Postpartum
Your next appointment should be in six weeks, unless otherwise specified at the time of discharge. Postpartum, please comply with the following guidelines to aid in recovery:
Postpartum Medications
- Percocet (or another Tylenol/codeine derivative), 1-2 tablets every 4-6 hours as needed for pain
- Ibuprofen 600 mg every 6 hours as needed for pain
- For constipation: Colace, Milk of Magnesia
- Continue your prenatal vitamins if you are breast feeding
- For hemorrhoids, use Tucks pads, Preparation H, Epifoam as needed
- For cracked/sore nipples you may use Lanolin cream
- Use a stool softener (such as Colace) for 2-3 weeks after your delivery
For 6 Weeks, Do NOT:
- Use Douching, tampons, or sexual intercourse
- Do vigorous exercise
- Lift objects greater than 20 lbs. if you have had a C-section
- Use anything in the rectum (suppositories etc.) if you have had a 4th degree tear
- Drive for 1-2 weeks if you are taking Percocet
If you have had a C-section:
- Do not drive for 1-2 weeks or while taking Percocet
- Keep your incision clean and dry:
- Let the water/soap run down on the incision in the shower
- Do not apply soap on a towel and directly scrub your incision
- Do not apply any creams/lotions/Neosporin to your incision
- Your steri-strips may fall off on their own, otherwise you may remove them at 2 weeks
Call our office if you have:
- Reddened, hard and exquisitely tender areas to the breast accompanied by a fever greater than 100.4
- Excessive vaginal bleeding greater than 1 soaked pad per hour. (You will have vaginal bleeding for 4-6 weeks after delivery. This may slightly increase 2-3 weeks after delivery, but will then taper off.)
- An exquisitely tender abdomen accompanied by a fever greater than 100.4
- Any signs or symptoms of post partum depression
- For C section patients:
- Any opening of your incision
Any drainage from your incision that is excessive, or any pus coming from the incision