Post Partum Care

The weeks following the birth are an important period for a mother and her newborn since it sets the stage for their long term health and well being. However, this can also be a difficult time for a new mother as she has to face and adapt to multiple physical, emotional and social challenges.

During the postpartum recovery period, the care and support from healthcare providers, family and friends can be key to effectively navigating this unique situation and help the mother settle in her new role.

Postpartum period

In the immediate postpartum period (the first 24-48 hours), the mother and baby will remain in the hospital. At Mediclinic Parkview Hospital, we have a dedicated and experienced team who are on hand to provide support and guidance, helping with the transition into motherhood. During this time both mother and baby will undergo medical checks to monitor their health. Lactation consultants are also on hand to support with breastfeeding. Should you have any questions or concerns during your stay in the hospital, consult with your physician or the maternity team.

Further support is provided when you return home in the form of home midwife visits, to support you as you settle into your new life as a family.

Emotional wellbeing

The sudden withdrawal of estrogen and progesterone after delivery, can heighten your emotions and you may feel anxious, irritable, sad or depressed. Often referred to as ‘baby blues’, these emotions are very common and normal amongst new mothers and usually go away within the few weeks.

Should you continue to experience negative emotions, you may be experiencing postpartnum depression and it is important to seek help from your doctor. Signs of postpartnum depression include continual crying, inability to get out of bed, lack of interest towards your baby/family and feelings of desperation.

Tiredness and fatigue

After labour and delivery it is normal to feel drained and it is extremely important that you rest. You should limit your activity to ‘light’ housework. Your main responsibility should be feeding your baby and taking care of yourself. Try and ask for help where possible with other tasks.

Initially, you may experience chills due to exhaustion, dehydration and the other physiological changes to your body. Make sure you rest, eat a balanced diet and drink plenty of fluids. The importance of sleep cannot be over emphasised; it helps in both physical and emotional recovery as well as breastmilk production.

Bleeding

In the first few days it is normal to experience bleeding similar to a heavy period. Postpartum bleeding may continue for up to 4-6 weeks after delivery, during this time you may experience lighter and heavier days, and the bleeding may even stop and start. After the bleeding stops, you may have vaginal discharge that changes colour from yellow to white.

Should you have excessive bleeding it is important to notify your healthcare provider.

Breastfeeding

Usually a woman’s breast milk comes within the first 3 days after delivery. It can be challenging first, as you and your newborn get used to each other and learn what works best for you both in terms of the position to hold the baby, latching and identifying the baby’s cues. Lactation Consultants can help support you to ensure use follow the proper latching technique to prevent soreness and good posture to prevent backache. You may also experience some lower abdominal cramps whilst breastfeeding, this is normal and is due to the release of the hormone oxytocin during feeding which causes your womb to contract and involute.

If you experience breast engorgement, a condition where your breasts become swollen and painful due to increased blood flow and milk supply, use a mild analgesic such as a paracetamol or ibubrofen and apply ice packs to your breasts. Taking a hot shower or expressing a little milk may also help relieve the pain. If you notice redness and experience fever over 39°C, you should visit your doctor as these may be a sign of mastitis (breast infection).

Bowel and bladder habits

Some women may experience difficulty in passing urine immediately after delivery . mostly an in and out catheter drainage with voiding every 3 hours should help. Sometimes you may need an indwelling catheter for a few days .

Some may have incontinence of urine. Regular pelvic floor exercises may help you . Still 25% of women may continue to have some amount of stress urinary incontinence.

Constipation . painful defecation hemorrhoids are common in the postpartum period.

Increase intake of fluids and fibre should help. You may be prescribed laxatives if necessary . painful hemorrhoids and painful defecation can be addressed by the proctologist.

Pelvic rest

Pelvic rest is recommended for the first 6 weeks postpartum.

Contraception

It is important to avoid pregnancy at least in the first 6 months post delivery, ideally the spacing should be 18 months. So it is important to use contraception from 3 weeks if you are not breastfeeding and from 3 months if you are .

