Postpartum and Post-pregnancy Care

Postpartum and post-pregnancy care is of immense importance for health of both the mother and child. Although post-pregnancy is a happy time, yet it’s also a very physically, mentally and emotionally challenging time, especially for the mother. Postpartum period is the six to eight weeks period right after delivery. This is usually the time required by the mother to recover fully. But it may require up to 6 months for the mother to achieve pre-pregnancy state of health. Early during the post-pregnancy period activities recommended during pregnancy such as consumption of a balanced diet, taking adequate rest, ample nutrition and fluids intake, avoiding lifting of heavy weights should be continued.

Post-pregnancy Problems and Issues
Depending upon the delivery method, normal or C-section, there will be issues. Although normal delivery is the simpler and natural way to give birth but it will also involve post-pregnancy pain due to stretching and tear. On the other hand Caesarean section or C-section delivery will generally involve longer stay at the hospital, longer healing period, longer-lasting pain and soreness at the site of the incision. Post-pregnancy there may also be problems such as infections, bleeding, problems in passage of urine and stool and much more. There are bound to be other issues too such as weight gain, hormonal changes, breast engorgement, cramping due to shrinking of the uterus and more.

Healing Process after Pregnancy

After pregnancy it’s best to let the body heal and recover naturally. Along with the physical healing, psychological and emotional healing of the mother is also an important factor. Emotionally giving birth to a baby is a unique experience and different mothers respond to it differently. For some it may be satisfying experience for other it may be an emotionally draining experience. Mothers to-be are advised to read and learn more about post-pregnancy period and challenges; this will help them to be better prepared mentally and otherwise. During the healing process the support and care of the family members is of immense importance.

Postpartum Depression
Postpartum or postnatal depression is another common problem. Symptoms of postpartum depression are constant negative thoughts about baby and self, loss of sleep and appetite, irritability, loss of interest thus being withdrawn even from the baby, feeling of hopelessness and crying bouts without any reason. More than 70% mothers experience issues such as negative thoughts and mood swings after giving birth. If the symptoms last for more than a couple of weeks it’s best to consult a doctor.

Sexual Health after Pregnancy
Be it normal or C-section delivery the mother’s body will require time to heal and recover, it’s best to abstain from having sex until then. It’s advisable to consult the doctor during the six-week postpartum visit before indulging in penetrative sex after pregnancy. Also it’s not uncommon for new mothers to experience a reduced sex drive or libido. This is due to reduced estrogen levels and also because of exhaustion due to contact care that mothers have to provide to the baby. But soon the estrogen levels will be up again and there is no reason that couples cannot emotionally and physically enjoy sex and pregnancy again.

Post-pregnancy Recovery Tips and more
The primary objective of the mother during the postpartum period should be to rest, recuperate and gain strength and bond with the baby. To assistant the recovery and the healing process it’s recommended that mothers should consume a balanced and healthy diet full of nutrition. Include fresh vegetables, fruits, whole grains in your diet. Slowly include daily walk and light exercises in the regime. For the mother it’s best to rest and sleep and as when the baby sleeps or else they will soon find that they have little or no time to rest. Avoiding alcohol and caffeine is another on the list of dos.