Like right after the birth of a child. Early postpartum period. Why does a baby turn yellow after birth?

Even before the baby is born expectant mother must prepare for the fact that immediately after giving birth her life will change dramatically. There will be a lot more worries and troubles associated with caring for a newborn. But besides this, it will take time to restore your health.

It is no secret that the first days after childbirth a woman is accompanied by a deterioration in her emotional and psychological state. In case of difficult childbirth, complications, postpartum period may be accompanied deep depression. Therefore, by the time of birth you need to prepare carefully and responsibly, so to speak, to be fully armed.

Physical condition of the mother

Regardless of whether a woman gave birth on her own or by caesarean section, the recovery period is approximately the same. What happens after childbirth, which sensations are normal, and which require the help of a specialist? Be prepared for the following:

Lochia - bloody uterine discharge. The first few days they are abundant and bright red. Starting from 4 days after birth, the lochia turn pale, and after 10 days they become white or yellowish color. The discharge stops after 5–6 weeks.
Abdominal cramps. They arise due to uterine contractions, when the uterus gradually acquires its original size. Goes away within 1–2 weeks
Weakness and fatigue. Needless to say, childbirth is a huge stress. It takes time to restore energy.
Pain in the perineum. They are especially strong on the first day after childbirth, intensifying with tension and walking. Lasts about a week.
Difficulty going to the toilet. They can be observed on the first or second day after birth. If the problem does not go away on the third day, you should consult a doctor, as there is a high risk of infectious inflammation.
Muscle pain. It is a consequence of strong attempts.
Sweating. Associated with a violation hormonal levels, lasts 2–3 days.

Breasts after childbirth should be given Special attention to protect yourself from mastitis. With cracks, abscesses and bleeding, it becomes impossible to feed the baby.

Mental and emotional state

A lot of new responsibilities and responsibility for a newborn affect the usual routine of life, change the way of thinking, and the nature of the actions of the new mother. The first days after childbirth, hormonal levels change dramatically. The synthesis of oxytocin and prolactin increases. They are necessary for milk production and uterine repair. All this can unsettle any woman. Be prepared for:

Sudden mood swings - from feelings of euphoria to depression and even despair.
Self-doubt.
Irritation caused by one's own weakness.
Complete lack of interest in my husband.

In addition, consequences such as postpartum depression and increased tearfulness are possible.

Postpartum depression

Most women feel a sharp decline in mood 2–3 days after childbirth. This condition is called postpartum depression. Dejection and melancholy continue differently for everyone - from several hours to several days.

During this time, the support of family and friends is important for a woman. Experts associate postpartum depression with fatigue, fears of not succeeding as a mother, lack of sleep, and problems with lactation. Hormonal imbalance plays an important role.

Increased tearfulness

Many women cry a lot after giving birth. Again, this is not due to the best physical fitness women, fear of the new role of mother, hormonal fluctuations.

The best solution to the problem is to consult with a knowledgeable person. This could be a midwife or women you know who already have children. They will give useful advice, will share their personal experiences.

The awareness that this is a turning point and inevitably transitory will help you get rid of tearfulness and depression. After some time, it will disappear without a trace, and all you can do is enjoy motherhood.

Possible complications

The first two hours after birth may develop bleeding. Also, a hematoma may appear on the perineum if some rupture is not completely repaired. Therefore, during this period, the woman in labor is not recommended to get up; she is in the maternity ward. This will allow you to notice complications in time and take action. necessary measures to eliminate them. Only two hours later the woman in labor and her newborn are transferred to the ward.

Postpartum recovery lasts about 6 weeks. At this time, a woman should be very careful about her health. What complications can develop in the first days after childbirth?

Lochiometra

Retention of lochia in the uterine cavity. The first few days the discharge is quite heavy - up to 300 ml. If their volume decreases sharply or stops altogether, you should immediately inform your doctor. The following symptoms give reason to suspect a lochiometer:

Pain in the frontal lobe of the head.
Feverish condition.
Unpleasant, Strong smell discharge.

The complication develops due to blockage of the cervical canal blood clot or the remainder amniotic sac, insufficient contractility of the uterus.

Attention: if you notice that your discharge has stopped, and then suddenly began profuse bleeding, the reason may be a piece of the placenta remaining inside. This should be reported to your doctor immediately. Treatment involves curettage of the uterus.

Feverish state

During the postpartum period, a woman’s body temperature often rises. This phenomenon may be caused entirely harmless reason– dehydration of the body.

