What does postpartum mean?
The postpartum period begins after the birth of the baby and ends six to eight weeks later. It is a very valuable time to build a good mother-child relationship and to give the infant trust and security. Even though they are now physically separated, mother and child still form a unit. And that is important for the newborn. After all, the human being is born as a nestling and needs the mother’s protection.
In the postpartum period, the mother and child can build an intensive relationship that works even without language. Thanks to her intuition and increased sensitivity, the mother usually succeeds in recognizing her child’s needs. Close physical contact, for example during breastfeeding, promotes trust and gives the child a sense of security.
Care for the woman in childbed
The body needs rest
During the postpartum period, the mother’s physical changes resulting from pregnancy and birth recede. Among other things, the uterus, pelvic floor, abdominal wall, urinary bladder and intestines regenerate:
- Uterus: The regression from about 1000 grams to 500 grams occurs within a week. After approximately six weeks, the uterus finally weighs 60 to 100 grams.
- Cervix: About one to two weeks after birth, the inner cervix is closed again.
- Vagina: After just under six weeks, water retention and blood vessels in the vagina decrease. The labia recede somewhat.
- The increased blood volume returns to normal due to blood loss at birth (about 500 milliliters) and continuously thereafter over the following four weeks or so.
- Dilated urinary tract regresses in the puerperium. Edema in the area of the ureters may make it difficult to urinate. In this case, talk to your doctor.
- Abdominal wall, pelvic floor: Muscles that slackened during pregnancy should be strengthened in the puerperium through gymnastics.
- Hormonal system: After birth, the hormonal balance changes. Milk production starts and the woman becomes fertile again. Hormone-related hot flashes are possible.
- “Postpartum blues”: In the postpartum period, anxiety, depressive moods, despair and feelings of failure often occur, but usually subside again after a few days.
Occasionally, however, the woman in labor develops a serious depression (postpartum depression) with listlessness, brooding and even suicidal thoughts, sleep disturbances or obsessive thoughts. In this case, don’t be afraid to talk to your doctor about your problems. He or she will be able to help you.
Postpartum flow – for how long?
During the postpartum period, postpartum contractions start. They decrease the blood supply to the uterine muscles and help stop bleeding from the uterine wound. They also produce wound secretions called lochia (postpartum flow). After about six weeks, the wound is healed and no more lochia is discharged. Postpartum flow after cesarean section is less in quantity, but lasts a little longer.
During the postpartum period, the flow changes:
- 2nd week: brownish lochia (Lochia fusca)
- 3rd week: yellowish lochia (Lochia flava)
- 4th week: white lochia (Lochia alba)
Occasionally, blood clots or egg membrane remnants can lead to lochial congestion. Then the postpartum flow does not drain, forehead headache and sudden onset of high fever may occur. If this happens, consult a doctor – he or she will help you quickly.
Hygiene and gymnastics
You can shorten the time during which your body recovers and regresses. Physiotherapy exercises already in the maternity hospital strengthen the entire musculature, correct posture and promote the regeneration of the uterus, bowel activity and muscles of the urinary bladder. In addition, dangerous thromboses are prevented by postpartum gymnastics.
Hygiene is very important in a woman in childbed. Even though postpartum flow is not highly infectious, it still contains bacteria and germs. Therefore, clean your hands especially thoroughly if they have been in contact with lochia, especially before breastfeeding.
Rest for the mother in the postpartum period
The new mother needs a lot of rest during the postpartum period. Therefore, as a new mother, try to win over your life partner, family, friends and acquaintances. They can help you with shopping, cooking, washing and organizational tasks. But rest and time out for you and your child are also precious. Too much visiting and hustle and bustle takes energy out of you and your child. Keep a good balance between visits and family support.
Postpartum: time for the young family
The postpartum period is an important time for both mother and child. A vacation or time off during this phase can also bring a lot of positive benefits to your life partner. It helps him to cope well with the exciting days surrounding the birth and the birth itself. Close contact with the baby also creates trust and security between father and child. The postpartum period offers the best opportunity to build a loving family relationship. Take advantage of this time when everyday life allows.
