An excerpt from Your
Pregnancy™ Quick
Guide Postpartum Wellness
 Your New Life Begins after Your Pregnancy Ends
The birth of your baby is a wonderful beginning for you as a family.
You and your partner are probably filled with wonder, joy, love
and happiness at the incredible miracle that has occurred. You
are enjoying your new baby and are probably anxious to begin your
new life together.
The first 6 weeks immediately after baby’s birth is called
the postpartum period. During this time, you and your partner will
go through periods of great adjustment. You may both have many
questions about this time, such as those listed below.
- How long will it take me to feel normal again?
- What are the different ways to feed my baby?
- What is my role as a new father?
- How can I get my body back in shape?
- How can we bond with our baby?
- How can I take care of our baby
and not neglect my partner?
- Should I return to work?
- How can we find a care giver?
We address these questions and concerns, and many others, in this
book. You may want to read all the information as we present it,
or you may want to check out the sections that are of most interest
to you right now.
After the Baby’s Birth
- Your body undergoes great changes as you begin to recover
from pregnancy, labor and delivery. You go through many physical
and emotional adjustments.
- You may be disappointed if you’re expecting to lose
30 or 40 pounds immediately after baby’s birth. It takes
awhile for things to get back to normal, so be patient. In the
first 10 days following baby’s birth, many women lose
about 18 to 20 pounds.
- You may be surprised at how physically tired you feel after
labor and delivery. Your muscles may feel sore. It’s
the result of the hard physical work you did during labor and
delivery.
- Learn as much as you can about what is normal after delivery.
Ask questions, and follow the advice of your doctors and nurses.
- The time you spend in the hospital after delivery can be
very helpful to you. Most hospitals or delivery suites have
educational channels or videotapes on various subjects, such
as breastfeeding and child care, to watch while you’re
there.
For additional information about postpartum wellness, see Your
Pregnancy™ Quick Guide Postpartum Wellness.
Read about:
• Fitness and Exercise
• Feeding Your Baby
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