The period from the birth of a child until the mother is restored to ordinary health. It is generally regarded as lasting for a month. One of the main changes that occur is the enormous decrease in size that takes place in the muscular wall of the womb. There are often AFTERPAINS during the first day in women who have borne several children, less often after a first child. The discharge is blood-stained for the first two or three days, then clearer till the end of the first 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.)
New mothers are encouraged to practise 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 fluid, including at least 570 ml (a pint) of milk a day.
The child should be put to the breasts soon after birth, to obtain colostrum, which has immunological properties, and to stimulate both the breasts and the natural changes in the uterus taking place during this period. Suckling is beneficial for both child and mother and encourages bonding between the two.