Tips For Post Partum Women

Postpartum is the period just after the delivery of the baby. Post partum care includes management of the mother, newborn and infant during the postpartal period. Postpartum is a happy time that most excited parents enjoy when seeing the newest young member of their family. However, there are a lot of things that should keep in mind to avoid problems after birth. Here are some tips for you to consider after post partum.

Plan Ahead

Post Partum

Tips For Post Partum Women

Create a list of things that need to be done. Before the actual labour, make sure to have a place for all of your baby’s paraphernalia. Having a new baby means a lot of new extra stuff into your home. Find a place where you can put the baby swing, baby gifts, changing table, crib, nursing pillow, rocking chair, etc. You may have to move stuffs around to make room. It may also be the time to finally move the unused furniture from your bedroom to the basement. Baby stuffs may consume a lot of space. You can also consider setting up a beautifully decorated nursery. So make postpartum less stressful by planning ahead.

In The Hospital Or Birthing Centre

In some countries, there’s a passed law saying that a postpartum woman get 48 hours care after an uncomplicated vaginal birth and 96 hours after a cesarean section without complications. This law made most postpartum women happy. However, there are also women who do not agree with the law because they prefer to go home immediately after having the baby.

Although a study showed that the problem is not significantly how long women are or are not staying postpartum but the fact that the maternity care system makes sure that the post partum woman and her baby receives a high quality care from her health care provider.

Factors that make a postpartum woman stay longer in the hospital.

  1. Insufficient knowledge about breastfeeding or newborn care
  2. Having a chronic health problem or complicated birth
  3. Having a baby for the first time
  4. Giving birth during non-routine hospital hours

6 Weeks Post Partum

Postpartum period usually is considered to be the first few days after delivery, but technically it includes the 6 week period after childbirth up to the postpartum check up with your doctor. In this period, you have to make arrangements with your baby’s health care provider, make sure to ask when the baby’s first check-up should be scheduled and make your uncertainties answered before you leave the hospital. If you are clueless on how to do certain procedures such as bathing, breastfeeding, burping, etc. Ask your nurse, lactation consultant, or your baby’s doctor.

Most probably, six weeks post partum you will visit your doctor or health care provider for a check up. Most probably, your doctor will examine your pelvis, breast and a physical check of your caesarean scar if you were under a caesarean section. This could be your last visit with your OB or midwife unless you have other health problems or complications.

Bring Baby Home

Make your home clean and free from any threats that could harm your baby such as dirty linens, dust, unnecessary noise, etc. Wash and fold laundry when you get home. However, in most cases, postpartum women by this time are just too tired for heavy cleaning. Try to consider the help of a willing husband, family members, or hire a cleaning person to help you get your house ready for you and your baby. You can also arrange a friend or family member to take care of your house while you’re in the hospital having your baby especially if you have pet or other children. Having a clean home does not only benefit your baby but including you.

Have This At Home

Sanitary pads are important and are great for easing discomfort in your vaginal area. You can actually line this pad on your underwear for the first few days after giving birth. You can also purchase other important things such as toilet paper, shampoo and soap. Always have all important baby items like nappies, baby rash cream, a complete baby home kit (includes aspirator, nail clippers, etc.), wet wipes, feeding bottles and other practical items that you think you may use. It will make your life easier if the things you need are always ready at home.

Stock up on all the foods that you like and foods that are easy to cook such as soups. Follow a diet as prescribed by your physician at home. Most probably, the doctor will advise a post partum mother to drink water 8 to 12 glasses of water daily and consume plenty protein, fresh vegetables, fresh fruit, and milk. Cesarean section postpartum mothers may have discomfort due to “gas pain”. Bran cereals or dried fruits may help by preventing constipation at home. In addition, avoid gas forming foods such as broccoli, cauliflower, fried foods, hotdogs, and cucumbers.