Labor and delivery, postpartum care

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Postpartum care

By Mayo Clinic staff

After months of anticipation and the rigors of labor and delivery, your attention shifts to caring for your new baby — but you also need to take care of yourself. Postpartum care may involve managing vaginal tears or a C-section wound, sore breasts, leaking milk, urination problems and hair loss. And postpartum care isn't limited to your physical health. Postpartum care also includes your mental well-being, such as managing mood swings, irritability, sadness and anxiety.

For the smoothest recovery, share any concerns you may have about postpartum care with your health care provider. Chances are, what you're feeling or wondering about is entirely normal. Count on your health care provider for assurance as you handle postpartum care and adjust to life with a newborn.

MY00330

March 19, 2009

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