The first time after childbirth, women are so immersed in chores that they completely forget about observing drinking regime. But during lactation, the need for fluid increases. Treatment in this case is very simple - drink at least 3 liters of fluid per day. This will not only help reduce the temperature, but will provide required amount milk.

Other causes of a febrile state are not so harmless and require medical intervention. First of all this inflammatory processes in organism: urinary tract, renal pelvis(pyelonephritis), lungs, uterus (endometritis), as well as lactostasis, mastitis, lochiometra.

Intestinal atony

Caused by a sudden shrinkage of the uterus after childbirth. Physical inactivity, dehydration, and insufficient food in the first days after birth play an important role.

If normalization of drinking and eating regimen, increase physical activity do not solve the problem, it is recommended to consult a doctor.

Setting up breastfeeding

Many people are interested in what to do first after childbirth? The main task of a woman is to establish breastfeeding. Here are some recommendations that will help improve the process and provide your baby with adequate nutrition:

Express milk only as needed. For example, if you need to leave the child for a while, or if there is stagnation of milk (lactostasis), which the little baby cannot yet dissolve.
Learn to put your baby to your breast. If he grasps the nipple incorrectly, this can lead to starvation for him, and for a woman – stagnation of milk and cracks.
Alternate between breasts when feeding. If there is a sufficient amount of milk, it is optimal to give one breast at one feeding, and the other at the next feeding.

It is important for a woman to learn how to care for her breasts and pay attention to choosing the right underwear. The bra should not be too tight, but it must provide good support for the breasts. A properly selected bra will help mommy maintain her breast shape after graduation. breastfeeding.

Proper nutrition

After the birth of a child, a woman should not pounce on tasty, nourishing home-cooked food. Firstly, the stomach is not yet ready for such a load, which can lead to bowel problems. Secondly, the newborn is completely dependent on the quantity and quality of breast milk. A poor nutrition can lead to a whole range of problems with his health, among which the most common are:

Allergic reactions.
Diathesis.
Intestinal colic.

During the feeding period, a young mother is prohibited from eating spicy, smoked, salted, fatty foods. But these rules will be useful for a woman if she wants to provide her baby with adequate nutrition:

Rule #1. Vitamins and minerals. It is necessary fresh fruits and vegetables, porridge (rice, buckwheat, oatmeal). But it is better to avoid potential allergens (citrus fruits, strawberries). New foods should be introduced into the diet gradually, carefully monitoring the baby’s reaction to them. It is not recommended to eat legumes and fresh cabbage - they can cause bloating in the baby.
Rule #2. Increase in calories. Many mothers immediately after giving birth strive to lose weight and go on strict diets. But at this time you need to think not about yourself, but about the child. To this end daily norm calories are increased by 500 compared to the previous diet. This will ensure good lactation and at the same time it will not negatively affect the figure.
Rule #3. Sufficient amount of calcium. This important element was intensively consumed during pregnancy and continues to be excreted from the mother’s body along with milk. Therefore, the diet should be enriched with calcium. Products containing it should be consumed 5 times a day: hard cheese, milk, yogurt, etc.
Rule #4. Limiting protein foods. You can consume no more than 300–400 g per day. It can be eggs, boiled chicken, river or sea fish, rabbit, turkey. But mushrooms should be completely abandoned during lactation.
Rule #5. Compliance with drinking regime. In addition to the liquid contained in foods, you should drink at least 8 glasses a day of juice, broth, milk, and plain water. If a woman is worried about increased sweating, she needs to drink even more fluids, but not more than 12 glasses a day. Excessive drinking will put a strain on the kidneys and cause edema. Strong tea and you should not abuse coffee - no more than 1 cup per day.

The postpartum diet should include raisins, dried fruits, bran bread and foods with high content vitamin B. It is important for healthy intellectual development newborn

Newborn care

Another important question, which interests women immediately after childbirth - how to care for the baby. After all, from the moment of birth he needs care, and it does not only consist of breastfeeding.

The first day the newborn sleeps a lot, waking up only when hungry. If your child is restless and screams all the time, you should consult a doctor. The baby may have some pain, or he is simply not yet accustomed to life outside the mother's womb. What else does a young mother need to know?

