Massage
Shortly after you give birth, your birth attendant will massage your abdomen. This will be very uncomfortable, but it is necessary to make sure your uterus is firm. A firm uterus will help control the postpartum bleeding. Your birth attendant will generally massage your abdomen once every hour or so for the first 6 hours. If you want to, you can have her show you do it. I will also explain do it.
Instructions
1. Make sure your bladder is empty. If your bladder is full, it can push your uterus off to the side, make it stay a bit higher and may contribute to more bleeding.
2. Lie flat on your back and press on your abdomen right where your belly button is.
3. Press straight down. If your uterus is firm, it should feel like a grapefruit or a fist. If you are feeling this, you shouldn't have to massage it. If you press down and you don't feel anything like a grapefruit or a fist, you will need to do some massaging.
4. To massage your uterus, cup your hand slightly and move it in circular motions over your lower abdomen until you feel your uterus contract. When it contracts, it will feel very firm. It may be painful for you to rub, but it is necessary to control the bleeding.
5. If you cannot find your uterus or you are unsure if it's really firm, call your birth attendant.
Tags: your uterus, birth attendant, your abdomen, attendant will, birth attendant will, grapefruit fist, like grapefruit