The first six weeks following the birth of the baby is called Postpartum period. This is the time when the reproductive organs gradually return to their normal non-pregnant state. Just as hormones influenced the physical condition and emotions during pregnancy and childbirth, they continue to influence the changes that takes place during the postpartum period.

Postpartum changes includes:

• Uterus - immediately after birth the uterus contracts. The uterine muscles continue to contracts, causing the uterus to become smaller as the muscles tighten, thus prevent excessive bleeding. After the end of the postpartum period the uterus returns to its non-pregnant state.

• Lochia - vaginal discharges following childbirth characterize as a dark red and may contain some clots of blood for two or three days. It has a fleshy odor. The amount and color gradually changes as follows, pinkish to brownish for 4 to 10 days and light brown to creamy for 11 to 24 days.
• Perineum - A surgical incision made in the perineum during vaginal childbirth. It is made in order to increase the size of the birth canal and allow for easier delivery of the baby. This incision is repaired by the doctor and is commonly called Episiotomy.
• Breasts - at the third day following the childbirth, the breast become swollen and tender because of milk production due to hormones. Milk ducts transport the milk to the opening of the nipple. Each nipple contains 15 to 20 openings.
• Weight Loss - Losing the weight gained during pregnancy is usually an important goal that the every mother wants to accomplish. Weight loss is also due to the decrease of hormone during pregnancy. It takes six to eight weeks for the mother to return to her pre-pregnancy weight.