Melahirkan adalah pengalaman luar biasa, tetapi setelah bayi lahir, tubuh perempuan masih menjalani fase pemulihan yang penting. Perubahan ini terjadi secara bertahap dan setiap ibu mengalaminya dengan cara yang berbeda — baik secara fisik maupun emosional.

Apa Itu Masa Pascapersalinan? (Postpartum)

Masa pascapersalinan (postpartum) adalah periode setelah melahirkan ketika tubuh kembali ke kondisi sebelum hamil. Fase ini mencakup sekitar 6–8 minggu pertama, tetapi proses pemulihan bisa berlanjut hingga berbulan-bulan kemudian.

Selama fase ini, tubuh perlahan menyusut kembali, hormon menyesuaikan diri, dan sistem tubuh lain—seperti sistem reproduksi, payudara, dan otot perut — ikut berubah untuk kembali ke keadaan normal.

Perubahan Fisik yang Sering Terjadi Setelah Melahirkan

1. Postpartum Bleeding

Salah satu perubahan paling terlihat adalah perdarahan setelah melahirkan, yang disebut lochia. Ini merupakan campuran darah, lendir, dan jaringan dari rahim saat tubuhmu “membersihkan” lapisan yang menebal selama kehamilan. 

• Durasi lochia: Biasanya berlangsung 4–6 minggu. Cleveland Clinic
• Tahapan warna: Dimulai dari merah cerah, berubah menjadi coklat/pink, lalu kuning keputihan saat alirannya berkurang. Cleveland Clinic
• Lochia adalah bagian normal dari pemulihan tubuh, tetapi jika perdarahan sangat berat atau berbau tidak biasa, diskusikan dengan tenaga medis. Cleveland Clinic

💡 Tips: Untuk fase lochia dengan aliran darah yang lebih berat daripada menstruasi biasa, pilih produk dengan daya serap tinggi seperti UMA Maxi Protection Pads.

2. Perineal Discomfort

If you had a vaginal delivery, the perineal area (the area between the vagina and anus) might be sore and swollen, especially if you had tears that required stitches.

3. Uterine Contractions

As your uterus shrinks back to its pre-pregnancy size, you may experience uterine contractions known as afterpains. These contractions are more noticeable during breastfeeding due to the release of oxytocin, which stimulates uterine contractions.

4. Abdominal Changes

Post-birth, your abdomen will still look somewhat pregnant for a while. The muscles stretched during pregnancy take time to regain their tone.

Some women experience a separation of the abdominal muscles or diastasis recti. This separation is in the middle of your abdomen and can be felt in a line starting a few inches above your belly button, moving down through your belly button. Exercises can help decrease this separation.

5. Skin and Hair

Hormonal changes can also affect your skin and hair. Some women experience postpartum hair shedding, while others notice changes in their skin’s texture or the appearance of stretch marks.

6. Breast Engorgement and Changes

After birth, your breasts prepare for breastfeeding, leading to significant changes. Breast engorgement occurs when your breasts become full, firm, and sometimes painful as they fill with milk. This can happen a few days postpartum when your milk “comes in.”

Embracing the Postpartum Body

The journey to recovery after childbirth is unique for every woman. Embracing these changes with patience and self-compassion is crucial. Remember, it took nine months for your body to nurture and grow your baby, so give yourself grace as you heal and adjust.

Connect with other new mothers, share your experiences, and seek support when needed. Your body has accomplished something incredible, and each change is a testament to the strength and resilience of motherhood.