Original URL: http://life.familyeducation.com/postpartum/health/42934.html

Postpartum Recovery: 3rd Week Home

What Hurts:

• Swelling and soreness around your bottom are decreasing, but sitting for a long time doesn't feel very good.

What Works:

• Swelling in hands decreases. If you took off your rings during pregnancy, try them on again.

What Doesn't Work:

• Baby doesn't know the difference between night and day, so your sleep patterns are also disturbed.
• Getting ready to go anywhere is like planning a major trip. It takes three times longer to get ready with baby as it used to before baby.
• Your mother-in-law decided she could stay and help for another week. (Actually, this might be good.)

What Spells Trouble:

• Red streaks or tender, hard spots on your legs, particularly the backs of your calves. This could signify a blood clot.

It's OK If:

• You feel sad or depressed some of the time. You may even cry.
• You miss being pregnant. (Just don't tell anyone!)

Don't Look Now, But . . .

• You've got varicose veins, just like your mother! They'll get better as you recover from pregnancy and begin exercising again.
• The skin on your abdomen still looks stretched out when you stand up.

Remember to:

• Keep baby's first appointment with the pediatrician. You'll probably receive his immunization record at this visit. Put it in a safe place with baby's other important papers.
• Talk to friends who can relate to your experience.
• Take lots of pictures and videos! You'll be amazed how quickly baby will change as he grows.

Call in the Troops:

• Keep your partner involved. Let him try his hand at caring for baby. And ask for his help with household chores.

Stop and Smell the Roses:

• By now you've changed over 200 diapers; you're an expert.

Red Light, Green Light

• Red Light—No douching. Follow instructions you got in the hospital for taking care of your episiotomy.
• Green Light—It's OK to talk to your partner about baby blues. Let him help.

Postpartum Recovery: 4th Week Home