The birth of a baby is a joyous occasion for any family, but it’s time to be careful too. It is a challenging time, especially for the mother who has just given birth. She not only has to attend to the demands of caring for the baby but her body also has to heal from the process.

This period brings with it a range of challenges ranging from hormonal changes that impact mental health to feeling overwhelmed attending to the baby.

If you’re about to have a baby or planning to have one, knowing about the importance of postnatal care at home is crucial. Making the right decisions at the right time can make life so much easier for the days and weeks following the delivery.

What is Postnatal Care?

The six to eight-week period after delivery is known as the postpartum period or the postnatal period. This is the time a mother’s body slowly returns to the pre-pregnancy state. However, the changes and the symptoms that occur during this postnatal period can continue way beyond eight weeks.

Caring for the mother and the baby and helping the mother deal with the physical and emotional aspects of this postnatal period is essential. This is known as the postpartum period.

Physical Changes During Postpartum Period

This is the time the new mother’s body slowly reverts to the pre-pregnancy stage. Some of the physical symptoms experienced are:

• Soreness and pain in the perineum: The perineum is the space between the vagina and the anus. During vaginal childbirth, this area stretches and even tears sometimes. As a result, post-delivery, this area can be tender, swollen and sore.
• Vaginal discharge: Women experience vaginal bleeding after giving birth no matter what the method of delivery is. The bleeding usually lasts for six weeks, which has to be managed through sanitary pads, as tampon usage is not feasible.
• Uterus involution: The uterus shrinking back to its pre-pregnancy size is known as uterus involution. This process starts almost immediately after the baby is born and can continue for up to six weeks. It can lead to strong cramps, which become less intense as time goes on. The pain can be especially felt during breastfeeding.
• Breast engorgement and nipple pain: The breast can be swollen and the nipple can be sore especially the first few days following delivery. Some women may require the help of a lactation consultant to deal with painful symptoms such as cracked nipples.
• Recovery from a C-section: Stitches given during a C-section may take up to 10 days to heal. Deeper stitches can take up to 12 weeks. There’s a heightened risk of infections such as flu during this time. Here lies the importance of postpartum care after c-section.
• Constipation: One of the most normal symptoms during the postnatal period is constipation, especially if they have been given an epidural (a procedure to relieve the pain of labour). Sometimes it may pain to pass bowel movements so much that women may hold their poop leading to constipation. Sometimes stool softeners are given to obtain relief from this pain. Another common issue during the postpartum period is haemorrhoids.
• Weight loss: A mother’s body goes through immense changes during pregnancy and childbirth. Moreover, with the challenges of handling a new baby, often the mother’s nutrition is not looked after properly. This can cause the mother to lose immense weight. However, this is the time they need proper nutrition support and to be taken care of.

Proper after-delivery care for mothers can help them deal with these physical changes in a better way.

Emotional Impact during the Postnatal Period

The postpartum period can be emotionally challenging for a woman as well. Some of the common emotional issues faced during this time include:

• Postpartum depression: Many women feel sad and teary after giving birth, commonly known as baby blues. This usually goes away in a few days. However, for some women, the distress and extreme sadness can last for weeks and even months after childbirth. They may require medication and behaviour therapy to deal with this.
• Postpartum anxiety: Some women suffer from extreme worry after having a baby which can be accompanied by physical symptoms such as palpitations and losing sleep. Postpartum anxiety often happens along with postpartum depression.

Having a caring and supportive environment during this time helps immensely.

Complications that can Arise During the Postnatal Stage

While some of the above symptoms are normal, others can be concerning. Ignoring the mother during this postnatal time can lead to issues. Some of the common issues that can emerge during the postpartum stage are:

• Postpartum haemorrhage: Severe bleeding from the vagina after childbirth. It can lead to blurred vision, dizziness and even death. The risk of postpartum haemorrhage stays up to 12 weeks from the delivery.
• Deep vein thrombosis: A blood clot located deep inside the body, usually in the leg. If not treated right away, it can lead to serious complications.
• Postpartum preeclampsia: This is a rare condition which can happen up to six weeks after the baby is born. It causes high blood pressure and high levels of protein in the new mother’s urine. It can lead to brain damage, stroke and even death if not treated on time.
• Pulmonary embolism: A blood clot in the lungs that can create blockage. This can cause issues with oxygen levels and blood flow.

Proper postnatal care of the mother can help you notice these symptoms and get help for the new mother as soon as possible.

Postnatal Care Services – Your Friend in Need

Seeking the help of professional postnatal care in Malaysia service such as TrueCare2U can be extremely beneficial at this time. Depending on your specific needs, it may involve postnatal care nursing after a C-section, assistance with light housework, laundry, or meal preparation.

If you have other children, a postpartum caregiver can also help with childcare, allowing you time to rest and bond with your newborn. Additional in-home postnatal care services may include infant care, companionship, and emotional support.

Sources:

• https://www.who.int/activities/raising-the-importance-of-postnatal-care
• https://www.motherhoodindia.com/specialties/pregnancy-care/postnatal-care/
• https://www.homewatchcaregivers.com/blog/miscellaneous/the-importance-of-postpartum-care-at-home/
• https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/labor-and-delivery/in-depth/postpartum-care
• https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/postpartum