Congratulations, new parents!
We all know that welcoming a new baby into the world is one of life's most beautiful experiences. However, it's not a lie that it can also be overwhelming, especially for new mamas who may feel unsure about how to care for themselves and their newborn.
To help you out, we will cover everything you need to know about postnatal care, including its meaning, importance, differences with postpartum care, and why prenatal and postnatal care are essential.
What is Postnatal Care?
In its core, postnatal care refers to the medical and emotional care given to a mama and her newborn baby after delivery. It involves a range of services, including medical check-ups, emotional and social support, education on baby care, breastfeeding, and nutrition. This period lasts for approximately six weeks after delivery, during which time both mama and baby will need extra care and attention.
Postnatal Care Meaning and Importance
After delivery, the mama's body undergoes significant changes as it adjusts to the postpartum period. Postnatal care can help to prevent and detect health problems early, reducing the risk of complications and long-term health issues. It also provides support and guidance to new mamas on how to care for their newborns, bond with them, and cope with the challenges of mamahood, not just physical, but also emotional changes. Postnatal care can also help to promote healthy breastfeeding practices, which can have significant health benefits for both mama and baby.
Postnatal vs. Postpartum
Postnatal and postpartum are often used interchangeably, but they are not the same. Postpartum refers to the period immediately following delivery, while postnatal refers to the first six weeks after delivery. Postpartum care focuses on the physical recovery of the mama, while postnatal care can also include care for the newborn. Do take note that postpartum and postnatal care are both essential and should not be overlooked.
Why Prenatal and Postnatal Care are Needed
Prenatal and postnatal care are both necessary to ensure the health and well-being of mama and baby. Prenatal care involves regular check-ups with a healthcare provider during pregnancy to monitor the health of the mama and the development of the baby. It can help to detect and manage any health problems that may arise during pregnancy, reducing the risk of complications during delivery. Postnatal care provides support and guidance to new mamas on how to care for their babies, monitor their health, and cope with the challenges of mamahood.
Practical Tips for Postnatal Care
Here are some are practical steps you can take to make the transition from pregnancy to postnatal care much easier:
1. Rest as much as possible: Sleep when your baby sleeps, and don't be afraid to ask for help from family and friends.
2. Eat a healthy, balanced diet: This will help to promote healing and provide the nutrients your body needs to recover.
3. Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water and fluids will help to prevent dehydration and promote milk production if you are breastfeeding.
4. Take care of your mental health: The postnatal period can be emotionally challenging, so it's essential to prioritize your mental health. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are experiencing symptoms of postpartum depression or anxiety.
5. Practice good hygiene: Wash your hands regularly, especially before handling your baby, and keep your environment clean and sanitary.
6. Attend all postnatal check-ups: These appointments are important for monitoring your health and your baby's health and can help to detect and manage any health problems early.
7. Bond with your baby: Spend time holding and cuddling your baby, and practice skin-to-skin contact if possible. This can help to promote bonding and support breastfeeding.
8. Seek support: Don't be afraid to ask for help from family, friends, or a support group. Having a strong support system can make all the difference during the postnatal period.
Postnatal Care Shopping Checklist
Here is a comprehensive postnatal care shopping checklist specially curated for you.
For the mama:
- Sanitary pads or maternity pads
- Nursing pads
- Nipple cream
- Supportive bra or nursing bra
- Healthy snacks and drinks
- Stool softener or laxative (if recommended by your healthcare provider)
- Pain relief medication (if recommended by your healthcare provider)
- Postpartum recovery belt or abdominal binder (if recommended by your healthcare provider)
For the baby:
- Diapers (cloth or disposable)
- Baby wipes
- Diaper rash cream
- Baby bottles and nipples (if bottle-feeding)
- Formula (if bottle-feeding)
- Breast pump (if breastfeeding)
- Baby clothes (onesies, sleepers, etc.)
- Swaddling blankets and Burp cloths
- Nursing pillow
- Baby bathtub
- Baby wash and shampoo
References:
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2018). Optimizing Postpartum Care. https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/committee-opinion/articles/2018/05/optimizing-postpartum-care
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Postpartum Care. https://www.cdc.gov/reproductivehealth/maternalinfanthealth/postpartum-care.htm
World Health Organization. (2015). WHO Recommendations on Postnatal Care of the Mother and Newborn. https://www.who.int/maternal_child_adolescent/documents/postnatal-care-recommendations/en/
American Academy of Pediatrics. (2015). Guidelines for Perinatal Care, 7th Edition. https://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/136/2/e481
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. (2019). Postnatal care up to 8 weeks after birth. https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg37
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