Spacer
Virginia Obstetrics & Gynecology Virginia Obstetrics & Gynecology Homepage Site Map Frequently Asked Questions
ComplimentaryC onsultation

Postpartum Vaginal Delivery Instructions

POSTPARTUM DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS: VAGINAL BIRTHS

Call our office within the next week to make an appointment for your six week postpartum check-up unless advised to return earlier. Please keep your appointment for your six week check-up even if you are still having some bleeding.

Report any fever over 100.4 degrees, or increased vaginal bleeding (more than a pad an hour) or pain.

You should not have sex until after your six week check-up. Please do not use tampons or douche for six weeks.

You may shower or wash your hair as soon as desired. Don't take a bath until all vaginal bleeding has stopped for one week.

Cramping is normal, especially if you are breastfeeding. You may use 600 mg of ibuprofen (Motrin) every 6 hours or 650 mg of Tylenol every 6 hours as needed.

Your vaginal bleeding (lochia) may continue for four to six weeks. This may be followed by a yellow or white discharge for several more weeks.

Please continue your prenatal vitamins for at least six weeks.

Breastfeeding mothers should continue taking your vitamins for as long as you are nursing. Breastfeeding mothers should notify us if you notice red, sore, tender breasts associated with a fever. You may have mastitis which will need to be treated with antibiotics.

Bottle feeding mothers will notice engorgement about 3 days postpartum. Your breasts will be sore and hard. You will need to wear a tight fitting bra or sports bra 24 hours a day. Tylenol and ice packs can be used for relief of the discomfort. A breast binder may also be used (a baby blanket or towel clasped with diaper pins).

You may use a mild laxative such as Senokot, Metamucil or Colace as necessary.

Please keep stair climbing to a minimum for the first week, as well as only light housekeeping. You may resume exercising 6 weeks postpartum, although walking as tolerated may begin as soon as heavy bleeding has stopped. Please start slowly and as tolerated for exercise resumption.

Avoid crowds and friends or family members who are sick for a minimum of two weeks.

Birth control may be started six weeks postpartum. Please ask Dr. Ayoub for a prescription or other options at your 6 week appointment.



Join us On Facebook
News
January, 2012
Dr. Ayoub has been selected as one of over 200 physicians in the country to attend the "Essure Summit" and is proud to be a physician's advocates for women's healthcare.

November, 2011
Dr. Ayoub has once again been recognized as a Patients' Choice physician.
Read More

July, 2011
Dr. Ayoub was Invited as a guest speaker to the ICAN-International Cesarean Network group to discuss the Family Centered Cesarean and other topics related to natural childbirth advocacy.
Discover Essure