Feeding. Experts advise not to feed your baby by the hour, as was previously the case, but to put him to the breast on demand. This will allow you to quickly establish lactation, provide a sufficient amount of milk, and serve as an excellent prevention of stagnation. Be prepared for the fact that the baby will spend a lot of time at your breast at first. Be patient, put everything aside and try to establish feeding.
Bathing. Another procedure that awaits young parents after discharge from the hospital. You need to bathe your baby every day, and up to 6 months it is better to do this at special bath. The optimal water temperature for swimming is 37 degrees, air temperature is 20–22.
Fresh air. The newborn needs him, he is the key good health And normal development little man. By the way, it is not necessary to take your baby outside for the first time after returning home. It is quite enough to constantly ventilate the room. After each diaper change, leave your baby naked for a while. After all, his skin also breathes.
Purity. Keep the baby clean, as well as everything in his immediate environment: toys, dishes, bedding, clothes. The first months of life, children are very susceptible to the action of many pathogenic bacteria. Daily wet cleaning premises – care for the baby’s health. No less important is the hygiene of the mother, who is in constant contact with the child.
Cloth. At first, the baby is often kept in diapers, and this is not without logic. A newborn cannot yet control his body, so he can easily injure himself. You should not swaddle your baby tightly. During those periods when he is awake, you can dress him in vests and rompers. A cap is necessary in cool weather, as well as after swimming.

Undoubtedly, the first days after discharge from the maternity hospital will be a serious test for a young mother. But do not forget that this is also the happiest time when you meet a new family member, and he meets you.

The first days after childbirth are an exciting period of time, associated with a lot of difficulties. The young mother is just beginning to get used to her new role. Let's look at this period, tell you about what is happening to the body, how you need to behave in the maternity hospital.

What happens after childbirth in the maternity hospital?

The first days after childbirth, like the entire early postpartum period, are often accompanied by complications. For the first 2 hours from the moment the baby is born, the woman is in the delivery room, waiting for the placenta to pass. If this happens, the young mother is transferred to the postpartum ward. At this time, she must be visited by a doctor who is interested in her well-being, conducts an examination, and evaluates her condition.

The first day after childbirth, the postpartum woman is allowed to rest. Often the newborn is separated from the mother. They bring the baby only to feed it. In the evening, the child is left in a separate crib in the room with his mother. The woman is given detailed recommendations, they teach how to properly toilet the baby’s genitals, and talk about the frequency of feedings.

What to do in the maternity hospital after childbirth?

The early postpartum period ends after 6-8 weeks from the moment the baby is born. The first days are characterized by increased contraction of the uterine myometrium, which leads to the appearance of lochia - bleeding from the vagina, containing the remains of placenta and endometrial cells. This is how the uterus tries to cleanse itself and restore its previous size.

These days, mother must constantly monitor her well-being. Talking about how to behave after childbirth in the maternity hospital, doctors note that following all their recommendations and instructions is the key to a quick and successful birth. recovery period. At the same time, it is worth spending time on yourself, while simultaneously establishing contact with the newborn, communicating and caring for him.

Nutrition of a woman in labor in the first days after childbirth

Meals after childbirth in the first days should be fractional. In this case, the diet must contain useful microelements and vitamins that help restore strength after childbirth. It is worth remembering that with the birth of a baby, a woman must completely reconsider her diet, especially when breastfeeding. For such mothers there is big list products that are prohibited from being eaten from now on. Here are some of them:

raw vegetables and fruits;
legumes;
red berries;
citrus;
black bread;
coffee;
products containing preservatives and chemical additives.

What can a woman in labor do in the maternity hospital after giving birth?

Food after childbirth for the mother in the maternity hospital is selected taking into account weakness female body. The menu is designed to restore your strength as much as possible. But it is practically nothing like what mom is used to eating at home. After the baby is born, relatives and friends use every opportunity to see the newborn as quickly as possible in the first days after the birth. But visits to maternity ward prohibited. Because of this, they are forced to pass on packages - mothers often ask to bring “homemade”. There is an approved list of products for the maternity hospital after childbirth, which includes:

cottage cheese;
dairy products;
baked fruits (apples);
low-fat yogurt without additives;
sweet dried fruit compote;
light vegetable soup;
porridge: rice, oatmeal, millet.

Talking about what you can eat in the maternity hospital after childbirth, doctors remind:

meals should be every 4 hours;
portions are small;
need to be monitored water balance(at least 1.5-2 liters of liquid per day).

