After Birth: What to Expect After Giving Birth

Having a new baby is one of life’s most exciting and joyful events. It can also be overwhelming – juggling the needs of a new baby and adjusting to the increased demands on you and your family’s time and energy. To help you more easily handle these lifestyle changes, we have provided some general guidelines for you to follow after giving birth. Please ask your obstetric care provider for any specific instructions.

• Resuming Normal Activity, Bathing and Swimming

  • When to resume usual activities following your vaginal birth

  • When to resume usual activities following your cesarean birth

• Physical Changes, Exercise and Weight Loss, Breast Care, Sexual Intercourse

• Cramps, Bleeding, Stitches, Hemorrhoids, Perineal Care 

• Your Emotions, Postpartum Blues and Depression

• If You had a Cesarean Birth: Recovery and Care

• Returning Home, Warning Signs

Protecting Your Privacy at Brigham and Women's Hospital

To protect your privacy, staff cannot give out information to your family or friends. There is a telephone in your room so that you may speak with them yourself. Be sure to let your nurse know if you do not want calls put through to your room. You may use cell phones in the Mary Horrigan Connors Center for Women’s Health, except on CWN-6, the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).