1. Diet

Liquid and semi-liquid food such as fish soup, chicken soup, congee and noodles can be consumed one hour after vaginal delivery to boost lactation. Spicy and irritating food should be avoided. Tonic herbs including ginseng and pilose antler are prohibited, and alcohol is forbidden within the first week postpartum.

Vegetables and fruits can be eaten starting from the first day post delivery to supplement vitamins and prevent constipation. Diversified, balanced meals are recommended throughout the puerperium, covering chicken, duck, fish, meat, vegetables, fruits, milk and soy products.

Hawthorn, malt and animal livers are off-limits during breastfeeding as they may suppress milk production.

2. Physical Activity

Get out of bed for light activity 6 to 8 hours after eating postpartum. Sit on the edge of the bed for a short while before standing up for the first time to avoid dizziness. Free walking indoors is allowed starting the second day after delivery.

Postnatal gymnastics can be performed from day 3, including leg lifts and sit-ups to strengthen abdominal muscles, plus anal contraction exercises. Physical exercise accelerates postpartum recovery and lowers the risk of venous thrombosis.

3. Urination

Urinate within 2 to 4 hours after childbirth. An overdistended bladder will hinder uterine contraction and may trigger heavy postpartum hemorrhage. The following measures can be adopted for urinary retention or difficult urination:

a. If unable to urinate in bed, sit up or walk to the toilet with assistance when physically fit. Never go to the toilet alone to prevent falls caused by fainting.

b. Stimulate the micturition reflex by rinsing the perineum with warm water, listening to running water, or massaging the lower abdomen to prompt bladder contraction.

c. Administer 40 mL glycerin enema via the anus to induce the urge to urinate.

4. Perineal Wound Care

Perineal wounds generally heal within 3 to 5 days. Keep the wound clean by rinsing it with warm water 2 to 3 times daily, and change underwear and perineal pads frequently.

5. Body Position

Women with perineal incisions should lie on the healthy side to stop lochia from soaking the wound and facilitate incision healing.

6. Personal Hygiene

Brush teeth, wash the face and wipe the body to maintain bodily cleanliness. Prepare multiple sets of clothes for frequent changing to avoid colds brought on by heavy postpartum sweating.

7. Lochia

Lochia refers to vaginal discharge after delivery. It is heavy, bright red and blood-rich in the first 1–3 days. Blood volume decreases after 3–7 days, turning pale red or light brown. Around the second week, lochia contains minimal blood and appears pale yellow or milky white, and will clear up completely within 2–3 weeks.

8. Mother-Infant Separation

Maintain milk supply by expressing breast milk 6 to 8 times per day. Coordinate with the neonatology department and deliver fresh breast milk to the newborn at the time specified by the ward.

Supplementary Notice

Attend a comprehensive postpartum examination at the Obstetrics Department on the 3rd floor of the Outpatient Building 42 days after delivery.