5 Tips for Caring for Postpartum Moms

The arrival of a baby comes loaded with joys, but also responsibilities. Keep reading for some tips to postpartum moms.

Postpartum is a crucial and delicate phase in the life of every woman after childbirth. During this time, postpartum moms need special care to recover physically and emotionally from childbirth. That’s why in this article, we’ll present some recommendations to take care of mom during this stage, guarantee her well-being, and help her adapt to her new routine.

Until recently, the postpartum period referred specifically to the 40 days following the birth of the babies, also known as “quarantine”. However, we now know that it’s a stage that can last for months, where family and professional support is essential. Providing mothers with that support and sincere help is key to their speedy recovery.

Recommendations for postpartum mother care

Pregnancy is a beautiful process that’s full of physical, mental, and hormonal changes, and, after giving birth, the female body needs rest to return to its natural state. Consequently, to promote the well-being of moms and their babies, it’s important to employ the following strategies to take care of their health and keep everything in order.

1. Hire a family nurse practitioner

Having professional care, when available, can make a big difference during the postpartum period. A family nurse practitioner can provide guidance on breastfeeding, parenting techniques, newborn care, emotional changes, and other concerns specific to this stage.

These professionals can also assist with infant care and provide services such as feeding, diapering, bathing, and the monitoring of vital signs.

If you choose this option, you need to certify the educational background of the nurse you’re hiring. For example, professionals trained with an online family nurse practitioner program are trained to have a population-based approach to pediatrics and have a positive physical, psychosocial, cognitive, and developmental impact on children.

2. Provide rest and recovery

During the postpartum period, it’s essential for the mother to get enough rest to facilitate her recovery. This means, among other things, promoting the importance of taking naps during the day and sleeping as much as necessary during the night, adapting to the baby’s rhythm.

According to a study published in Current Opinion in Obstetrics and Gynecology, the main factors that can affect mothers’ recovery include medical complications, distress, infant health, appearance, fatigue, and lack of sleep. As a result, postpartum recovery can take longer than six weeks.

During this time, mothers shouldn’t have to handle all the household chores and baby care by themselves. So, their partners and family members should be a primary support network to help with housework and newborn care, allowing postpartum moms to rest and recuperate.

3. Provide a healthy diet

Nutrition plays a key role in the health of women and their children, both during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. Postpartum moms should eat a balanced diet and consume a variety of nutrient-rich foods, such as fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, fatty fish, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products.

According to research from the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology , good nutrition is one of the best ways nursing mothers can preserve and benefit their health and that of their babies in the short and long term.

4. Encourage emotional support in the home

Postpartum is a time when many mothers may feel overwhelmed by the implications of their new life; feelings that, in addition to generating a general sadness, prevent them from enjoying motherhood. Because of this, it’s crucial that both partners and loved ones provide the emotional support they may need.

A study published in the Journal of Midwifery & Women’s Health reported that postpartum depression usually begins during the first three months after childbirth. Some of the factors that often lead to this disorder are lack of support, stress, prenatal depression, past or current abuse, and relationship problems.

Postpartum depression is a condition that affects 13-19% of women of childbearing age. Therefore, educating the mother and her environment about the possible warning signs (such as mood swings, lack of interest, difficulty sleeping, and feelings of persistent sadness) is necessary to seek professional help immediately.

5. Promote physical care

Some research has suggested that exercising during pregnancy and postpartum can have positive effects on fatigue in women. This overwhelming feeling of generalized fatigue is a common symptom that often affects up to 90% of mothers and can have negative effects on their physical and mental health.

Because of the above, it’s a good idea to encourage low-impact physical activities, such as gentle walking, that help improve blood circulation and strengthen muscles, always under the supervision of a health professional.

Use these strategies during postpartum

Taking care of postpartum moms after giving birth isn’t only about providing the proper care for the healing of the birth wound following medical indications, but also about taking care of the psychological side. This is a benefit not only for her well-being but also for that of the baby and the family in general.

So, during the months following the birth, try to follow the advice mentioned above and accompany her with love and dedication. Remember that every mother is unique and may have specific needs, but with the support of her loved ones, she can recover more quickly.