Post Partum Discharge Instructions

Instructions/Activity:

• Pelvic rest for 6 weeks. (No douching, tampons, or sexual intercourse.)
• No vigorous exercise for 6 weeks.
• If you have had a C-section, no heavy lifting greater than 20 lbs. for 6 weeks.
• No driving for 1-2 weeks (if you have had a C-section) or while taking Percocet.
• If you have had a 4th degree tear, nothing in the rectum (suppositories, etc.) for 6 weeks. Also, please use a stool softener for ~2-3 weeks after your delivery, such as Colace (which is sold over the counter).
• For C-section patients, 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 we will inspect and/or remove them at your 2 week appointment.
• Your next appointment should be:
• In six weeks for a vaginal delivery, unless otherwise specified at the time of discharge.
• In two weeks, if you had a C-section, for an incision check. You will then have another appointment 4 weeks later for your 6 week post partum exam.

Call the office if you have…

• Signs of mastitis including: 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.

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 as long as you are breast feeding or for 30 days after delivery.
• For hemorrhoids, use Tucks pads, Preparation H, Proctofoam as needed.
• For cracked/sore nipples you may use Lanolin cream.