You are now the proud owner of a new mom's body! The body that nurtured your baby for nine months is changing again.

It takes time for your body to recover from the birth, and if you are breastfeeding, you experience more changes. It's important for you to rest when you can and to eat well. Click on the image below to see some of the physical changes you can expect.

It usually takes about four to six weeks for your incision to heal completely, but most women feel very well before this time. Until you are healed, it's important to:

Take it easy. During your recovery, avoid housework, and do not lift anything heavier than your baby. Have everything that you and your baby might need close to you, so you will not have to go up and down stairs.

Support your abdomen. Use good posture when standing and walking. Hold your abdomen near the incision during sudden movements caused by coughing, sneezing or laughing.

Limit company for the first few weeks. Make sure any visitors give you some help. Too many visitors, howevr, will keep you from getting the rest you need to recover and care for your newborn.

Stay hydrated. Drink lots of fluids. You will likely need extra fluids to replace those lost in delivery and breastfeeding. Also, empty your bladder frequently to help reduce the risk of urinary tract infections.

Avoid driving. Ask your doctor when you can start driving. Before you take the car and baby out together, make sure you can manage the baby's car seat without hurting yourself.

Severe pain in your abdomen or redness, swelling and oozing pus at your incision site may mean you have an infection. Contact your caregiver immediately.