POST-NATAL CARE AND YOUR HEALTH
POST NATAL HEALTH,
therefore is the health care provided for a woman and her baby immediately
after the birth of her baby and the "birth” of the placenta to the first six weeks.
This is important because this period is crucial to both the mother: as she heals from the birth process
and her baby as it begins to adapt to a new environment outside the womb where it has been ever since,
taking cognizance of the possibility of death to both the mother and her baby.
It is on this premise that the knowledge of postnatal care becomes imperative.
TO THE MOTHER
STAY POSITIVE: The extent to which the mother and baby respond in this critical phase is a product of
their mental and psychological well-being! While it's true that every normal woman gets excited after
birth, it is a few who can stay that way, long after the birth process. So after delivery, the woman needs
to stay in control of her body and mind and her little” bundle of joy”!
She has to focus on the ways to produce a desirable outcome, she has to be calm and
comfortable.
If need arises, she will have to connect with family and friends who will provide her some
emotional support
Be proactive – find a solution to every envisaged problem. That way she will stay in total control
of the situation which in turn will boost her confidence.
POST-NATAL CHECKS:
Here, the woman needs to get back to her health center where vital checks will
be carried out on regular basis.
These may include temperature checks, blood pressure checks, kidney functionality checks, weight
checks and of course, for those who delivered through Cesarean Section, an inspection of the stitches
has to be carried out. With the help of the medical / healthcare workers, the woman will be counseled
on the best method of birth control before the next conception among other things.
YOUR DIET- WATCH IT!
The mistake most mothers make is to become anxious about their weight immediately after birth. Don't
get it twisted! The importance of maintaining a healthy weight after birth can never be over-
emphasized, but it is not to be worried about from the first few weeks after birth. At this point you need
to feed well, make sure your meals are well-balanced. Consciously select foods rich in fiber, eat a lot of
fruits and veggies. You are eating for two so eat at the right time and in the right quantity. You are
producing milk, so you need to drink a lot of water to keep yourself properly hydrated.
KEEP FIT AND IN THE RIGHT SHAPE
Yes! Although the work of caring for your baby will keep you on your feet most of your time, this routine
may only help to tone up your muscles, keep you physically fit, and strong but may not help to relax
your mind the way a ten-minute walk or light jog or sit up will. So whenever it is appropriate, find the
best exercise that suits your routine, take a walk with or without your baby. Find a way to relax your
mind!
RELATIONSHIPS
The arrival of a baby can change a lot of things including the relationship between the spouses, relatives
and friends! It is therefore imperative to strike a balance and ensure the entrance of the newborn does
not severe any cord that united everyone to everyone.
Although relationship with the baby will naturally grow as both parents and the child bond, parents can
still deliberately take time to know and to understand their baby’s uniqueness, personality and
determine where the child may need some special care.
TO THE BABY
The newborn baby needs as much care and attention as the mother and the health and well-being of
the baby depend entirely on how well that care is tailored. The following suggestions might help!
FEEDING YOUR INFANT:
Whether you choose to breastfeed or bottle-feed your baby, the baby has to be
fed anytime they need it. At each time allow them have ad libitum enjoyment of their milk. Also, note
here that for breastfeeding mothers, Colostrum the milk in the first four days is very important as it
contains high amounts of elements that will help boost your baby’s immune system. While there is no
rule of thumb as to what posture is best to adopt, use any position that allows convenience and where
your baby can feed comfortably too. Some mothers choose to feed their babies exclusively with breast
milk especially in recent times- while others adopt the non-exclusive option: that's ok but whatever
feeding methods you want for your baby, consult your postnatal health worker. However, since your
baby depends entirely on milk in this period, ensure they get the quality, quantity and the right
temperature and hygiene that suits their nutritional health requirements.
HYGIENE: The general cleanliness of your baby in the first six weeks and beyond is quite essential and
determine or contribute to how effective any other care given will be. Be cautious when cleaning the
the navel. You can seek help from parents, relatives or your midwife if you are a first time mother. But
intentionally, be mindful to clean the navel area every day until the remainder of the umbilical cord
drops off, and even more thereafter.
Regular bathing, with , the right soaps and ointments will do your baby a lot of good in keeping them
fresh and clean. Lukewarm water should be used except the weather in your area suggests otherwise!
While clothing should be in a way and manner that provides warmth and convenience. Baby’s clothes
should be clean and fresh always.
GETTING ENOUGH SLEEP AND REST:
Babies will naturally sleep for most of the time in this phase of
their lives, although there are a few that may not do so due to individual differences. Make sure your
baby gets enough sleep anyway possible. Their possibility of getting sleep depends on how comfortable
they are, how prone to disturbances and other factors such as feeding, hygiene and whether they are
well or not. But all things being equal, allow babies have as much sleep as they possibly can. While
asleep, ensure their bedding is comfortable, the lighting is right and the room temperature and
ventilation adequate for your baby.
GENERAL CARE AND ATTENTION
Having said the above ensure your baby gets the best attention.
Take time to observe whether your baby can hold or grab things as it grows.
Observe their sighting, response to gravity by lifting them up
Check their underarms around the anus, their genitals, the mouth and nostrils to see if there is
any irritation that might need an urgent medical attention.
Inspire your baby to begin to recognize faces, colours and their general environment
The list is endless, but these and many more will go along way to ensure your baby grows older in the
most healthy way.
In case you encounter any health concern, consult your health worker!
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