Better Care After an Ankle Sprain than After Childbirth? — From The Start, Postpartum Doula

Fast forward to the third day of the baby’s life. If the birth occurred in a birthing facility/hospital, the family will likely be discharged on this day. Just like leaving the hospital after an ankle sprain, after giving birth I left the hospital with motrin, stool softener, a bag full of disposable products like disposable underwear, Dermablast, a peribottle, witch hazel pads , and some latex gloves for icing. That’s it. No crutches. No next appointment is scheduled. There are no plans to rehab my uterus or any body part. Oh, I think I received a few sheets of paper but really, on day 3 of life with a new baby, who has the time or mental capacity to read and understand anything? There’s a quick check-in before they give you your exit papers, let you go and you’re on your own. Depending on your condition, you will likely be alone and the next time you see a medical professional will be two days from when you see your pediatrician. If you are lucky and have a good pediatrician, the doctor will ask how the feeding is and how the birth partner is feeling. It probably will be. Good for the baby, but terrible care for the injured/birther.

But, with the current training, what’s next for you, the injured? A visit in 6 weeks for the provider to aggressively “massage” your uterus and ask what you want for birth control. Sure, when you leave the birth facility you’re told to call if you experience complications but many of us don’t call because we don’t know what the complications really are, we call too late and need further treatment, we’re afraid to even call, we can’t get to the doctor if they want to see us, and many other reasons.

Recovering from Injury in Standard American Practice

Compare it to my ankle sprain. I was given a day off after the injury and had to take care of myself. I attended physical therapy every day, starting right after the injury to help with blood flow for healing and to reduce inflammation. I sat on the sidelines and focused on healing and recovery. My coach and trainer took me out of the game.

I liken it to Asian practices where the birth is ‘taken out of the game’, except for breastfeeding. An entire team of women – midwives, nurses, and family – handles the game and keeps the injured, allowing for healing and recovery.

Not in the US though. We’re back in the lineup 36 hours after a major life-changing injury.

I have something to tell you. I still feel the effects of that sprain 19 years later. My ankle has chronic pain and chronic instability. It gives me random, unpredictable times. Sure another Army adventure probably wouldn’t have helped ease the ankle pain, but my ankle pain started with that strain. And I was very well taken care of after the injury. I have a trainer who watches over me every day. I have friends, superiors, and teammates remind me of my injury and take it easy. And this is just for a high sprain.

Why don’t mothers receive this kind of care and treatment after giving birth? Why not pay as much attention to healing and recovery from childbirth as a measly ankle sprain? Why aren’t friends, superiors, and teammates reminding postpartum people of their injury and hurry up? I could write a whole separate article about all the injuries that could have been avoided down the road if we had practiced postpartum as well as the care I took after I sprained my ankle.

I think it’s unfortunate that our standard American medical system provides better care and understanding for the healing and recovery of a sprained ankle injury than for the healing and recovery from childbirth.

stay blessed,