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Days after childbirth: How to support the new mother?

Grecia De Flores
5 min read

People tend to believe that after childbirth everything has passed, and they lower their guard, however postpartum is a stage that requires a lot of care and effort.

It is normal that you need help, in fact you should ask for help, since you must recover from the birthing process, adapt to the new routine with the baby and breastfeed if this has been your choice.

This stage is full of challenges, and it is this moment where mothers need more support, here we show you how to face postpartum in the best way for you.

Days after childbirth: How to support the new mother? – Wellness and Health
During the postpartum, the mother requires a lot of care and affection

How to face this new stage?

It is important to pay attention to both the mother and the baby, do not neglect your health at this time, you must be well so that your baby can be well.

Regarding the emotional area, it is normal to feel discomfort or sadness the first weeks after the birth of their baby, 80% of women experience the so-called baby blue or postpartum sadness.

In case this feeling lasts over time or is really very intense, you may be facing postpartum depression, and should see your trusted doctor.

Regarding routine and postpartum pain, make sure you maintain a routine as healthy as possible, it is normal for the hours of sleep to be reduced, since your baby demands a lot of attention.

However, it is ideal that you sleep every time your baby sleeps to be able to rest as much time as possible and deal with exhaustion. In case you are breastfeeding be sure to drink water every time you breastfeed your baby to stay hydrated.

Eat healthy food that provides the nutrients that both you and your baby need to be well and healthy, it is recommended that you increase your consumption to 500 calories more than when you were pregnant, since breastfeeding is demanding on the body.

It is normal to lose weight while you are breastfeeding, however you should be aware of this change in weight and go to regular consultations with your doctor so that he or she can recommend how to deal with this situation.

This is the best time for dad to intervene, how should he support the couple?

It is very important to have the support of significant figures at this stage, your place is your ideal companion. Give him chores while you take care of recovering and feeding your baby.

However, after the first few weeks, you can try to express breast milk and store it so that you can rest longer and that your partner takes care of feeding the baby.

Talk to your partner and let him know how you feel and what worries you, do not remain silent. Have moments with your partner that reinforces their bond as a team and as people, they are together to face these moments together and from mutual support.

Regarding sexual relations, it is convenient that you talk with your doctor before resuming this practice, the time in which you can have relations again will depend on the conditions of your recovery and the delivery process.

In general, and if you do not present any complications, the doctors approve that after the first 4 to 6 weeks you resume sexual practices.

Mom should always be the priority, how to find a moment of calm in the middle of the chaos?

Do not forget to think of yourself and take care of yourself in this process, if you are well you will be able to understand your baby in the best possible way, do not neglect yourself. Take special moments for yourself and for your relaxation, you can practice breathing and relaxation techniques to connect with yourself and with your body in these moments.

If everything at home seems chaos, ask your partner or a close relative with the baby for help and take a space to breathe and calm down.

This moment is difficult, but it will pass, and you will fully enjoy yourself baby and motherhood. Some tips that may be useful to you at this time are the following:

  • Take naps

  • Schedule a time of day just for you and your needs

  • Bathe daily

  • If your doctor approves, do physical activity, it will help you get stronger and recover more quickly

  • Do not demand more from your body, know your limits and learn to listen to the signals of your body

  • Enjoy your baby actively, also share this experience with your partner

  • Delegate household chores like cleaning or eating

  • Restrict visits if you need it

  • Talk to other mothers who are going through this moment to share experiences and feel supported

Recovering from childbirth is not easy work, each woman and each body are different, do not try to share, be patient with yourself and with your body.

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