Care that Mothers Must Do During the Postpartum Period

Postpartum Period

The postpartum period is the period after the mother gives birth to the baby. Apart from caring for the baby, mothers also need to care for themselves to restore their bodies after giving birth. In general, mothers just need to get more rest, eat nutritious food, and move enough. If you feel unable to do it yourself, don’t hesitate to ask your husband or family for help in caring for the baby.
The postpartum period is the period during the first six weeks after giving birth. This is an exciting time, but also a period of adjustment and healing for mothers. During these weeks, the mother will bond with the baby and they will also undergo a postnatal check-up with the doctor. Adjusting to daily life after giving birth has its challenges, especially if you are a new mother. Although it is important to take care of the baby, mothers must also take care of themselves.

Care During the Postpartum Period

Many new mothers will not return to work for at least the first six weeks after giving birth. This allows time to adapt and develop new habits together with your child. Because babies must be cared for properly and properly, for example frequently given breast milk and changed diapers, mothers may experience sleepless nights. This can trigger frustration and fatigue in the mother. But the good news is that mothers will get used to this routine, especially if they are helped by their husband or family, it will definitely feel easier.
So, apart from being busy taking care of the baby, mothers also need to do several things as simple care during the postpartum period which aims to facilitate the recovery period:

1. Get enough rest.
   Mothers should rest and sleep as much as possible to overcome fatigue and tiredness. The baby may wake up every two to three hours to feed. To ensure the mother gets enough rest, sleep when the baby sleeps.
2. Ask your husband and family for help.
   Mothers should never hesitate to accept help from their husbands, family and friends during the postpartum period or during the postpartum period. What you need to remember is that your body needs to heal, and practical help around the house can help you get much-needed rest. Husbands, friends or family can prepare meals, run errands, or help care for other children at home. Apart from that, mothers can ask for the services of a household assistant.
3. Consume Healthy Foods with Balanced Nutrition.
   Maintain a healthy diet with balanced nutrition to promote healing. Increase your intake of whole grains, vegetables, fruit, and protein. You should also increase your fluid intake by drinking at least 8 glasses of water per day, especially if you are breastfeeding.
4. Light exercise.
   The activities or sports carried out usually should not be heavy. So, try taking a walk near home. A change of scenery is refreshing and can increase a mother’s energy levels during the postpartum period. Usually, the doctor will tell the mother when she can exercise during the postpartum period.
5. Vaginal Care.
   After giving birth, the vagina will experience injuries and need time to recover. Therefore, mothers need to provide special care for the vagina after giving birth. Some vaginal treatments that mothers can do are:
   1. Keeps the vagina clean and dry.
   2. Using sanitary napkins to treat postpartum blood after delivery.
   3. Washing the vagina from front to back to prevent infection after giving birth.
   4. Dissolve antiseptic lotion in warm water and wash it on the vagina or pour it over the stitches to prevent infection after delivery.

      If you feel unusual pain, such as vaginal swelling and smelly discharge, you need to immediately talk to a doctor or midwife. Because this could be a sign of infection.

6. Wear loose, comfortable clothing.
   Many mothers experience night sweats or hot flashes in the first month after giving birth. This is caused by hormonal changes and the body’s need to remove residual fluid from pregnancy. Hot flashes and night sweats can be very uncomfortable, but they are normal. This condition usually disappears within a few days or weeks. Therefore, try to wear comfortable and loose clothing, especially at night. Mothers can also sleep on an additional towel or cloth that can be removed in the morning, so that the bed sheets don’t get wet with sweat.
7. Regularly check with a doctor or midwife.
   So that the health of the mother and baby is maintained and well monitored, don’t forget to have regular check-ups with a doctor or midwife according to schedule. Mothers can ask for solutions if they experience complaints, such as constipation or hemorrhoids, breast pain, or breast milk not coming out. That way, the doctor will provide safe and appropriate tips and treatment. Apart from that, the doctor will also evaluate whether the surgical wound or wound on the mother’s vagina is improving. The doctor may also advise the mother to use contraception and inform her about the right time to have sex after giving birth.

   Postnatal care is actually not difficult, as long as the mother does it according to the advice and recommendations of the doctor or midwife.