The weeks after childbirth are a time of adjustment and recovery. Whether you had a vaginal birth or a C-section, you’ll need to remember to take care of yourself during those first few weeks so that you can properly recover. Getting plenty of rest, limiting visitors and establishing a routine with your newborn are all part of this new phase in your life. Show
Learn about recovery times and what to expect after having a baby. How do I care for myself at home after delivery?After delivery, you may think that you can jump back into life as normal. However, this time in your life is full of adjustment to life with a newborn, as well as a time of recovery. It’s important to remember that childbirth is something your body will need to recover from over time. No matter what type of delivery, vaginal birth or cesarean birth (C-section), your body will need time to heal. The first month of having a newborn baby at home can be overwhelming at times. You might feel like all of your time is focused on caring for your baby – but don’t forget to take care of yourself. You might hear the phrase “if you don’t take care of yourself, you can’t take care of your baby” and there’s an element of truth to this sentiment. There are several things you will need to remember to do after delivery to take care of your own health. Some physical tips to remember include:
Some social tips to remember include:
What’s postpartum depression and what signs should I look for after delivery?Postpartum depression is a common condition that impacts many new birth parents. It’s a complex mix of physical, emotional and behavioral changes that can happen after childbirth, causing you to feel depressed. You might also hear the phrase “baby blues” used to explain a shift in some people’s emotions after birth. Feelings of sadness, anxiety, hopelessness, guilt and fatigue can all be a part of postpartum depression. If you experience any of the following feelings or thoughts, reach out to your healthcare provider right away:
It’s important to talk to others if you experience changes to your emotions after delivery. Reaching out to friends, family or your healthcare provider can be difficult sometimes, but you’ll often find these people want to help you. How do I keep myself physically healthy after delivery?Your medical care doesn’t stop as soon as you have your baby. You will still need to schedule appointments with your healthcare provider and take steps to make sure you’re recovering well. One week after delivery, you should schedule an appointment with your obstetric provider for a follow-up visit. This is generally scheduled to take place within four to six weeks after delivery. In some cases, this appointment might be scheduled a little earlier, such as two weeks after delivery. You should also do your perineal care, as advised by your healthcare provider. You will be given detailed instructions on your perineal care after you’ve given birth. Typically, you’ll keep following these instructions until your follow-up appointment. Other things to remember as a part of your after-delivery care include:
Get useful, helpful and relevant health + wellness information
enews What is postpartum follow up?A postpartum checkup is a medical checkup you get after having a baby to make sure you're recovering well from labor and birth. Go to your postpartum checkups, even if you're feeling fine. They're an important part of your overall pregnancy care.
Can I go back to work 2 weeks after having a baby?While six weeks has long been the traditional timeline for rest and recuperation after a birth, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends ongoing postpartum care from birth to 12 weeks. Six weeks is also the standard recovery time allotted for childbirth-related short-term disability leave.
How many minutes should the mother be assessed during the 1 2 hours after birth?Temperature, heart and respiratory rates, skin color, peripheral circulation, type of respiration, level of consciousness, tone, and activity should be monitored at least once every 30 minutes until baby has been stable for 2 hours (AAP & ACOG). Healthy mothers and babies should stay together.
How many weeks after giving birth will a woman be considered in the postpartum period?For this reason, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists considers postpartum care to extend up to 12 weeks after birth [2]. Some investigators have considered individuals to be postpartum for as long as 12 months after birth.
|