Everything you need to know about taking care of your postpartum body.
After four gruesome
sleepless nights at the regional referral hospital in Soroti, the doctors
attending to me had decided that I be wheeled into the theatre for caesarean(C-section)
birth.
In fact, something
that quite disturbed me was I overhead one of the nurses saying that the baby’s
cord was ‘tied around his neck’ the reason for delayed delivery since the baby
was not making any head way. The doctor told me this would require a C-section in order to save both my life and that of the newborn baby.
https://www.abclawcenters.com ›
nuchal-cord
But the narrative was yet to change, shortly after the doctor moved out to assess the theatre before the procedure. An old midwife helped me somehow and I had a successful normal delivery; my son arrived at 9:45 pm on a Friday night on 07 February in 2014. Some how, my life and that of
According to Robyn MacQuarrie, an Obstetrician and
gynecologist with SouthShore Women's Health in Bridgewater, Nova Scotia,
chilbirth is natural, but there are some bad things that can happen if we don't
pay attention.
The Statistics carried out in 2017 show that the leading cause of maternal
deaths is postpartum hemorrhage (heavy bleeding after the birth of a baby)
which contributes to 36% mortality rate.
https://www.newvision.co.ug ›
articledetails
What is postpartum care?
The postpartum period refers to the first six weeks after
childbirth. This is a joyous time, but it’s also a period of adjustment and
healing for mothers. During these weeks, you’ll bond with your baby and you’ll
have a post-delivery checkup with your doctor.
After giving birth,
adjusting to everyday life after the birth of my first baby proved quite a
night mare as it came with a lot of challenges, especially since I was a new
mother.
Although it’s important to care for your baby, you also have to take care of yourself.
Most new mothers don’t return to work for at least the first
six weeks after birth. This allows time to adapt and develop a new normal.
Since a baby has to be fed and changed often, you may experience sleepless
nights. It can be frustrating and tiresome. The good news is that you’ll
eventually fall into a routine.
In the meantime, here’s what you can do for an easier
transition:
1. Get plenty of rest. Get as much sleep as
possible to cope with tiredness and fatigue. Your baby may wake up every two to
three hours for feeding. To make sure you’re getting enough rest, sleep when
your baby sleeps.
2. Seek help. Don’t hesitate to accept help from
family and friends during the postpartum period, as well as after this period.
Your body needs to heal, and practical help around the home can help you get
much-needed rest. Friends or family can prepare meals, run errands, or help
care for other children in the home.
3. Eat healthy meals. Maintain a healthy diet to
promote healing. Increase your intake of whole grains, vegetables, fruits, and
protein. You should also increase your fluid intake, especially if you are
breast-feeding.
4. Exercise. Your doctor will let you know when
it’s OK to exercise. The activity should not be strenuous. Try taking a walk
near your house. The change of scenery is refreshing and can increase your
energy level.
Functioning as a new family unit
A new baby is an adjustment for the entire family and can
change the dynamic you have with your partner. During the postpartum period,
you and your partner may also spend less quality time together, which can be
troublesome. This is an overwhelming and stressful period, but there are ways
to manage.
For starters, be patient. Understand that every couple goes
through changes after the birth of a baby. It takes time to adjust, but you’ll
figure it out. Caring for a newborn gets easier with each passing day.
Also, communicate as a family. If someone feels left out —
whether it’s a spouse or other children in the home — talk about the problem
and be understanding. Although babies require a lot of attention and you and
your partner will spend the majority of the day caring for their needs, don’t
feel guilty about spending alone time as a couple during the postpartum period.
Baby blues vs. postpartum
depression
It’s normal to have the baby blues during the postpartum
period. This typically happens a few days after giving birth and can last for
up to two weeks. In most cases, you won’t be experiencing symptoms all the
time, and your symptoms will vary. About 70 to 80 percent of new mothers experience mood swings
or negative feelings after giving birth. Baby blues are caused by hormonal
changes and symptoms may include:
- unexplained
crying
- irritability
- insomnia
- sadness
- mood
changes
- restlessness
When should you see a doctor?
The baby blues are different from postpartum
depression. Postpartum
depression occurs when symptoms last for more than two weeks.
Additional symptoms may include feelings of guilt and
worthlessness, and loss of interest in daily activities. Some women with
postpartum depression withdraw from their family, have no interest in their
baby, and have thoughts of hurting their baby.
Postpartum depression requires medical treatment. Speak with
your doctor if you have depression that lasts longer than two weeks after
giving birth, or if you have thoughts of harming your baby. Postpartum
depression can develop at any time after giving birth, even up to a year after
delivery.
Along with emotional changes, you’ll experience body changes
after giving birth, such as weight gain. Weight loss doesn’t happen overnight,
so be patient. Once your doctor says it’s OK to exercise, begin with moderate
activity a few minutes a day and gradually increase the length and intensity of
your workouts. Go for a walk, swim, or join an aerobics class.
Losing weight also involves eating healthy, balanced meals
that include fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Every new mother loses
weight at a different pace, so don’t compare your weight loss efforts to
others. Breast-feeding can help you return to your prepregnancy weight faster
because it increases your daily calorie burn.
Talk to your doctor if you have questions or concerns about
changes to your body during the postpartum period. Other body changes include:
Breast engorgement
Your breasts will fill with milk a couple of days after
birth. This is a normal process, but the swelling (engorgement) can be
uncomfortable. Engorgement improves with time. To ease discomfort, apply a warm
or cold compress to your breasts. Sore nipples from breast-feeding usually
disappear as your body adjusts. Use nipple cream to soothe cracking and pain.
Constipation
Eat high-fiber foods to stimulate bowel activity, and drink
plenty of water. Ask your doctor about safe medications. Fiber can also relieve
hemorrhoids, as well as over-the-counter creams or sitting in a sitz bath.
Drinking water helps ease problems with urinating after birth. If you
experience incontinence, Kegel exercises can
strengthen your pelvic muscles.
Pelvic floor changes
The area between your rectum and vagina is known as the
perineum. It stretches and often tears during birth. Sometimes a doctor will
cut this area to help your labor. You can help this area recover after your
delivery by doing Kegel exercises, icing the area with cold packs wrapped in
towels, and sitting on a pillow.
Sweating
Hormonal changes can cause nighttime sweating after having a
baby. Remove blankets from your bed to stay cool.
Uterine pain
A shrinking uterus after giving birth can cause cramping.
The pain subsides in time. Ask your doctor about safe pain medications.
Vaginal discharge
Vaginal discharge is typical two to four weeks after giving
birth. This is how your body eliminates blood and tissue from your uterus. Wear
sanitary napkins until the discharge stops.
Do not use tampons or douche until your four to six-week
postpartum appointment, or until your doctor approves it. Using these products
in the immediate postpartum period may increase your risk of uterine infection.
If your vaginal discharge is foul-smelling, notify your doctor. You may
continue to have bloody spotting for your first week postpartum, but heavy
bleeding is not expected. If you are experiencing heavy vaginal bleeding, such
as saturating one sanitary pad within two hours, contact your doctor.
Giving birth can change your family unit and routine, but
you’ll eventually adjust. Any emotional and physical changes you experience
after birth will slowly improve. Don’t hesitate to talk to your doctor about
any concerns, whether it’s related to depression, your baby, or the healing
process.
https://www.healthline.com/health/postpartum-care
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