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