The period beginning two hours after childbirth and lasting an average of 6 weeks is known as the period of childbirth. This phase is marked by different physiological processes allowing the body to return to its initial state.

The trenches are the contractions that persist several days after childbirth and allow uterine involution, a process at the end of which the uterus will regain its size, weight and initial position. The trenches are generally more intense in the event of multiparity (the uterus being more distended) and in the nursing mother (because of a stronger secretion of oxytocin). Do not hesitate to take an analgesic compatible with breastfeeding (ibuprofen or paracetamol) to limit this pain and prevent it from spoiling the first days with the baby.

Lochia are losses corresponding to the evacuation of all the residues of pregnancy – blood, debris of uterine lining, lymphatic fluid – generated by the scarring of the endometrium. Bloody and abundant the first days after childbirth, these losses clear up and decrease in volume over the days. They can resume in intensity around the twelfth day: this is the “little return of diaper”. Lochia can last 3 to 6 weeks, while the uterus returns to its original size. In order to avoid any microbial environment, it is recommended to change its fillings very regularly, chosen without plasticized material and preferably organic. A daily shower with neutral pH soap is sufficient. Finally, any change in the appearance of the lochia (volume, color, odor) should lead to a consultation in order to rule out a postpartum complication (infection in particular).

Childbirth can cause various unpleasant or even painful ailments on a body already sore during childbirth. To limit the discomfort and prevent these ailments from tarnishing the first days with the baby, various treatments exist; do not hesitate to talk to your midwife about it.

• Constipation: hormonal variations, fear of having a bowel movement in the event of an episiotomy scar or cesarean section, pain from possible hemorrhoids, the side effect of the epidural are all factors that promote post constipation. -partum. To limit the phenomenon, the usual hygienic-dietetic rules are used: hydrate well throughout the day, consume fiber (fruits, vegetables, whole products). A mild laxative may optionally be prescribed. It is also important to overcome your “fear” of having a bowel movement by going the day after giving birth. Postponing the deadline only promotes the accumulation of stool in the rectum, which puts an additional load on the perineum.
• Hemorrhoids: pushing efforts during childbirth, obstructed labor (long labor, large baby), hormonal variations and constipation promote the occurrence of hemorrhoids, which affect 20% of women after childbirth (1). However, it is advisable to talk to your midwife, who will auscultate the area in order to rule out an anal fissure, another frequent complication after childbirth (15%). In the event of severe pain, analgesics (paracetamol first-line) may be prescribed, or even non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or corticosteroids for a short period. Local treatments (cream or suppository) combine anti-inflammatory drugs or even corticosteroids, a local anesthetic, vitamin P and flavonoids. It is also important to fight against constipation.
• Heavy sweating: after childbirth, it is normal to eliminate the water accumulated during pregnancy through heavy sweating and frequent urges to urinate. To limit discomfort, choose light cotton clothing, place terry towels on your mattress and drink regularly. Also consider diuretic herbal teas to promote this drainage: speech therapy leaves, cherry stems, quackgrass rhizome, black elderberry fruit (2).
• Episiotomy pain: this scar still makes (too) many future mothers suffer. To limit the pain, it is possible to resort to paracetamol. A mixture of water and calendula tincture with each wash helps promote healing, as does a white clay poultice, to be renewed 2 to 3 times a day (3). The use of a hair dryer to dry the scar is nowadays not recommended, as is the use of the buoy to sit down because it exerts pressure on the scar. In case of persistent pain after two weeks, it is advisable to consult in order to rule out a poorly absorbed suture, a hematoma, an infection or a small nerve blocked by a suture.

Many factors combine to create a climate of intense fatigue in the young mother: a sore body from childbirth, choppy nights, many visits to the maternity ward, the pain of the possible episiotomy, cesarean section and / or rise of milk, the drop in pregnancy hormones. To limit fatigue, take care to:

• take advantage of the stay in the maternity ward to rest. If necessary, instruct the future dad to ask the entourage to space out the visits;
• leave her baby in the nursery for one or two nights;
• back home, rest as soon as the baby sleeps;
• get help from family, friends or a housekeeper.

It is common for young mothers to experience a small episode of depression three days after birth. It is the famous baby-blues, discomfort that manifests itself in a skin-deep sensitivity, emotions that rollercoaster between great joy and deep sadness, an anguish in the face of the responsibility that a baby represents. Hormonal upheaval, fatigue and lack of sleep, mourning for the idealized baby, worry about her new status as a mother are at the origin of this transitory episode. The future mother should especially not hesitate to talk about it with a maternity midwife or her liberal midwife who will find the words to reassure her about her skills as a mother.

If the discomfort persists beyond two weeks or recurs after a few weeks, it may be postpartum depression. This pathology requires specific care in order to avoid, in particular, that the establishment of the emotional bond with the baby is hampered.

Alternative medicine can promote postpartum recovery. Homeopathy is thus used by more and more midwives in maternity and practice. A personalized prescription remains recommended for this field medicine, but here are the classic homeopathic remedies after childbirth (4):

• to reduce bleeding and pain, promote muscle and mental recovery: Arnica Montana 15 CH, 1 dose after delivery then Arnica Montana 9 CH, 5 granules 3 times a day for 8 days;
• to support healing, reduce bruising and limit pain after cesarean section or episiotomy: Staphysagria 9 CH + Arnica Montana 9 CH 2 granules 3 times a day for 2 to 3 days;
• to reduce fatigue due to loss of physiological fluids: China rubra 9 CH, 5 granules morning and evening for 10 days.