The first days after childbirth - baby care

After birth, a nurse begins caring for a newborn in the maternity hospital. It often happens that there are tears in the mother’s perineum, in which movements are limited. If the birth went well, then in the first days after birth, the nurse begins to show and teach how to care for the baby, starting with how to properly hold the baby in your arms. Necessary procedure is the toilet, which is carried out daily. It includes:

washing;
treatment of the nose and eyes;
skin treatment;
washing;
treatment of the umbilical residue.

Feelings after childbirth in the first days

The first day after childbirth in the maternity hospital is accompanied by a feeling of harmony, joy, when realizing this important event. This fact is associated with an increase in the concentration of endorphins in the blood. They determine the mother’s high spirits and joy. But often this phenomenon can be overshadowed by the consequences of the birth process that a woman in labor may face. Among them:

Difficulty in urinating. A woman should empty her bladder 8 hours after giving birth. If this does not happen, the organ will interfere with normal contractions of the uterus, restoration process. When the act of urination is accompanied by pain, burning, or discomfort, you must inform your doctor.
Spastic phenomena. They are caused by intense contractions of the uterine myometrium. Within a few tens of days after the birth of the child, the organ decreases in size by about 20 times. It is worth considering that painful sensations may intensify during breastfeeding. This fact is due to the production of oxytocin, which stimulates uterine contractions.
Pain in the perineal area. Associated with injury and overextension muscle fibers birth canal. After a few days they disappear on their own (3-4 days).
Problems with stool. Considered as a consequence of a muscle strain abdominals And pelvic floor, which interferes with the normal act of defecation.

How is an ultrasound performed after childbirth in the maternity hospital?

An ultrasound after childbirth in the maternity hospital is prescribed to examine the uterine cavity. This study helps to make an assessment reproductive system, identify complications of the birth process early stage. A study is required if a uterine rupture is suspected. If there are none, the procedure is prescribed 3-4 days after the baby is born.

When carrying out manipulation, a transabdominal method is used - a study is carried out by placing the sensor on the anterior abdominal wall. Carefully examine the uterine cavity. Normally, it is slit-like and moderately expanded. A separate assessment is carried out abdominal cavity to check for the absence of blood. If present, surgical intervention may be prescribed.

When is discharge from the hospital after childbirth?

One of frequently asked questions expectant mothers are directly concerned with how long they stay in the maternity hospital after childbirth. Doctors cannot give a definite answer to this. Each case is unique - restoration of the reproductive system occurs with at different speeds. Factors influencing the discharge are:

method of delivery (natural,);
condition of mother and child;
no complications.

When birth process there were no complications, the baby and in the first days after birth, mother and baby feel great, discharge from the medical institution can be carried out on the 3-4th day. When was the operation performed? C-section, the woman is allowed to go home no earlier than 7-10 days. Throughout this period, mother is under the supervision of doctors due to high risk development of postpartum complications (uterine bleeding).

The first days after childbirth at home

The first day after giving birth at home is accompanied by certain inconveniences. Due to the lack of experience, a first-time woman needs help and advice from loved ones. Doctors recommend thoroughly preparing for the arrival of a new family member. A separate corner should be equipped for the baby, with a crib in the center. The mother must fully comply with the recommendations and instructions of the doctors, which are issued on the eve of discharge.

What does a mother need after giving birth at home?

It is impossible to purchase everything at once. Because of this, many women in the process buy additional necessary things and accessories for child care. At the same time, we must not forget about ourselves. So, after giving birth at home, many continue to treat sutures and continue to take medications prescribed by the doctor. As for the things needed to care for a baby, the list goes on and on. At the same time, there are those that have the first necessity:

wet wipes;
scissors;
cotton pads and sticks;
pipettes;
creams and ointments;
diapers, undershirts.

Caring for stitches after childbirth at home

Before discharge, the treatment nurse tells the woman what to use at home. This procedure is carried out at least 2 times a day. Before performing it, toileting of the external genitalia is necessary. Brilliant green or a weak one is used as an antiseptic. water solution potassium permanganate. In this case, you need to wash yourself with plain water after each visit to the toilet.

Caring for a child after maternity hospital

Caring for the child after discharge from the maternity hospital falls on the mother’s shoulders. It is important not to forget to carry out the toilet, which includes:

Eye care. With a cotton pad soaked boiled water rub both eyes in directions from the outside to the bridge of the nose.
Washing. Carry out as necessary, after each act of defecation. – from front to back, definitely. Dry the perineum with a dry diaper using blotting movements.
Treatment of the remaining umbilical cord. Use alcohol solution, peroxide, brilliant green.
Ear care. The cotton wool is rolled into a flagellum, moistened in a sterile Vaseline oil and cleanse the ear canals.
Nose care. A dry flagellum made of sterile cotton wool.
Nail care. It is necessary to cut the hair short so as not to cause pain. Use tweezers or special, small ones.

