Postpartum Hygiene Tips: Caring for Your Body After Multiple Birth

Postpartum is the period after childbirth when a woman’s body heals and adjusts to its pre-pregnancy state. This phase involves physical changes such as the uterus contracting back to its normal size, recovery from delivery-related injuries, and hormonal shifts that can impact mood and energy levels. With all these changes taking place, maintaining proper hygiene becomes essential for healing and overall well-being.

Postpartum care after multiple births comes with unique challenges, including prolonged recovery due to the physical and emotional strain of carrying, delivering and caring for more than one baby. Mothers of multiples are at a higher risk of complications like postpartum hemorrhage, anemia, and infections, requiring vigilant care and hygiene.

Although not everything can be controlled during the postpartum period, maintaining proper hygiene is entirely within your power. Proper hygiene helps prevent infections, especially in areas like cesarean incisions or perineal tears. By prioritizing your hygiene, you empower yourself to recover effectively and focus on bonding with your newborns.

Understanding Postpartum Changes After Multiple Births

1. Hormonal Changes and Their Impact on the Body

After delivering multiples, the body undergoes significant hormonal shifts to promote healing and milk production. The sudden drop in estrogen and progesterone can contribute to postpartum blues or, in severe cases, postpartum depression. Prolactin levels increase to support breastfeeding, while oxytocin aids in milk ejection and helps the uterus contract. 

2. Physical Strain on Pelvic Muscles, Abdominal Area, and Skin

With multiple babies, there is an increased risk of significantly weakening the pelvic floor muscles supporting the bladder and uterus. This can lead to urinary incontinence or uterine prolapse.  Stretch marks, loose skin, and varicose veins are also more common after multiple births due to the skin’s increased stretching and vascular changes.

3. Increased Risk of Infections Due to Prolonged or Complicated Delivery

Mothers of multiples are more likely to experience prolonged or complicated deliveries, which increase the risk of infections. Cesarean incisions, episiotomy stitches, or perineal tears require diligent care to prevent infection. The heavier postpartum bleeding (lochia) associated with multiple births also increases the risk of uterine infections.

Essential Hygiene Practices for New Moms of Multiples

Because maintaining proper hygiene is essential for healing, comfort, and infection prevention, these tips will greatly support your recovery and enhance your postpartum health:

1. Proper Wound Care

If you have a Cesarean section, follow your doctor’s guidance on changing wound dressings and cleaning. Use a soft, damp cloth to gently clean around the incision until cleared for full showers. Showers are preferred over baths to prevent soaking the wound, which could lead to complications. Perineal tears or episiotomy stitches should be cleaned with a squirt bottle, after using the restroom, to minimize irritation.

2. Breast Care

Breast hygiene is particularly vital with multiples. Ensure breasts are clean and dry before feeding to prevent cracked nipples or mastitis. Learning proper latching techniques can help avoid common breastfeeding issues. Animation videos or consultations with a lactation expert can provide additional support.

3. Postpartum Pads and Underwear

Postpartum vaginal discharge, or lochia, progresses through stages: heavy and bright red (lochia rubra) for the first few days, followed by pinkish-brown discharge (lochia serosa) and eventually yellowish-white (lochia alba). Use extra-absorbent pads, changing them every 4–6 hours to minimize infection risk. Avoid tampons during this period to allow proper healing.

4. Urinary Hygiene

Urinary leaks may occur due to weakened pelvic muscles. Use absorbent pads or adult diapers if needed, and practice wiping front to back to prevent infections. Most incontinence issues resolve over time, but Kegel exercises can strengthen pelvic muscles. For additional support, non-surgical vaginal rejuvenation options can help manage mild to moderate incontinence while improving vaginal laxity.

5. Sweating and Odor Management

Hormonal changes and physical exertion while caring for newborns can increase sweating and body odor, especially in areas like the underarms, back, and perineum. Regular showers and the use of gentle deodorants can help. Wearing loose-fitting, breathable, moisture-wicking clothing also reduces sweat-related irritation.

Nutrition and Hydration for Internal Hygiene Fueling Recovery: The Importance of Nutrition and Hydration After Multiple Births

Adequate nutrition and hydration are essential for a smooth postpartum recovery. A balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and proteins helps rebuild tissues, restore energy, and strengthen the immune system, reducing the risk of infections. Consuming iron-rich foods like lean meats, leafy greens, and legumes combats postpartum anemia, while calcium and vitamin D support bone health and overall strength.

Staying hydrated is equally essential for healing and well-being. Drinking enough water helps flush out toxins, supports optimal milk production for breastfeeding mothers, and reduces inflammation. Adequate hydration ensures the body functions effectively during the demanding postpartum period.

You can promote internal healing and overall recovery by including nutrient-dense foods and sufficient fluids in your daily routine. Proper nutrition and hydration not only help you regain strength but also prepare you to care for your newborns with energy and resilience.

Regular follow-ups with your obgyn are especially important after delivering multiples. They can monitor your recovery, help manage any complications, and offer guidance on hygiene practices, breastfeeding, and emotional well-being. Staying in touch with your obgyn ensures you receive the support needed for a safe and healthy postpartum transition.

When to Seek Medical Attention

It’s essential to be aware of the signs of infection or complications during the postpartum recovery process. If you experience symptoms such as fever, unusual or foul-smelling discharge, excessive pain, or redness around incisions or stitches, it’s important to seek medical attention promptly. These may indicate an infection that needs medical attention.

Additionally, postpartum check-ups are crucial for monitoring your recovery, ensuring any issues are addressed early, and receiving professional guidance on managing physical and emotional changes.

Support the Healing Process

Postpartum recovery after the delivery of multiples presents particular hardships, but with the right care and attention, mothers can navigate this phase successfully. By maintaining proper hygiene, prioritizing nutrition and hydration, and staying vigilant for signs of complications, new moms can support their healing process and reduce the risk of infections.

It’s essential to listen to your body, follow your healthcare provider’s guidance, and seek help when needed. With the right support, mothers can not only recover physically but also focus on bonding with their newborns and adjusting to their new life.