There is no doubt that the bond between a mother and her child is one of the most precious relationships in the world. As a mother, your role goes beyond just providing love and affection; your presence and care significantly impact your newborn’s health and emotional well-being.
However, it would help if you were in good shape to ensure you can provide the care your newborn requires. Here are a few things you should do.
Regularly communicate with your child’s and your doctor
After giving birth, your body goes through both physical and hormonal changes. Regular checkups can help monitor your progress and address health concerns or complications after delivery.
As a new mother, it’s essential to prioritize your health and well-being and your newborn’s. By scheduling regular visits to the pediatrician, you can keep track of your newborn’s health and ensure they are reaching developmental milestones. Regular visits enable early detection and treatment of any health issues that may arise. Early intervention can prevent more severe health problems and improve the chances of a full recovery.
Health professionals are responsible for your child’s well-being and safety. Suppose your child develops Erb’s palsy because of medical malpractice. In that case, you should hold them accountable since it is a mostly preventable condition in newborns due to nerve damage from excessive force during birth. You can take legal action against the medical professionals involved in your child’s delivery and receive the settlement money to utilize for treating your baby. The process of an Erb’s palsy lawsuit can be complex and challenging. Still, it is necessary to secure compensation and justice.
Prioritize your mental well-being
A mother’s mental health and well-being postpartum can significantly impact her newborn. Postpartum mental health issues, such as postpartum depression, anxiety, and stress, can affect your ability to provide consistent care and respond to your baby’s needs. Infants born to mothers who experience postpartum depression are at increased risk for developing emotional and behavioral problems later in life.
In the United States, postpartum depression (PPD) affects approximately 10-20% of mothers, according to data from the CDC. Your body undergoes hormonal fluctuations, so feeling agitated or emotional for the first few days is normal. However, seek help from a healthcare provider as soon as possible if your thoughts take a dark turn. You experience symptoms of PPD, such as thoughts of self-harm, feelings of hopelessness, and inability to bond with your newborn.
Manage postpartum bleeding
During the first few days after birth, the uterus shedding its lining can make you experience bleeding for several days. The bleeding will start as a heavy flow and bright red. Eventually, the bleeding will turn into a light pink or yellowish discharge and decrease in volume. It would be best if you took care of yourself during this time by changing your sanitary pads frequently to avoid infection. You should also avoid using tampons or douches to prevent bacteria from entering the healing uterus.
Heavy bleeding can lead to a significant loss of blood, causing anemia, which causes fatigue, weakness, dizziness, and shortness of breath. To ensure a healthy recovery, get plenty of rest and eat a nutritious diet.
Exercise
Exercise is an essential part of postpartum recovery for new mothers. After giving birth, the body goes through significant changes, and exercise can help to restore physical and mental health. Regular physical activity can provide numerous benefits, including improved cardiovascular health, mood, and energy levels. You can regain your pre-pregnancy body shape by strengthening your muscles, reducing excess weight, and improving flexibility. Exercise can also help prevent postpartum depression and anxiety by reducing stress and boosting self-confidence.
You can begin with low-impact exercises such as walking, gentle yoga, or swimming to prevent stress on your body. However, you can gradually increase intensity and duration as your body allows. Listening to your body and avoiding any activity that causes pain or discomfort is crucial. Pelvic floor exercises are also great for postpartum recovery, as they can help to strengthen the muscles supporting the bladder muscles, uterus, and rectum.
Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is essential to infant nutrition and provides numerous benefits for both the mother and baby. Breast milk contains all the nutrients and antibodies your baby needs to grow and remain healthy. Studies also show that breastfeeding improves maternal health, including a lower risk of breast and ovarian cancer and a faster return to pre-pregnancy weight.
Breastfeeding is a learned skill, and it may take some time and practice to get the hang of it. You may struggle at first, but you can improve the experience by getting comfortable and trying different positions such as the cradle hold, football hold, or lying down position. You can also ensure your baby is latching on properly with their mouth wide open and lips flanged outward to seal around your nipple and areola.
ConclusionÂ
As a new mom, you should prioritize caring for yourself postpartum to ensure a healthy recovery and optimal well-being for yourself and your new baby. You can only care for your child if you are physically and mentally able to. From now on, you’ll realize that you now make decisions for two.
Motherhood is a beautiful journey as well as an overwhelming one. You are not alone in this journey; you can ask for help. Be proud of your new role as a mother, and give yourself time to adjust. What matters most is focusing on the present and supporting your child fully.