Waiting for birth in last weeks pregnancy is characterized increased nervousness, fear of the unknown and of course impatience expectant mother. And now this moment has come, the woman, without having time to come to her senses, is already holding her long-awaited child in her hands. Everything is over, the grueling contractions are over, the pain has subsided, and the doctors’ examinations have ended. The postpartum period has arrived. What should a young mother do next, how to behave in the maternity hospital on the first day after childbirth, and what you need to know about the postpartum period.

The first day

The first day after giving birth, the young mother is under close medical supervision. If the birth was natural and passed without complications, the woman remains in the maternity ward for no more than 2 hours after birth. At this time, the woman is examined, interviewed, and her condition is monitored. In cases where no early postpartum complications are detected, the young mother and baby are transferred to the postpartum ward, where full motherhood begins.

If the birth took place by caesarean section or was complicated by ruptures and sutures, transfer to the postpartum ward may be postponed until the young mother’s condition returns to normal. Nowadays, the child is not taken to the children's ward if his health and the mother's condition allow them to be together.

The baby is put to the breast immediately after birth, and from that moment on he is with his mother.

After being transferred to the ward, the woman is given clear recommendations on how to behave in the first hours after childbirth. You definitely need to visit the restroom to get a full bladder did not interfere with the natural contraction of the uterus. The young mother is also shown how to dress, wash and care for her newborn.

Possible ailments

Childbirth is severe stress for the woman's body. Sharp drop hormone levels physical fatigue And nervous exhaustion may have a negative impact on a woman’s well-being. Some mothers may feel a strong loss of strength, weakness and dizziness, while others feel the opposite increased anxiety And nervous tension. All these phenomena are absolutely normal in the first days after childbirth.

Doctors advise women to rest more and pay attention to the baby.

Health problems may include such phenomena as urinary retention, pain in the lower abdomen, lack of stool and painful sensations in the mammary glands. In the absence of complications, pain in the lower abdomen indicates contraction of the uterus; these are nagging, unpleasant pain sensations that are similar to menstrual cramps. For quick disposal To avoid these sensations, the woman is recommended to lie on her stomach in the first hours after being transferred to the ward. This will help the uterus contract faster and facilitate the rapid removal of postpartum discharge. Also for fast contraction the uterus needs to urinate more often. If you do not urinate within 6 hours after giving birth, be sure to tell your doctor.

Lack of bowel movements can also be a cause for concern for a new mother. In the first days after childbirth, there may be no urge to go to the toilet, especially if the mother has had a prenatal enema. However, if there are no more urges long period, also tell your doctor about this, this may indicate a decrease in intestinal tone, which can be complicated by constipation.

Can they regular gaskets replace postpartum ones and which ones are better to choose

Many women after childbirth commit one serious mistake. They don’t just rest a lot, but constantly lie down and don’t get out of bed. Despite weakness and drowsiness, a woman should still get up.

Movement is necessary for faster contraction of the uterus.

This, of course, does not mean that women in labor should run around the ward and play sports; they need to get up to hygiene procedures, walk along the corridor, go to the toilet more often.

Hygiene

To prevent postpartum complications, you need to carefully monitor perineal hygiene in the first weeks after childbirth.

After each visit to the sanitary room, the perineum should be washed with water.

You can use baby soap. Keep the gaskets clean. Today, many maternity hospitals do not allow the use of regular underwear. There are special disposable panties on sale that cannot be washed. They are sterile and more suitable in the first days of the postpartum period, as they are made of breathable natural mesh fabric.

In addition, you should wash your hands frequently and armpits. The child can only be picked up with clean hands. The robe in which you go to the toilet must be removed before feeding. Mammary glands need to be washed twice a day, during a hygienic shower.

Also pay special attention to your baby's hygiene. You need to wash it every time you change diapers. Girls should be washed from front to back. Boys can be washed in any direction.

