What is postpartum care?

Postpartum care is simply the twelve weeks care that is given to mothers after delivery. It is one of the fundamental care that women / mothers undergo from the time of pregnancy to the time of delivery and what makes postpartum special is that it comes after the baby is already born. It is recommended that every mother should receive postpartum care after birth since it helps her cope up with the changes and challenges brought about by pregnancy. It is essential for mothers to regain their body shape. It also helps mothers create bond with their new born babies. It is also known as the fourth trimester.

Why postpartum care?

Most mothers get overwhelmed by the love of their new born babies and forget about postpartum care. This is one of the greatest mistakes one can ever make, little wonder we see many deaths after birth on both the side of mothers and the newborns. Avoid being a victim by knowing why you should undergo postpartum care every time you give birth.

The major reason for undergoing postpartum care is for mothers to cope up with emotional and physical changes that come as a result of giving birth. Women need to know that changes do not stop at pregnancy period but rather occur after the baby is born. The changes include;

1. Vaginal soreness; these usually occur as a result of vaginal tear during birth i.e. the incision made by the doctor while you are giving birth. The tears may take time heal and once they are not given the recommended care, they may result into bigger wounds and come along with other problems such as infections and diseases.
2. Vaginal discharge; this is the superficial mucus membrane that lines up the uterus during pregnancy. It usually comes out as vaginal discharge after delivery. Its color changes from red to watery to pinkish brown and then yellow white as days go by. It is heavier in the first days after delivery.
3. Contractions; it is common for mothers to feel occasional contractions usually known as after pains during the first days after delivery. They may feel like menstrual cramps.
4. Incontinence; this comes as a result of pregnancy, labor and vaginal delivery injuring or stretching one’s pelvic floor muscles whose role is supporting the uterus, bladder and rectum. This can lead to leaking few urine drops as one coughs, sneezes and laughs.
5. Hemorrhoids and bowel movements; this is pain during bowel movements and swelling near the anus as a result of swollen veins in the anus or lower rectum.
6. Tender breasts; for few days after birth, one may experience full, firm or tender breasts. This is also known as engorgement.
7. Hair loss and skin changes; during pregnancy, hair usually grows faster due to increased metabolism and it usually results into extra lush. After delivery, the reverse becomes true and one starts losing their hair. Other skin changes occur such as fading of one’s stretch marks from red to silver and fading of dark patches on the face.
8. Mood changes; giving birth comes along with several emotions and mood swing commonly known as baby blues. These may include feeling anxious, down, crying spells, difficulty in sleep, less appetite, to mention but a few.
9. Weight loss; expect to lose weight after giving birth since you have let go of the baby, placenta and amniotic fluid. Women usually lose about six kilograms after giving birth.

Kayden Foundation equips pregnant women with relevant information which helps them cope with changes before and after birth. The message has helped many teenage pregnant girls to survive death even after they have given birth.