Advise mothers to sleep when the baby sleeps.
Like babies, mothers also need care and support after birth. The postpartum period begins after the delivery of the baby and is a time of physical and emotional adjustment. It can last six to eight weeks or until the mother's body has returned to its pre-pregnancy state. Women not only learn care for their babies during the postpartum period, they also need to care for themselves in order to regain their strength. Mothers may require outside assistance to help transition through this phase. Sources of help after childbirth include professional caretakers known as doulas, as well as family and friends.
Instructions
1. Make the mother comfortable. She may be experiencing swollen breasts, gas pains, soreness and nausea, especially if she had a Caesarean. Fluff pillows and place healthy snacks, water and the baby's crib close to the bed.
2. Create a restful atmosphere. Assist with responsibilities around the house such as cleaning, cooking, laundry and grocery shopping. Watch the baby and any other children so that the mother can get some sleep. If the mother is not breastfeeding, offer to feed the baby so she can rest.
3. Cook nutritious meals to help women recover physically. Provide fresh fruits and vegetables, fiber, fluids such as water or milk, and cook meals that last more than one day. Advise the mother to eat when she is hungry; she should not skip meals.
4. Help mothers cope with emotional issues. Many women get the "baby blues" or "postpartum blues" after childbirth and experience anxiety, moodiness, crying and depression. Let her cry and talk about her feelings, while reassuring her that what she is experiencing is normal.
5. Encourage her to walk and do postpartum exercises as advised by the doctor. Light exercises can help mothers get back in shape after birth and alleviate stress. Women should not engage in extreme diets or rapid weight loss regimens.
6. Accompany the mother to any doctor's appointments or offer to watch the baby while she is away. Women may have checkups two to six weeks after birth and it can be difficult to handle a newborn during the appointment.
7. Entertain guests. She may be too exhausted to deal with visitors. You can also take phone calls and record messages.
Tags: after birth, after childbirth, also need, also need care, need care