The postpartum period begins as soon as your baby is born. It is very important to keep in mind the healing process of your body after delivery; this process is unique to each woman as everyone heals differently. During the postpartum period the reproductive organs are recovering from having a baby.

Keeping in mind your movements during the first few weeks after giving birth can prevent tearing and bleeding such as postpartum hemorrhaging, which is excessive bleeding, caused by failure of the uterine muscles contracting normally.

Below are every day actions mothers will perform and ways to perform them safely.

• Safe-lifting
  • Keep your baby or load as close to you as possible
  • Avoid lifting and twisting; turn your body as a unit to face your baby or load, lift and then turn your body as a unit
  • Bend at the hips or knees, not at the waist
  • Tighten your pelvic floor muscle and lower abdomen before lifting

• Carrying the baby
  • If you carry your baby on the hip, switch sides frequently
  • Pick your baby up supporting by the bottom rather than always by the arms
  • Carrying your baby with the baby’s chest facing your chest helps keep the weight close to you
  • When using a car seat carrier, use your hand, not the crook of your elbow or forearm

• Breastfeeding/bottle feeding
  • Bring your baby to the breast, not the breast to the baby
  • Use support pillows under your baby
  • Support your back when holding to feed

• Pumping
  • Try using a pumping band or support to avoid holding the pump(s) on the breast in awkward positions

• Changing table
  • Ideal  height is midway between the waist and eye level
  • Keep diapers, wipes, etc. on the table rather than low where you have to bend or reach for them
  • Avoid changing your baby on the bed; it is harder to have good body mechanics

• Rocking to sleep
  • Support your back with a lumbar support
  • Support your arms with pillows as necessary

• Cribs/pack ‘n plays
  • Keep your baby as close to you as possible
  • Get as close to the crib/pack ‘n play as possible when putting them down or picking them up
  • Put your feet under the crib/pack ‘n play if necessary to get closer

• Stroller
  • Choose a stroller with handles that you can reach without stooping
  • Bend at the hips and knees to put your baby in the stroller
  • Set up the stroller first before lifting your baby out of the car seat

• Car seats
  • Try to keep your back straight when lifting your baby out of the car seat
  • Face your baby as best as possible to avoid lifting or twisting
  • Go to your local health department to have the car seat checked over prior to and after your baby arrives