Afterpains Health Dictionary

The period which elapses after the birth of a child until the mother is again restored to her ordinary health. It is generally regarded as lasting for a month. One of the main changes to occur is the enormous decrease in size that takes place in the muscular wall of the womb. There are often AFTERPAINS during the ?rst day in women who have borne several children, less often after a ?rst child. The discharge is bloodstained for the ?rst two or three days, then clearer till the end of the ?rst week, before stopping within two or three weeks. The breasts, which have already enlarged before the birth of the child, secrete milk more copiously, and there should be a plentiful supply on the third

day of the puerperium. (See also PREGNANCY AND LABOUR.)

Management The mother should start practising exercises to help ensure that the stretched abdominal muscles regain their normal tone. There is no need for any restriction of diet, but care must be taken to ensure an adequate intake of ?uid, including at least 580 ml (a pint) of milk a day.

Milk, as already stated, appears copiously on the third day, but this is preceded by a secretion from the breast, known as colostrum, which is of value to the newborn child. The child should therefore be put to the breasts within 6–8 hours of being born. This also stimulates both the breasts and the natural changes taking place during this period. Suckling is bene?cial for both child and mother and encourages bonding between the two.... puerperium