Postpartum care: what you need to know

Postpartum isn't exactly what you see in the movies. You've just brought a baby into the world, your body has gone through something intense, and yet everyone expects you to "glow" as soon as you leave the maternity ward.

The reality is raw: your hormones crash, you bleed, you’re exhausted, and your body needs time to heal. At Puissante, we prefer to give it to you straight rather than letting you discover everything on your own. Here’s what to expect and how to take care of yourself on a daily basis.

What is postpartum?

Postpartum, also known as the postnatal period, refers to the time following childbirth during which the body gradually returns to its pre-pregnancy state. The MSD Manual places it at about 6 weeks. In reality, full recovery, especially on a hormonal and emotional level, often takes much longer.

To understand the different phases and what influences your recovery, our article on how long postpartum lasts tells you everything. Here, we'll talk concretely about what is happening in your body and how to take care of it.

What is actually happening in your body

Bleeding (lochia)

Lochia is the normal bleeding that follows childbirth: the uterus sheds blood and the lining that covered its walls. It is heavy at first, sometimes with small clots, then gradually decreases:

• The first 3 to 4 days: heavy, red bleeding.
• Then: lighter, pinkish or brownish discharge.
• Up to 4 to 6 weeks: yellowish or whitish discharge, becoming lighter and lighter.

As long as the bleeding lasts, prefer sanitary pads. Avoid tampons and menstrual cups, as they increase the risk of infection. Getting back to activity too quickly can cause red bleeding to return: this is a sign to slow down.

Uterine contractions

These abdominal cramps, sometimes intense, correspond to uterine involution: the uterus contracts to return to its original size. They are often more pronounced during breastfeeding, because the baby's sucking stimulates the release of oxytocin, the hormone that triggers the milk ejection reflex and also causes uterine contractions.

If the pain becomes difficult to bear, talk to your doctor or midwife: there are solutions.

The perineum and the intimate area

The perineum is under significant strain during childbirth, sometimes resulting in tearing or an episiotomy. The area remains sensitive and swollen for several weeks. For hygiene, stitches, and care, we detail everything in our article on taking care of your vulva after childbirth. Essential habits:

• Clean with warm water, without perfumed soap.
• Apply cold compresses wrapped in a cloth during the first few days to relieve swelling.
• Opt for sitz baths in warm water if there is pain.

If the pain remains very severe after 2 to 3 weeks, see a doctor: difficult healing may require medical attention.

Perineal rehabilitation is not just a bonus; it is a true key to recovery. Gentle first perineal contractions, without equipment, can often be resumed a few days after an uncomplicated vaginal birth, with the agreement of your doctor or midwife. Perineal rehabilitation supervised by a midwife or physiotherapist usually begins around the postnatal visit, between 6 and 8 weeks after childbirth. It helps limit urinary leakage and preserve comfort during future sexual intercourse. Do not use accessories, such as Kegel balls, without the approval of your healthcare professional.

The C-section scar

If you had a C-section, the scar requires gentleness: wash it with water and mild soap, pat it dry, and avoid lifting heavy loads. Contact your medical team in case of spreading redness, discharge, local heat, or fever.

The intimate flora, fragile but resilient

Between labor, potential tears, and discharge, the intimate flora is often disrupted in the postpartum period. Expect increased sensitivity and, especially if you are breastfeeding, vaginal dryness: breastfeeding lowers estrogen levels, which dries out the mucous membranes.

To support it:

• Gentle hygiene, with plain water, no vaginal douching.
• No perfumed products or wipes on the intimate area.
• Vigilance regarding signs of infection: fever, unusual odor, marked itching.

Hair loss

A few months after giving birth, many women lose a significant amount of hair. This phenomenon is linked to the drop in pregnancy hormones. It is temporary and generally resolves within a few months.

Emotional postpartum care

Your body is recovering, but your mind is also going through a real upheaval. The "baby blues" affect between 50 and 80% of new mothers according to the Assurance Maladie. It appears in the first few days: mood swings, irritability, hypersensitivity. It generally disappears in one to two weeks without treatment. You can learn more in our article on the baby blues after childbirth.

If the distress persists beyond two weeks, worsens, or is accompanied by deep sadness or a loss of interest in your baby, it may be postpartum depression: a common, treatable condition that should not be experienced in shame or silence. We explain how to recognize it in our article on postpartum depression.

If you have suicidal thoughts or feel like you can't cope anymore, call 3114, the national suicide prevention hotline, or 15 in case of emergency.