During the postpartum period it is important that you follow the advice given by your healthcare provider. If you experience any of the following systems, you should seek medical advice:

• Sudden and heavy bleeding.

• Severe abdominal or pelvic pain.

• Fever more than 100.4 F.

• Signs of infection e.g. oozing, purulent discharge and/or redness around the stitches.

• Foul smelling discharge from the vagina.

• Sudden onset of leg swelling with shortness of breath.

• Chest pain.

• Persistent severe headache redness and swelling of breast.

• Depression lasting more than 3 weeks..

Post Partum Care

The weeks following birth are a crucial period for a mother and her newborn, setting the stage for their long-term health and well-being. However, this can also be a challenging time for a new mother, as she must adapt to various physical, emotional, and social changes.

During the postpartum recovery period, care and support from healthcare providers, family, and friends can be essential in helping a mother navigate this unique time and settle into her new role.

Postpartum Period

In the immediate postpartum period (the first 24-48 hours), the mother and baby will remain in the hospital.

At Mediclinic Parkview Hospital, a dedicated and experienced team is available to provide support and guidance, helping with the transition into motherhood. During this time, both mother and baby undergo medical checks to monitor their health. Lactation consultants are also on hand to assist with breastfeeding. If you have any questions or concerns during your hospital stay, consult with your physician or the maternity team.

Further support is provided after returning home, through home midwife visits to assist you as you settle into your new life as a family.

Emotional Wellbeing

The sudden drop in estrogen and progesterone after delivery can heighten emotions, leading to feelings of anxiety, irritability, sadness, or depression. Often referred to as the ‘baby blues,’ these emotions are common among new mothers and usually resolve within a few weeks.

If you continue to experience negative emotions, you may be experiencing postpartum depression, and it is essential to seek help from your doctor. Signs of postpartum depression include persistent crying, difficulty getting out of bed, lack of interest in your baby or family, and feelings of hopelessness.

Tiredness and Fatigue

After labor and delivery, it is normal to feel exhausted, so it is important to rest. Limit your activity to light housework, with your primary responsibilities being feeding your baby and taking care of yourself. Try to ask for help with other tasks when possible.

You may initially experience chills due to exhaustion, dehydration, and other physiological changes. Make sure to rest, eat a balanced diet, and drink plenty of fluids. Sleep is crucial for physical and emotional recovery as well as breastmilk production.

Bleeding

In the first few days, it is normal to experience bleeding similar to a heavy period. Postpartum bleeding may continue for up to 4-6 weeks after delivery, with variations in intensity. You may also experience vaginal discharge that changes from yellow to white after the bleeding stops.

If you have excessive bleeding, notify your healthcare provider immediately.

Breastfeeding

Typically, breast milk comes in within the first 3 days after delivery. It may be challenging at first as you and your baby get accustomed to each other. Lactation consultants can assist you with proper latching techniques to prevent soreness and ensure good posture to avoid backache. Some women may experience mild cramps during breastfeeding due to the release of oxytocin, which helps the uterus contract.

For breast engorgement, you can use a mild analgesic and apply ice packs for relief. A hot shower or expressing some milk may also help. If you notice redness and a fever over 39°C, contact your doctor as these may be signs of mastitis (breast infection).

Bowel and Bladder Habits

Some women may have difficulty passing urine immediately after delivery, which can often be managed with catheter drainage every 3 hours. Pelvic floor exercises can help with stress urinary incontinence, which affects 25% of women postpartum.

Constipation and hemorrhoids are also common postpartum issues. Increasing fluid and fiber intake can help, and laxatives may be prescribed if necessary. Consult a proctologist for painful hemorrhoids or painful defecation.

Pelvic Rest

Pelvic rest is generally recommended for the first 6 weeks postpartum.

Contraception

To allow your body time to recover, it is recommended to avoid pregnancy for at least the first 6 months postpartum, ideally spacing pregnancies by 18 months. Contraceptive use is advised from 3 weeks postpartum if not breastfeeding, or from 3 months if breastfeeding.

During the postpartum period, it is essential to follow the guidance of your healthcare provider. If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical advice promptly: