After childbirth comes an endless wave of advice. "It will pass on its own," "If you are breastfeeding, there is no chance you will get pregnant," "After six weeks everything will return to normal," "Urinary leakage? It happens to everyone." Almost every woman who gives birth hears these statements–from friends, family members, social media or WhatsApp groups.
Some of the advice is based on personal experience, others pass from generation to generation, but quite a few are no longer compatible with up-to-date medical knowledge. The problem is that it is not just inaccurate information. Sometimes such statements cause women to delay treatment, continue to suffer in silence or even enter an unplanned pregnancy.
So what is really true?
First myth: 'If you are breastfeeding, you cannot get pregnant'
This is perhaps the most common myth after childbirth, but also one of the most dangerous.
True, breastfeeding may reduce the chance of pregnancy, but for most women it is not considered a reliable method of contraception. Ovulation may return as early as a few weeks after childbirth, even before the appearance of the first period. Since ovulation always precedes menstruation, it is possible to get pregnant even without a first bleeding appearing.
If you are not planning another pregnancy in the near future, it is important to utilize the six-week checkup also for a conversation about a contraception method that is suitable for you.
Second myth: 'After six weeks everything returns to normal'
Many women are sure that six weeks are the finish line of the recovery period, but in practice it is only a medical milestone.
The uterus indeed gradually returns during this period to its pre-pregnancy size, which is why it is customary to perform the examination at the gynecologist then. But the rest of the body does not work according to a calendar.
The muscles, the pelvic floor, the hormones, the metabolism and even the body structure continue to change and adapt over long months. Weight loss is also not uniform. In some women breastfeeding helps, and in others increased hunger, lack of sleep and hormonal changes actually make it difficult.
Every woman recovers at a different pace, and there is no reason to compare yourself to others.
Third myth: Urinary leakage after childbirth is normal
Urinary leakage after childbirth is indeed common, especially when coughing, laughing, sneezing or during physical activity. But it is important to distinguish between common and normal.
In most cases, it is a result of weakness or injury to the pelvic floor muscles following pregnancy and childbirth. The good news is that today there are very effective treatments, ranging from dedicated physiotherapy to additional treatments as needed.
Many women are ashamed to talk about the problem or are sure that there is nothing to be done. In practice, in most cases the condition can be significantly improved.
Fourth myth: Pain during intercourse will simply pass
Many women experience pain or discomfort during intercourse after childbirth, and hear that the only solution is to wait.
Not always. Sometimes it is vaginal dryness, especially during the breastfeeding period, sensitivity in the scar area, tension in the pelvic floor muscles or hormonal changes.
In most cases, the cause can be diagnosed and an appropriate treatment offered. Sometimes lubricants or moisturizers will suffice, in other cases local estrogen treatment or pelvic floor physiotherapy.
Pain is not a decree of fate, and there is no reason to accept it.
The body has changed, and life has changed too
In recent years, the medical perception regarding the postpartum period has also changed.
If in the past the focus was only on the first six weeks, today it is clear that this is a much longer period of adaptation, which affects not only the body but also the mind, relationship, sexuality and the new identity as a mother.
Between the excitement and love for the new baby, many women also deal with fatigue, lack of confidence, changes in body image, questions about the relationship and sometimes anxiety or sadness.
All these feelings are natural, but this does not mean that you have to deal with them alone. Unlike in the past, today there are solutions for almost every one of the difficulties women experience after childbirth.
Pelvic floor physiotherapy, breastfeeding counseling, fitting contraception, treatment for vaginal dryness, pain management and emotional support are just some of the options available to women after childbirth today.
The most important message is that not everything that is common is also a situation that must be accepted.
If something hurts, bothers you or simply feels wrong, do not stay with it alone. Sometimes one conversation with a professional, a correct diagnosis or an appropriate treatment can make a big difference and allow you to enjoy the new period in your life, just as you deserve too.
The writer, Dr. Bat Zion Shahar, is a specialist in obstetrics, gynecology and menopause medicine, and the founder of RISE Clinic – Expert Clinic for Menopause.