Postpartum care: basic tips for the postpartum 2026

Staying in bed for a week, this was originally the meaning of the German word wochenbett, whose Spanish equivalent espuerperio, the time that a woman had to remain at rest after childbirth. Currently, this term refers to the six weeks after which the body returns to normal. The mother will try to lead a relaxed life, with a healthy and balanced diet, especially if she is breastfeeding.

This recovery period may be accompanied by small discomforts such as:

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Tiredness and fatigue

Why it occurs. The arrival of the baby disrupts the home routine and multiplies the work. Added to this is the physical fatigue of childbirth, lack of sleep in the first months, hormonal changes and the possible presence of anemia (which makes the new mother weaker). How to relieve it. Asking for help without feeling guilty, involving the father and asking for the understanding of family and friends (attending visitors can be exhausting). In some way, forcing yourself to take time for yourself.

Hemorrhoids

Why they occur. Hemorrhoids are small dilations of the veins around the anus. Many women already suffer from them during pregnancy (due to the pressure that the fetus exerts on this area) and they worsen during childbirth due to the efforts of expulsion. In the postpartum period they can aggravate another problem of this stage, constipation, since the intestine takes time to return to its usual rhythm.

How to relieve them: drink plenty of water and follow a diet rich in fiber helps restore intestinal rhythm. You should avoid spicy and fatty foods. To relieve hemorrhoids, you can also wash the area with cold water and apply a specific ointment, being careful not to touch the episiotomy area, if there is one.

Constipation is a very common disorder. It can be combated by eating foods rich in fiber (legumes, whole wheat bread, vegetables and fruits, especially kiwi) and drinking plenty of fluids, which also promote intestinal transit.

Start doing sports!

You can start doing physical exercise right away, under medical supervision.

In the weeks following childbirth, the most favorable activity is to take a walk every day.

Abdominal exercises and all those that require excessive physical effort should wait a while (it is not advisable to work the abdominals until the perineum has recovered). They will be introduced gradually.

sexual relations

Sexual relations can be resumed once the postpartum period has passed, although the rate of recovery varies from one mother to another.

The obstetrician will examine the mother 10 or 12 days after delivery to check if she is recovering well and to monitor the healing of the stitches.

It is advisable to wait 40 days to resume them. Abstinence is justified if there are scars in the perineum from an episiotomy or tears during childbirth. Intercourse, in these cases, could delay healing.

Basic recommendations

• One of the main risks during the postpartum period is infections. To prevent them, daily showering instead of bathing is recommended.
• The episiotomy stitches should be washed twice a day with boiled water and salt. They will then be gently dried with a towel.
• If there is intense pain, fever, vaginal bleeding is excessive, with many clots or smelly, or if symptoms of mastitis appear, it is advisable to consult a doctor.
• It is preferable to use cotton pads (never tampons) and underwear that allows perspiration.
• The new hormonal change increases the risk of suffering from so-called postpartum depression. The mother should ask for as much help as she needs.