After your vaginal birth
After your birth, you will be monitored until discharge.
You will be encouraged to eat, drink and walk as soon as you feel ready.
You will receive oral (by mouth) pain medications to keep you comfortable if you need them.
These generally include acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil) or naproxen (Aleve).
Everyone’s recovery is different, and some people will need stronger pain medications (narcotics), which are safe for breastfeeding.
You will be encouraged to keep your tear/episiotomy clean with the use of a peri-care bottle.
Your care provider may also recommend a sitz bath to help vaginal healing. This involves soaking your bottom end in a small tub of warm water for 20 minutes at least once a day.
Constipation is common after your birth so a stool softener may be recommended.
A stool softener may also be recommended if you had a 3rd or 4th degree tear.
Most people spend one night at the hospital after a vaginal birth.
You will have lots of support in hospital or the birth centre to care for you and your baby, including breastfeeding assistance.
A lactation consultant is usually available for additional breastfeeding support.
If there are concerns about your recovery, the team will ensure you have appropriate follow up after your discharge.
The criteria for going home include:
- Good pain control
- Ability to walk around
- Ability to eat and drink
Tests that baby needs before going home:
- Physical exam, including baby’s weight
- Newborn screen with a heel prick
If you choose to circumcise your baby boy, some hospitals offer this before discharge.