Introduction
The period after the birth of a baby to six weeks after the delivery is generally termed the postpartum period. It is a time when the new mother gets adapted to the latest phase of her life and bonds with the baby. It usually takes about six to eight weeks for a woman's body to reach back to near normal after childbirth. This period lays a foundation for the new mother and baby's health and bonding. Hence this is an important period and needs to be handled appropriately.
What Is Normally Expected During the Postpartum Period?
Giving birth to a baby is one of the most beautiful events in nature. However, it is a tiring and cumbersome process, and time must be given for a complete gradual recovery. The initial six weeks are crucial for recovery. Hence, taking care of all changes in the new mother's body during this period must be considered important. The normal expected changes after delivery can include the following:
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Abdominal Pain: As the uterus shrinks to its original size, there can be pain in the lower abdomen. It can vary from mild to sharp pain. Breastfeeding triggers chemical mechanisms that help the uterus shrink back, aggravating the pain. Applying heat pads can help to relieve these difficulties. It usually gets better over time. However, if it becomes worse, medical attention must be sought.
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Baby Blues: Research shows that about seventy to eighty percent of new moms struggle with their feelings during their postpartum period. This is entirely normal and nothing to be worried or ashamed about. These can be sadness and tears to unusual happiness at times. It is due to the sudden changes after the birth of the baby and the hormonal changes. These are temporary mood swings and gradually get back to normal. Nevertheless, medical attention might be sought if they last longer or get severe.
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Hormonal Changes: The body undergoes many hormonal changes during the postpartum period. This can cause mood changes, sweating, especially at night, etc. Hair loss during this period is also due to hormonal changes. It is temporary and will revert back to normal once the hormonal changes are regulated.
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Soreness: For some time, most women feel sore in the area between the vagina and the anus, especially after a vaginal delivery. Applying ice packs can help to relieve the pain. The area must be kept clean to prevent any infections. If the pain worsens or there is redness in the area, it can be signs of an infection, and medical attention must be sought.
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Nipple Soreness: As breastfeeding starts during the postpartum period, there can be soreness in the nipples initially. The most common cause of a sore nipple is an improper latch; hence, it is essential to get the latch corrected with the help of a lactation counselor. A proper latch will promote the milk supply and relieve the nipple cracks.
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Vaginal Bleeding: This is normal during the postpartum period. It is a way that the body removes all the blood and old tissues formed while the baby is being formed and remains in the body after birth. There can be massive bleeding initially, but it tapers as time moves. There can be light spotting up to six weeks postpartum. It is advised to use a good quality sanitary napkin during this period to prevent any infection. The use of tampons and menstrual cups must be avoided.
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Constipation or Diarrhea: These are usually due to the medications or hormonal changes in the postpartum period. Appropriate medications and care can be taken with the help of a healthcare professional.
How Can Postpartum Recovery Be Made Easier?
Adjusting to life each day after having a baby is challenging, especially for a first-time mom. When the newborn baby gets adequate care and attention, the new mother must also be assisted in healing. A new mother is usually relieved from work for at least six weeks. This allows her time to heal and recover. Sleepless nights accompany newborns, as they need to be fed and changed often. This can be tiresome and frustrating to the new mother; hence, the family's support plays a vital role in helping her heal. Here are some tips that may help to make the postpartum experience easier.
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Plenty of Rest: A woman, after birth, must be allowed plenty of rest to help her body heal after the tiring process. Frequent feeding and diaper change for the newborn might not provide proper sleep for the new mother. Hence, the family or bystander must ensure assistance so the mother gets adequate rest.
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Seek Assistance: Assistance must be sought during the postpartum period. The new mother must be given time to heal and can not do this alone. Hence, family and friends can offer help in any form during this period. This can be taking care of the newborn while the mother sleeps, babysitting the other children, preparing healthy meals, or running errands.
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Healthy Meals: The new mother must be provided with healthy and nutritious meals at regular intervals. This not only helps her heal but also helps the newborn to grow faster. The fluid intake of the mother must be increased to support breastfeeding.
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Adequate Exercise: The new mother must get adequate exercise for her body, but it must not be strenuous. Advice from the doctor can be sought to help her heal while getting some movements for her weak body. Exercises that help to strengthen the abdominal muscles must be done according to the doctor's advice. This helps the muscles get stronger and recover. The weak pelvic floor and muscles after childbirth must be strengthened. Kegels's exercises will help in this. This is done by tightening the pelvic floor muscles, holding them for three to five seconds, and relaxing. It can be repeated a few times.
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Retinoid Cream: Applying retinoid creams help to reduce the appearance of stretch marks. Retinoid creams contain Vitamin A, which helps to help the stretch marks disappear.
Conclusion
Giving birth to a child is a life-changing experience for new mothers. It is a new adjustment for the entire family and requires empathy and patience, especially for the new mother. She must be allowed time to relax and recover rather than being judgemental. Support from the family and partner plays a huge role in helping a new mother ease her postpartum blues. Open communication and empathy can do wonders to speed up the recovery process.
