Delivery and Post Birth
Your delivery and recovery is as unique as the baby that comes with it. Dr Holland understands that each women will need unique care when it comes to the time directly after birth.
Delivery and Post Birth
Birth
At Newcastle Private Hospital every new mum will have the opportunity to spend a few days in the maternity ward, with their partner, getting to know their new little person. While you are there you will have access to midwife support, lactation specialists and of course Dr Holland.
Heading Home
Once you bravely take your new baby out into the real world and into your home you may feel a variety of emotions. Vulnerability, fully alive, overwhelmed, happy and/or sad. You are all still getting to know each other and becoming a family or adjusting to another family member. This is such a new and special time so we encourage you to enjoy every moment.
Post Birth Care
Six weeks after the birth Dr Holland would like to see you for a post natal visit in his rooms. This appointment is to check mum's health and recovery after birth. Ongoing contraception will often be talked about during this appointment as well. Although the appointment is for mum, you are more than welcome to bring bub along as we love meeting the newest members of your family.
Caesarian Section
If you have stitches, they are usually reabsorbable sutures, meaning they are absorbed by the body and do not need to be removed. Keep your wound clean and dry. Wear loose clothing and look for signs of infection (such as redness, pain, swelling of the wound or bad-smelling discharge). If you experience any of these symptoms please report them to the doctor or midwife.
The incision will heal over the next few weeks. During this time, there may be mild cramping, light bleeding or vaginal discharge, as well as pain and numbness in the skin around the incision site. Most women will feel well by six weeks postpartum, but numbness around the incision and occasional aches and pains can last for several months.
Looking after a new baby is hard for all women, but it can be harder when you are recovering from a Caesarean section. Be kind to yourself. It may take a few weeks or even longer to recover, particularly if you have had complications. Get as much rest as you can. If you feel that you need extra help and support, ask family or friends to help. Do not lift any weight that is heavier than your baby. Be careful of your back when you lift and don’t lift anything that causes you pain. You should not drive a car until you have fully recovered and your wound has healed. This may take up to 6 weeks. Your obstetrician can provide advice about when it is safe to drive again. Avoid sex until you feel comfortable. After birth of any kind it is quite normal to take weeks, even months, before you are ready to have sex.
The incision will heal over the next few weeks. During this time, there may be mild cramping, light bleeding or vaginal discharge, as well as pain and numbness in the skin around the incision site. Most women will feel well by six weeks postpartum, but numbness around the incision and occasional aches and pains can last for several months.
Looking after a new baby is hard for all women, but it can be harder when you are recovering from a Caesarean section. Be kind to yourself. It may take a few weeks or even longer to recover, particularly if you have had complications. Get as much rest as you can. If you feel that you need extra help and support, ask family or friends to help. Do not lift any weight that is heavier than your baby. Be careful of your back when you lift and don’t lift anything that causes you pain. You should not drive a car until you have fully recovered and your wound has healed. This may take up to 6 weeks. Your obstetrician can provide advice about when it is safe to drive again. Avoid sex until you feel comfortable. After birth of any kind it is quite normal to take weeks, even months, before you are ready to have sex.
Bleeding Post Birth
Over the first few days after giving birth you will have some period like bleeding as your uterus returns to it's pre-pregnancy size. Bleeding may start off heavy but should settle to a light flow within a few days. If you find you are loosing blood in large clots you should speak to your midwife or doctor. You may experience some cramping during breastfeeding as this triggers the uterus to contract. If this is uncomfortable you can apply heat packs or take light pain medication such as paracetamol.