Post Natal Care

All women and newborns need postnatal checkups in the first 6 weeks. Most maternal and infant deaths occur in the first six weeks after delivery, yet this remains the most neglected phase in the provision of quality maternal and newborn care.

Basic care for all newborns should include promoting and supporting early and exclusive breastfeeding if possible, keeping the baby warm, increasing hand washing and providing hygienic umbilical cord and skin care.

Identifying conditions requiring additional care, and counselling on when to take a newborn to a health facility is critical. Families should be counselled on identification of danger signs, understanding the care that both the woman and newborn need, and where to reach services when needed.

The postpartum period lasts six to eight weeks, beginning right after the baby is born. During this period, the mother goes through many physical and emotional changes while learning to care for her newborn. Postpartum care involves getting proper rest, nutrition, and vaginal care.

Getting Enough Rest

Rest is crucial for new mothers who need to rebuild their strength. To avoid getting too tired as a new mother, you may need to:

1. sleep when your baby sleeps
2. keep your bed near your baby’s crib to make night feedings easier
3. allow someone else to feed the baby with a bottle while you sleep

Eat healthy food

Getting proper nutrition in the postpartum period is crucial because of the changes your body goes through during pregnancy and labor.

The weight that you gained during pregnancy helps make sure you have enough nutrition for breast-feeding. However, you need to continue to eat a healthy diet after delivery.

Experts recommend that breast-feeding mothers eat when they feel hungry. Make a special effort to focus on eating when you are actually hungry — not just busy or tired.

1. avoid high-fat snacks
2. focus on eating low-fat foods that balance protein, carbohydrates, and fruits and vegetables
3. drink plenty of fluids

Vaginal Care

New mothers should make vaginal care an essential part of their postpartum care. You may experience:

1. vaginal soreness of you had a tear during delivery
2. urination problems like pain or a frequent urge to urinate
3. discharge, including small blood clots
4. contractions during the first few days after delivery