DESCRIPTION

The postpartum period following the birth of a baby is a very important time for the birthing woman, her partner and her family. Although the physical changes that occur with pregnancy usually resolve themselves by the end of 6 weeks or so, the postpartum period can include the changes in all aspects of the mother's life that occur in the first year following delivery. Some probably would say this goes on for 18 years or longer.

Knowing what to expect once the baby is born can help you to manage the changes, lessen concerns, and develop realistic expectations. Emotional support and a partner's help with the baby and housework are related to maternal well-being.

For too long, standard medical care has neglected this phase of care for their new mothers, abandoning the new mother within the first few days after birth with her new baby to flounder on their own without any assistance or guidance. As midwives, we are concerned with maternal well-being during this crucial time period. We often will refer to the first three months of the postpartum period as the "fourth trimester" with the understanding that the experience of pregnancy and birth are major transformative times in the woman's life, physically, emotionally, psychologically, mentally and spiritually.

The preparation for the fourth trimester begins prenatally. Pregnant women will want to connect with other pregnant women or with women who have recently given birth. Exercise classes or support groups can serve as outlets for this connection and socialization. Once the baby has been born and the mother's helpers have resumed their own lives, the new mothers may find themselves alone and overwhelmed by the responsibilities, pressures and intensities of motherhood without anything to break the monotony. The mundane tasks, concerns and questions when shared with other women in the same phase will serve a purpose and assist these women in adapting to their new lives as mothers and caregivers.

It is in this fourth trimester that parenting skills are initiated and fine tuned. Prenatally, midwives assist the parents in obtaining these skills by suggesting books about breastfeeding, mothering and parenting, etc. Many midwives also introduce a parenting-baby care class into their prenatal educational classes. They encourage the parents to learn and experience basic skills, such as holding a baby, bathing a baby, diapering, and more during these training periods. Resource lists are given to the new parents for support and educational groups, including local chapters of the Le Leche League. These tools allow the new mother an opportunity to become comfortable with her new stage in life and her new social role, self-reliant, confident in her skills as mother and caregiver.



POSTPARTUM CARE INFORMATION

Postpartum Care: Index

Postpartum Care: Weight

Postpartum Care: Diet

Postpartum Care: Bowel Movements & Urination

Postpartum Care: Bathing

Postpartum Care: Breasts & Breastfeeding

Postpartum Care: Perineal Care

Postpartum Care: Vaginal Bleeding (Lochia) & Menstruation

Postpartum Care: Exercise & Back Care

Postpartum Care: Sexual Intercourse

Postpartum Care: Contraception

POSTPARTUM VISITS

PostPartum Visit: Day One

PostPartum Visit: Day Three

PostPartum Visit: Day Seven

PostPartum Visit: 4 to 6 Week Visit

POSTPARTUM CONCERNS

Baby Care & Concerns

Fatigue & Exhaustion

Postpartum Depression (The "Baby Blues")

NOTIFY YOUR MIDWIFE OR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER IF...

You or your family member has questions about postpartum care.

You or a family member develops any unexpected and/or unusual symptoms or problems.

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PREGNANCY RELATED LINKS

MoonDragon's Pregnancy Information & Survival Tips

MoonDragon's Pregnancy Information Index

MoonDragon's Pediatric Information Index

MoonDragon's Parenting Information Index

MoonDragon's Nutrition Information Index

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