(HealthDay News) -- Recovering after having a baby takes time, patience and extra care.

The American Academy of Family Physicians offers suggestions for new mothers:

• Be sure to drink eight to 10 glasses of water each day.
• Be prepared for vaginal discharge.
• Don't lift anything heavy.
• Avoid using stairs until your doctor has given you the OK.
• Don't drive until you can comfortably wear a seat belt, make quick movements and your doctor tells you it's OK.
• Call your doctor if you have redness or swelling at the incision.