Discharge

In the first days after childbirth, a woman may observe abundant bloody issues with clots. This is absolutely normal, because the uterus contracts, and remnants of tissue damaged during childbirth come out. If you feel like your discharge is excessive, consult your doctor. By discharge from the maternity hospital, the discharge should be free of clots and less intense. Lochia disappears completely within 1–2 months. What to do, if copious discharge didn't come or stopped abruptly? See a doctor immediately, this may indicate a blockage or bending of the cervix.

Motherhood

Despite the fact that all babies are born ugly and wrinkled, each child seems the most beautiful to its mother. Every mother, holding her baby in her arms, experiences a whole bouquet of positive emotions because their long-awaited meeting has finally taken place. This may surprise some, but the child experiences the same feelings. He clings to his mother, is afraid of separation from her and wants her to always be near. Many babies simply refuse to sleep in cribs, and there are also those who sleep only in their mother’s arms. Each child is individual and begins to show his character immediately after birth.

A young mother should be prepared for this. There is no need to measure all babies according to generally accepted standards. You don’t have to look at your neighbor and wonder why her child sleeps peacefully in a cradle, while yours calms down only in your arms.

It all depends on individual characteristics baby and often depending on the method of birth.

So, for example, it has been proven that children born by cesarean section are more in need of their mother's attention, so they more often refuse to sleep separately, and nothing needs to be done about it.

What is the best gift to give to a friend or relative for discharge from the maternity hospital?

First feeding

Although the first feeding occurs immediately after birth, still in maternity ward, many mothers are simply unable at this time to experience all the delights of this moment. Later, when you are alone with your baby, take him in your arms and give him the breast, you are overwhelmed with simply fantastic sensations. The baby's smacking seems so conscious, and his facial expression is so serious, that it simply cannot leave the mother indifferent. At this moment, pride in your baby is born!

Next, the baby needs to be fed on demand. Every time the baby is restless, offer him the breast. This will not only calm your baby, but will also allow you to establish healthy lactation. Many mothers at this stage try to rock the baby. There is no need to do this.

IN early age a child cannot cry because he cannot sleep; if he is healthy, he only cries from hunger.

Imagine your feelings if you come to a restaurant and, instead of offering you a menu, the waiter grabs you in his arms and starts rocking you to sleep! You will be outraged! So is your baby. Give him your breast and he will stop crying; you will rock him and he will be even more indignant.

How to wear

Immediately after birth the baby will be dressed nurses. To do this, you need to take a hat, vest, diaper and romper to the maternity ward. Those children whose mothers did not take care of clothes are swaddled in hospital diapers. Today the question often arises: to swaddle the baby or immediately dress him in normal clothes. Many doctors are inclined to believe that diapers are already a relic of the past.

Each mother must decide the issue of swaddling herself. One thing can be said for sure: swaddling tightly, so that the arms and legs are not straightened. Loose swaddling is more acceptable. However, if the baby is calm and not afraid of his hands, you can completely abandon swaddling.

Today, some pediatricians do not even allow the baby to wear mittens, which supposedly protect the baby from self-harm. They believe that a newborn, like any other person, has an instinct of self-preservation, thanks to which the baby cannot harm himself.

What to eat

In the first weeks after childbirth, a young mother needs to adhere to a certain diet. At the same time, a woman’s diet should be varied and healthy. It is necessary to exclude foods such as whole milk, eggs, sweets, dark chocolate, baked goods, citrus fruits, and products that increase gas formation from the diet.

You can eat porridge with water, vegetables, fruits, soups and broths. For drinks, give preference to compotes and mineral still water. After discharge from the maternity hospital, you can gradually introduce normal diet, refusing strong allergens. After tasting a new product, carefully monitor your baby's reaction. If you notice allergic reactions or an upset stomach in a baby, the use of this product should be avoided. Under strict ban Alcohol is present throughout the entire period of breastfeeding, even in minimal quantities.

Cleaning the uterus after childbirth: the main consequences for a woman

Depression

Today doctors celebrate high growth postpartum depression in young mothers. Mental disorder Even those women who have given birth to more than their first child are exposed. The main culprit of this disorder is considered to be hormonal disbalance, however, there are a number of factors that can aggravate mental condition women.

Normally, depression occurs on the second or third day after birth. It is characterized by apathy, fatigue and irritability. Ideally, this condition should resolve within a few days. This type of depression is considered normal.

If after discharge from the maternity hospital your psychological condition is getting worse and you are not happy with the baby and his care, contact a specialist.

The doctor will assess the state of your hormonal levels, conduct several tests and prescribe gentle treatment. adequate treatment. remember, that running forms depression is difficult to treat and can lead to irreversible consequences.

