Bleeding is still normal, but the bleeding should steadily lessen and change color, from fresh blood in the beginning to a dark brown. Four weeks after delivery, you should not be feeling any pain from tears. If you do, contact your midwife for an examination.
As a new parent, regardless of whether you are alone or if you are two parents sharing parenthood, it is valuable to have support and a network. There will definitely be times when you, or both of you, will need time to recharge or to nurture your relationship.
For breastfeeding mothers
For those who nurse, the first difficulties may have subsided, and breastfeeding has become a routine. But it could also be that you’ve struggled with breastfeeding that hasn’t worked out, one paved with complications and pain.
If breastfeeding doesn’t work, formula as a complement is always an alternative if it makes it easier for you. And if it gets to be too much, you always have the option to stop breastfeeding. None of this makes you less of a good parent. Babies develop normally even when fed formula.
If you want to continue to nurse, but feel that you still have difficulties to overcome, do not hesitate to ask for help. Remember, the decision is yours. If you want to continue to nurse but are experiencing complications, you are entitled to help and support. The nurse at the child health clinic has breastfeeding training and there are breastfeeding clinics in many cities throughout the country.
The Breastfeeding Guide contains information that is intended to support you in the many various situations that could arise during the breastfeeding period.
Sleep
All babies are different. Some sleep through the nights, fall asleep content and wake content, but far from all babies do. There are babies who never seem satisfied, and who cry or demand constant comfort, even during the night.
As a parent, you can in no way affect how your baby will act. Try to share responsibility for your baby if possible. Arrange some form of relief, moments to recharge, and time for yourself—particularly if you are a single parent. You can get help and support from a sleep coach via the child health clinic. If your baby cries constantly, it could be a sign of colic for which you and your baby need support and help from the child health clinic.
Recovery
You’ll eventually establish everyday routines, but there will always be many new challenges. It’s easy to forget, but we want to remind you that your body is fantastic. Give some thought to what it’s been through, and the fact that it takes time to recover makes perfect sense. Allow it to take time; don’t stress. You give yourself and your body the best conditions to heal if you allow yourself to heal in peace.
There are probably some things that you feel you can do and some things you should wait to do. One such thing that you should postpone is jogging or very long walks. Your muscles, ligaments and tendons have been under a heavy strain for a long time and need time to recover. Don’t feel pressure to start exercising. Think instead that you should rest yourself into shape. Listen to your body and gradually add physical activity.
Spend some time contemplating how you are doing. If you feel close to tears, or low and depressed several times a day, it could be wise to discuss this with the nurse at the child health clinic. They can arrange for you to get support.
You may also feel more at ease. Regardless of how you’re doing, give yourself time to reflect on how you are feeling. It can be immensely helpful to write down your thoughts in a diary. We think we remember how we were feeling at a certain time when in fact, we struggle to remember how we were feeling just a few days ago. Writing it down might feel good, but it might also do good to go back and see how your well-being has changed over time.
Source:
- Janson, P.O. & Landgren, B. (red.) (2010). Gynekologi. (1. uppl.) Lund: Studentlitteratur.
- Kaplan, A. (red.) (2009). Lärobok för barnmorskor. (3., omarb. uppl.) Lund: Studentlitteratur.
- Myles, M.F., Marshall, J.E. & Raynor, M.D. (red.) (2014). Myles textbook for midwives. (16th edition). Edinburgh: Elsevier.
- Savage S. J. (2020). A Fourth Trimetser Action Plan for Wellness. The Journal of Perinatal Education. Apr 1;29(2):103-112. DOI: 10.1891/J-PE-D-18-00034