Postpartum Care
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 Dr Rockson at 6 weeks which includes a pap-smear and discussion of future contraceptives.
If you have had a C-Section you will be advised how to look after your wound/scar post op and shown alternative feeding positions to make you feel more comfortable in the early weeks.
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Postpartum bleeding occurs up to 6 weeks, if you have any concerns or are bleeding more than normal, please get in touch with the Dr. 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 newborn 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 settle into a routine as you get to know your new baby. In the meantime, here’s what you can do for an easier transition:
Rest
Every new parent soon learns that babies have different time clocks than adults. A typical newborn wakes up about every 2-3 hours and needs to be fed, changed, and comforted. Especially if this is your first baby, you and your partner can become overwhelmed by exhaustion. You may not get a solid 8 hours of sleep for several months. Here are ideas to help you get more rest:
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In the first few weeks, you need to let someone else take care of all responsibilities other than feeding your baby and taking care of yourself.
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Sleep when the baby sleeps. This may be only a few minutes of rest several times a day, but these minutes can add up.
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Save steps and time. Have your baby's bed near yours for feedings at night.
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It’s nice to have visits from friends and family, but don’t feel that you need to entertain guests. Feel free to excuse yourself for a nap or to feed your baby.
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Get outside for a few minutes each day. You can start walking and doing postpartum exercises, as advised by your healthcare provider.
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Have some freezer meals stored up!
Nutrition
Your body has undergone many changes during pregnancy and birth. You need time to recover. In addition to rest, your body needs nutrients to support its healing and to give you energy for breast feeding.
The weight gained in pregnancy helps build stores for your recovery and for breastfeeding. After delivery, you will need to eat a balanced diet. For the first couple of weeks, a soft diet is recommended to keep stools soft and easy to pass. You will also be advised to continue taking prenatal supplements.
Most lactation experts recommend that you eat when you are hungry. But many mothers may be so tired or busy that food gets forgotten. So it is important to plan simple, healthy meals that include choices from all of the recommended groups. Keep snacks close to the bed for late night feeds.
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.
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 symptoms can vary. About 70 to 80 percent of new mothers experience mood swings after giving birth. Baby blues are caused by hormonal changes and symptoms may include:
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Unexplained crying
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Irritability
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Insomnia
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Sadness
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Mood changes
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Restlessness
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Postpartum depression could at first be mistaken for baby blues but the signs and symptoms are more intense and last beyond a couple of weeks. Eventually this could interfere with your ability to care for your baby and/or handle other tasks. Postpartum depression signs and symptoms may include:
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Depressed mood or severe mood swings
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Difficulty bonding with your baby
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Loss of appetite or eating much more than usual
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Reduced interest and pleasure in activities you used to enjoy
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Withdrawing from family and friends
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Feelings of worthlessness, shame, guilt or inadequacy
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Diminished ability to think clearly, concentrate or make decisions
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Severe anxiety and panic attacks
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Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby
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Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide
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You are not alone - if you feel like you are experiencing any symptoms that concern you, please book an appointment to see the Dr. Do not feel ashamed or embarrassed.
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Things to consider
Pay attention to your body after giving birth. If something doesn’t seem right, it probably isn’t. Soreness is to be expected, but too much pain could mean something is seriously wrong. Your your own health is just as important as your baby's!
If you experience any of the following symptoms, please get in contact with us:
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Heavier than normal bleeding - If your postpartum bleeding is filling more than a pad every hour, you should contact the doctor.
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Headaches that are severe and don’t go away can also signal an underlying problem, especially coupled with high blood pressure.
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Deep vein thrombosis (a blood clot in a deep vein) is an uncommon problem (1 in every 1,000 pregnancies) that can occur during or after pregnancy. Symptoms include leg pain or feeling like you have a pulled muscle. Your leg may also be red and hot to the touch. Left untreated, these clots can break away and travel to your lungs. When this happens, it can be life-threatening.
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Postpartum preeclampsia is rare and can develop within 48 hours after childbirth or as late as six weeks after childbirth. It is similar to preeclampsia (also called toxemia), which can occur while you’re pregnant. Both preeclampsia and postpartum preeclampsia cause your blood vessels to constrict (get smaller). This results in high blood pressure and also distresses your internal organs. Sometimes there are no obvious symptoms, unless you are monitoring your blood pressure. When you do have symptoms, they may include severe headache, swelling of your hands and feet, blurred vision, pain in the upper right portion of your body, and sudden weight gain. If you suspect you may have postpartum preeclampsia, call the doctor immediately or go straight to maternity.
Postpartum must haves
If you have recently given birth you will know that although the pains from labour and birth are gone, there are still discomforts and pains to deal with post birth. Some of these items can really help you with the healing process to make you more comfortable:
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Upside down peri bottle: In the first week or two, you'll want to just use a peri bottle (filled with warm tap water) and gently blot dry with super-soft toilet paper. Peri bottles can also be useful after a c-section to help encourage going to the toilet. The warm water helps the pelvic floor to relax.
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Postpartum ice pack: These can be made before you give birth by taking regular heavy duty pads, pouring water or a gentle aloe vere gel so that the pad is soaked. Simply fold back and freeze. Use with disposable mesh underwear as needed.
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Stool softener: Going to the toilet after birth even after a c-section can feel daunting. A stool softener can help loosen things up.
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Pillow/Feeding pillow: After a c section use a pillow to brace your tummy before you sneeze or cough. Use to help brace whilst on the toilet and even to help you get up.
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