Good to know: since 2022, an early postnatal interview is offered to all new mothers, between the 4th and 8th week after childbirth. Performed by a midwife or doctor and covered by the Assurance Maladie, it allows for the detection of early signs of postpartum depression. Do not hesitate to ask for it if it is not offered to you.

Sleep, nutrition, exercise, and sex: postpartum daily life

Sleep

Lack of sleep is often the most difficult thing to deal with in the first few months. It can last for several weeks, sometimes several months, before gradually improving.

The most useful advice remains the simplest: sleep when your baby sleeps, before taking care of the rest. Sleep is a physiological need, not a luxury.

Nutrition

Your nutritional needs increase, especially if you are breastfeeding: this is not the time to restrict yourself. Postpartum is not a time to lose weight, it is a time to nourish yourself and recover. Drink regularly and eat to your hunger. We detail all this, without injunctions or diets, in our article on postpartum nutrition.

If you feel very tired or if you are breastfeeding, your doctor or midwife can advise you on supplementation. A postpartum cure can supplement a varied diet, without ever replacing it.

Resuming physical activity

Walking can be resumed as soon as you feel capable. For more sustained activity (muscle strengthening, cardio, running), it is best to wait for the postnatal visit and perineal rehabilitation. Generally allow 6 to 8 weeks after a vaginal birth, and longer after a C-section or in case of complications.

A sign to watch for: if you notice urinary leakage during exertion, your perineum is not yet ready. Slow down and talk to a professional about it again.

Postpartum sexuality

There is no mandatory timeframe for resuming sexual activity after childbirth. Professionals generally advise waiting until bleeding has stopped and any tears or episiotomy have healed, which usually takes a few weeks. Every woman has her own rhythm, and nothing forces you to resume at a specific date.

When you feel ready, know that sensations may be different at first, sometimes uncomfortable, and that libido often takes time to return: fatigue, hormones, and stress have a lot to do with it. A suitable lubricant, patience, and open communication with your partner make all the difference.

If you do not want another pregnancy, think about contraception: ovulation can resume before your period returns, and breastfeeding is not enough to prevent pregnancy.

If the pain persists several months after childbirth, do not minimize it: consult a healthcare professional, there are solutions.

Postpartum: when to consult a healthcare professional?

Certain signs require prompt medical attention:

• Bleeding that fills a pad in less than an hour for more than two hours.
• Clots larger than a golf ball.
• Discharge with a foul odor.
• Fever of 38°C (100.4°F) or more.
• Intense pain that does not improve with rest.
• A red, hot, painful breast or one with a hard lump (possible sign of mastitis).
• A swollen or painful leg, chest pain, or unusual shortness of breath: these signs can suggest phlebitis or an embolism, the risk of which is slightly increased in the weeks following childbirth. Call 15 in case of chest pain or difficulty breathing.
• Sadness, anxiety, or exhaustion that persists beyond two weeks.

When in doubt, it is better to consult for nothing than to wait. Your doctor, midwife, or gynecologist are there for that.

What we aren't told enough about postpartum

Accept the help you are offered. Let your friends and family cook, do the shopping, take care of the laundry: this time saved is time to sleep and recover.

Be kind to yourself. Feeling "normal" often takes several months, not just 6 weeks. Your fears, your fatigue, your drop in libido, or your guilt are not abnormal: they are shared by countless new mothers.

Finally, don't wait to have a problem before consulting: postpartum follow-up (postnatal visit, early postnatal interview, perineal rehabilitation) exists precisely to support you proactively.

Your questions about postpartum care

When does your period return after childbirth?

Without breastfeeding, it often returns a few weeks after birth. With breastfeeding, the return may be later. However, ovulation can occur before the first period. All the markers are in our article on the return of menstruation (retour de couches).

Is it normal to lose your hair after childbirth?

Yes, it is very common and temporary. Hair loss often occurs a few months after birth and generally resolves within a few months. If it persists beyond a year, or is accompanied by great fatigue, talk to your doctor.

What underwear should you wear postpartum?

Choose cotton underwear, loose and comfortable, that does not rub against the scar area. Disposable maternity panties are convenient for the first few days of bleeding.

Can you apply a balm to the vulva after childbirth?

Once the skin has healed, you can use a soothing, fragrance-free skincare product. In case of stitches or a wound, ask your midwife for advice first. Our article on vulvar balm explains how to use it.

Can you take a bath after childbirth?

Prioritize showers and lukewarm sitz baths. For a full bath, ask your midwife for approval, especially if you have stitches or bleeding.