Once you deliver your child, you have entered into a new phase of life named motherhood. You will find this stage of life to be both enjoyable as well as challenging. It’s important to look after yourself during the first few weeks after giving birth, whether you had a vaginal birth or a C-section so that you will recover completely. Let’s learn about postpartum care in detail in this blog.
Postpartum care
The postpartum phase is the first six weeks after childbirth. After delivery, a baby needs frequent feedings and nappy changes, so you might have sleepless nights. It can be tiresome and difficult. Along with taking good care of your child, you must also look after yourself. You’ll also need to visit your doctor for a postpartum checkup during these weeks.
How to take care
After giving birth, there are various things you should keep in mind to look after your health. Some of them are,
- You should get as much rest as possible during the first few weeks after delivery. Try to get some rest while your baby is sleeping,
- During the postpartum phase, don’t be hesitant to accept assistance from family and friends since your body needs some time to heal.
- Maintain a balanced diet for faster recovery
- During your recovery, you should stay away from lifting anything heavier than your child particularly when you had a C-section delivery
- When your doctor permits you to exercise, start with a few minutes of moderate activity each day and gradually increase the duration and intensity of your workouts.
- Consume foods high in fibre to encourage bowel movement, and drink lots of water to ease constipation.
Postpartum depression
Depression during the postpartum period is common. After giving birth, a complicated set of behavioural, emotional, and physical changes can occur that can make you feel depressed. Around 70% to 80% of new mothers claim to have negative emotions or mood changes after delivery. Further, most new mothers may experience issues like unexplained crying, irritability, insomnia, feelings of sadness, mood swings, and restlessness as a result of hormonal changes in pregnancy.
If you experience changes in emotions following delivery, it’s important that you talk with your close ones about them. It may be difficult to speak to friends, family, or your obstetrician about it, but they can support you in hard times.
To summarize
Your family schedule and routine may alter after giving birth, but you’ll gradually get used to it. Postpartum care is one of the most important care that every new mother has to follow. Additionally, you need to maintain proper perineal hygiene. It is better to discuss with your friends, family and your obstetrician about what you are going through and get help immediately. Postpartum blues is manageable!