Change in appearance

During pregnancy, many women dream that they will leave the hospital slimmer and prettier. However, the reality is that returning to a pre-pregnancy state takes a long period of time. In addition to the saggy belly, stretch marks and excess weight a young mother may encounter such cosmetic problems such as acne, brittle nails and hair, dry and flaky skin, etc.

The first day after maternity hospital alone with the baby often turns out to be very difficult for parents. What to do with this little tiny person? How do you even take it without breaking something?

In fact, everything is quite simple. In any case, experience is needed. It is much easier for those young mothers who were in the maternity hospital with their baby; during this time (4-5 days) you can learn a lot. Therefore, do not hesitate to pester the midwives with questions. This way you will feel much more confident at home.

A newborn baby doesn't need much. Yes, he still doesn’t know how to do anything on his own, he needs your help in everything, but this help is quite feasible if everything is organized correctly. A child after maternity hospital - what does he need? So let's get started.

Caring for a newborn baby in the first days

In the first days and months of life, it is very important for the baby to be in his mother’s arms as much as possible. But many people are afraid to take the baby, lest he break something. Here's how to do it correctly:

Then the baby needs to be changed. Sometimes you have to do this many times a day, and the faster you learn the wisdom swaddling , the easier it will be.

Except traditional remedy- diapers, immediately after birth the baby can be dressed in clothes for newborns. This could be a vest, bodysuit or rompers.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v1YApVjmcGY

Even if you decide to use only the most advanced disposable diapers, contact of your baby's skin with urine is inevitable. This means we need to think about preventing diaper rash .

Many babies are born with very long nails. And since they wave their arms without purpose or need, these sharp claws love to leave marks on the delicate skin of the face. At the very beginning, you can put scratches on your child’s hands, but soon you will have to master the technique
nail trimming :

A feature of newborns that other children do not have is umbilical wound . Sometimes it happens that due to careless care, an infection appears and the child may even get sick. Therefore, it is very important to handle it correctly.

Even for those babies who were born absolutely healthy, a baby first aid kit is needed for the first time. It will include both belly button care products and some others just in case.

Already in the first days after discharge from the maternity hospital, even if it’s raining outside, you need to walk . Start with short outings for 20–30 minutes, maybe twice a day.

In the evening, after sunset, the baby could be given a bath. Although newborns are not yet running around the nooks and crannies of your yard and do not collect all the dust from under the bed, you can bathe them simply for pleasure, calmness and for the sake of early accustoming to water.

Well, that's probably all. Evening has come and the baby needs to be put to bed. night sleep. How to do this, whether to leave him alone in the crib or take him with you, and also how to make your nights calm - in the section Children's sleep .

Feeding a newborn

Feeding a child is a separate huge stone in the foundation of your baby’s life. Therefore, we have allocated it to a special section.

The first thing that worries young mothers is how to properly attach their baby to the breast. Correct technique will help avoid cracked nipples and other breast problems.

Many mothers who have chosen their mother or grandmother to guide them face a problem -
feed the baby on demand or on schedule?
And also: should I express the remaining milk after feeding or not?

And for those who have too much milk, so that the baby does not have time to suck it out, chest pain may begin in the first days
and swelling - lactostasis. This is where you can come to the rescue
manual or electric .

And almost everyone is afraid, how will the baby grow when he spits up almost everything he eats?

Most new mothers are healthy enough to breastfeed their baby. But if for some reason she loses milk, the child has to be transferred to

This is a moment of happiness for you, the pain from contractions suddenly disappears, and you can finally see and hold in your arms the little man to whom you gave life. This is such an amazing moment that words cannot describe it. However, for your child, these 48 hours are filled with excitement, excitement and new complex tasks, he tries to regulate body temperature and get used to new sensations. The passage through the birth canal transformed the baby from a merman, surrounded by warm moisture in darkness and sterility, into an oxygen-breathing person who needs to feed himself. As soon as the baby's head appears, the doctor will use a special rubber bulb to suck out the remaining amniotic fluid from his nose. After this, the rest of the baby's body will be born and the umbilical cord will be clamped and cut. (A proud father can do this himself.) There is no umbilical cord nerve endings, so your baby won't feel the loss of oxygen from your blood. If he doesn't cry, whine or cough as soon as he is born, the doctor will dry him off and rub his back or arm to make this happen, and when he first cries or coughs, he will hand the baby to you or the nurse. Soon after this you will get rid of the placenta. This process can be accelerated if the baby can reach the breast and begin to suck; this will cause the body to start releasing oxytocin once again so that the uterus continues to contract.

