The postpartum period is a very special and important time after birth - for both mother and baby. The postpartum period begins after the birth of the placenta and lasts 6-8 weeks. You can find out why preparing for the postpartum period is important and what you should pay attention to as a new mother in this article. Written by the expert and doula Sophie-Marie Hugle . Enjoy reading!
preparation for the postpartum period
It is a good idea to prepare for the postpartum period during pregnancy. Think carefully about whether and when you want to receive visitors, for example. With a newborn at home, such a visit can be quite stressful for both you and your baby. It is very important that the visitor is responsible for themselves. You do not have to cook anything, clean up or sit at the table for hours. You and your baby come first. If your visitor wants to eat a piece of cake, they are welcome to bring their own cake and bring you a piece. Cook something for the postpartum period. You will have little time or desire to cook during the postpartum period. Pre-cooking a nutritious soup or your favorite meal and storing it in the freezer can be incredibly relieving - we promise! Also check whether you have all the utensils you need for the first few days at home. Things like sanitary pads, nipple cream, a regeneration spray, breastfeeding tea or nursing pads can be easily purchased in advance.
The Early Postpartum Period
The early postpartum period is the first 10 days after birth. This time is particularly important and should be spent in bed if possible. During this time, it is important to give your body some rest. After all, your body has performed at its peak during the birth! This time is also a time for you and your baby to settle in and get to know each other.
your body
After birth, oxytocin is released. This causes your uterus to contract (afterpains) and the lochia begins. The placenta leaves an open wound in your uterus about the size of your palm and your body needs about 6 weeks to heal. The lochia occurs as the wound heals. Any birth injuries also need time to heal. Everything about the lochia The lochia changes over the weeks. The lochia usually lasts 4-6 weeks, but is often less after a cesarean section. The bleeding is heaviest during the first 10 days and blood clots (collections of clotted blood) can also occur. The lochia gradually subsides and resembles spotting. On days 1-3, the lochia is fresh blood, red, runny and much more heavy than a period. By the end of week 2, it is bloody, red and heavy as a period. From the end of the 2nd week, it is red to brown and spotting. In week 3, brown to yellowish and light spotting. In weeks 4-6, yellow to whitish and only light discharge. If you have a fever or headache, your lochia suddenly decreases and/or smells unpleasant, these could be signs of lochia congestion. This should definitely be checked by a doctor.
Hygiene in the Postpartum Period
During your postpartum period and the lochia, you should make sure to clean your intimate area with water after every visit to the toilet. Intimate showers are ideal for this. Make sure to always wash your hands well. You should change your pads or period underwear regularly to avoid infections. In the beginning, you should definitely prefer to take a shower and wait to bathe until your lochia has stopped.
your emotions
During your postpartum period, you will probably experience many emotions. These emotions can sometimes change minute by minute and that can be quite exhausting. At one point or another, you will also reach your physical and psychological limits. It is important that you allow these emotions and get help when you need it. From your partner, friends, as well as your midwife or doula. As soon as you notice that you are very sad, depressed or listless, these could be signs of postpartum depression and should be taken seriously. Seek help from your midwife or gynecologist.
breastfeeding
The first milk is called colostrum. If you decide to breastfeed, it will be the first thing your baby gets. It is full of important antibodies, white blood cells and is particularly nutritious. Over the next few days, your milk will come in and your milk will adjust to your baby's needs. Breastfeeding can be difficult at the beginning. That's why it's advisable to get support, for example from a lactation consultant, if you're stuck. It's important to me to say here that whether you breastfeed or bottle feed your child: in both cases, you love your child, meet your child's needs, satisfy them, build a bond and want the best for your child!
Sleeping with Baby
Your baby does not yet know a day and night rhythm. They often wake up because they are hungry. A newborn's stomach is so small at first that it needs lots of small meals to meet its daily needs. This means that your baby may wake up every half hour or every 2-3 hours at night. As a result, you as parents will also get very little sleep. Try to lie down with your baby and always sleep when it sleeps, so that you can get some sleep too.
bonding
The postpartum period is a wonderful time to deepen the deep connection with your baby. Bonding (skin-to-skin contact) can be used to strengthen the bond and convey a feeling of security, body warmth and affection. It strengthens basic trust, stimulates milk production and reduces the feeling of pain. It is also a great opportunity for your partner to build closeness to the baby.
We wish you a wonderful postpartum period, with lots of rest, relaxation, settling in, cuddling and lots of love. Enjoy the time and grow together as a family.