home, are the most difficult, the ones that scare mothers the most. How to behave, and how to deal with new and unexpected problems? In this video you will find all the suggestions of our Nanny Simona, to calm you down and face this delicate period, between puerperium and new life of the baby, with the necessary serenity.
Puerperium and breastfeeding: how does it work?
The puerperium also concerns breastfeeding, because the maternal organism has to calibrate milk production according to the infant's request. In short, both the mother and the baby must become familiar with feedings. And here the psychological and emotional factors come into play: it is in fact important that the new mother has confidence in herself and in her ability to best nourish her child. Furthermore, as we said, breastfeeding speeds up the postnatal period and the mother's return to physiological normality.
Puerperium and sexual intercourse: how long does it take to return to normal?
The puerperium is a delicate phase for the woman, she may feel more fragile and exposed and refuse sexual intercourse. It is perfectly normal to feel this way, and in fact the return to normalcy and sexual relations with the partner will take some time. The time varies from one to three months, also according to the particular situation of the woman. The new mother should listen her body and follow her instincts, without feeling forced to do anything. Often, however, after a natural birth, doctors recommend that you wait at least a month after giving birth before resuming making love, especially if you have suffered a "birth". episiotomy: In the event of a caesarean delivery, getting back into shape may take even longer.
Our tips to recover quickly
As this is a very delicate phase, the new mother is advised to seek help not only from her partner and family, but also from her doctor, consultants or associations. Then, in case she feels a little nervous, the ideal is to take nice walks in the open air (weather permitting) with the child: outdoors, the little ones usually relax and fall asleep, earning the mother a "baby respite ”and consequently a bit of good humor.