When you deliver the placenta, your doctor or nurse will perform several simple tests. They will also examine the baby, checking how developed his ears, feet and skin are, and see if there are any birth defects. Your baby will be given a vitamin K injection to help the blood clot. After this, the doctor may let you be with the baby, or the nurse will weigh the baby, measure his height, head circumference and temperature, and then put the baby in diapers and swaddle him. She'll apply erythromycin ointment to your baby's eyelids to prevent infection, put a cap on him (newborns lose body heat through their scalp), and then give him to you.

Newborns are incredibly active for the first hour of life, and the baby may be so alert that he begins to nurse. If you are breastfeeding, he can eat colostrum, watery yellow liquid which appears before breast milk. If the baby is okay, he can stay with you or he will be sent to the nursery and brought to you for feeding every 3 or 4 hours. However, most babies fall asleep immediately after birth and are difficult to wake up; You may have to stroke your baby's cheek or slap his leg to feed him.

While he sleeps, nurses will monitor his temperature, breathing, muscle tone and activity level.

Second day of a newborn's life

By the second day, your baby may have established sleep-wake cycles, sleeping for about 2 hours, then staying awake and crying to be fed. The baby will urinate every 24 hours after birth and the first waste products will begin to be released. They are called meconium and look like a dirty greenish black tar. If you do not see traces of urine or meconium in your baby's diaper by this time, tell your doctor. The second day can be very surprising for a newborn, so be prepared to soothe him. The child will undergo a series of tests to identify the presence of diseases that can be effectively treated if early diagnosis(Which tests are performed depends on state laws). Some hospitals will test the baby's hearing so you can decide whether to give him a hepatitis B vaccine. Also, if the baby is a boy, he may be circumcised within the first 24 hours of life, if necessary. At the end of such a day, the baby may be very tired and will need your care. You have a lot to do: breastfeeding, trying to get your baby into a car seat, weighing yourself, testing for hepatitis and full inspection. For now, all the baby wants is to be swaddled and held.

The first two days in a mother's life after childbirth

The first two days will be like a whirlpool of emotions and feelings. There are many exciting changes going on in your body, but in most cases there is nothing to worry about. The benefits are that you will stay in the hospital or birth center and there will be nurses nearby to answer questions and help you start breastfeeding if you want to do so. If you have a caesarean section, you will most likely remain in the hospital for at least 3 days; most women who go through this stay for 4 days. Believe it or not, you will get better and better every day, although every woman recovers differently.

Day 1. Be prepared to be very tired on your first day as a new mother. All your muscles will ache, mostly from pushing. Your thighs may even become numb because you pulled your legs back while you pushed; this is with time will pass. If you have had anesthesia, you may have lower back pain or discomfort in the area that was numbed; it will go away in a couple of days.

Even if you haven't had an episiotomy, the tissue in your groin will likely be swollen because the baby's head has passed through the area. The swelling will subside in 1-2 days; Until this happens, you can apply ice to the area. Finally, don't despair if your feet are so swollen that you can't see your ankles. You drank a lot during childbirth, and maybe you were given something intravenously, and now it will take about 7 days for your body to naturally get rid of excess liquid. No need to take diuretics.

Day 2. On the second day of your baby's life outside of your body, you will see that the belly is still distended. This is mostly due to air, but the uterus is still much larger than it was before pregnancy. You may have severe cramps, especially when you start breastfeeding. The discharge from the uterus, called lochia, will not stop until you have to use pads. The discharge will become less heavy after a few days. You may be most irritated by the pressure in your pelvic area. You will feel as if your uterus is falling out of your body. Don't worry, it's normal phenomenon, and the uterus is not going anywhere. The pelvic tissues will return to normal in a couple of weeks.

When can you take your child home?

By law, insurance companies are required to cover a two-day hospital stay if you gave birth vaginally, and a four-day hospital stay if you had a C-section. This important days for mother and baby, because the woman will be able to rest and will be examined by doctors who will try to identify or prevent any problems after childbirth. Take this opportunity to ask questions about how to wash and feed your baby. Most importantly, use this time to lie next to your baby, hold him and hug him. This way, your baby will know that even if everything around him looks and feels different now, his mother is still there.