You’ve just been through a life-changing event and it will take a while for things to get back to normal.

A postnatal body feels very different from a pregnant body, and knowing what to expect can make things easier.

Lochia

After the baby is born, you will have a discharge called lochia, which is a bit like a period. It will be heavy at first but gradually get lighter and stop after about 14 days. You may need to use two maternity-grade sanitary pads for the first few hours, then just one at a time. The loss is bright red to begin with, then pinkish for a week, then yellowish-white. If you pass clots of blood bigger than a 50p piece, tell your midwife, and save that pad in a plastic bag to show her when she calls. It may be that not all of the placenta came away after the birth and some pieces were left behind.

Afterpains

You may feel ‘afterpains,’ like contractions, sometimes very strongly when you begin a breastfeed. These can be particularly strong after second and subsequent babies. Your midwife may suggest taking paracetamol to help. They only last for a few days and are a good sign that your uterus is shrinking back to its usual size.

Perineal pain

Even if you haven’t had a tear or a cut, your perineum may feel very bruised and sore. If you find it uncomfortable to sit down, your midwife can give you a support cushion, or offer paracetamol, to ease the discomfort. You will be encouraged to keep the area clean, and to get up and move around as soon as possible, especially if you have had a caesarean – being active leads to a quicker recovery.

If your stitches are smelly or seem to be oozing, ask your midwife to check them. There could be an infection and you might need antibiotics.