Transitioning into the role of a mother is a life-changing experience for every woman. However, it is impossible to overlook that becoming a new mom can be pretty challenging. Motherhood can bring with it hormonal imbalances and multiple health complications. In addition, a woman’s body changes drastically during pregnancy and after delivery. Navigating these significant changes all at the same time can be pretty taxing for a new mother. Proper postnatal care can help a mother cope with the physical and mental conditions associated with childbirth, and ensures her general well-being and happiness in her new role as a mom.
In this article, we’ll study the postnatal meaning and learn about the tips for postnatal care for mother and her newborn. Read on to enhance your knowledge of these subjects:
What does the term ‘postnatal’ mean
Before going into the postnatal care tips, you must understand the postnatal meaning. The word ‘postnatal’ refers to the timespan that follows childbirth. The postnatal period is usually six weeks to eight weeks long [3]. During this period, the mother and the newborn should be given the best postnatal care to avoid the risk of infections and morbidity in the worst cases.
Postnatal care for mother: 15 Incredible Tips
1. Ayurvedic ingredients for postnatal care
Ayurveda, the ancient system of medicine, recommends administering certain potent ingredients & formulations like Shathavari rasayana, Shathavari churna, Shathavari ghrita, navayasa louha to name a few [1] to nourish the new mother and boost her energy levels. The Shatavari herb also boosts the milk supply of lactating mothers. Apart from Shatavari, there are other herbs such as Sunthi, Aloe Vera, Lavanga, Khajur, Marica, and Yavanai. By including these powerful herbs in daily diet, a new mother can regain her lost vitality and energy. Delivering a baby is a strenuous process, and the immune system tends to weaken post delivery. Consumption of these herbs can increase the mom’s immunity, improve digestive power, skin texture and liver function. Zandu Aloe Vera Health Juice fortified with 5 essential herbs can be the perfect post-delivery health booster. You may check for similar products online, and place an order.
2. Eat nutritious food
Eating freshly cooked hot food is recommended. The mother’s postnatal diet should include nutrients-dense veggies, greens, fruits, milk and ghee. Spices like garlic and ginger can be used in moderation.[1]
3. Get optimum rest
Getting rest can help a mother recover from the stress and strains of childbirth. So, she should try to sleep whenever she gets an opportunity.[2]
4. Make sure to go for doctor visits
Postnatal medical screening within the first 24 hours following delivery is important to rule out the possibility of life-threatening conditions like severe hypertension, infection and hemorrhage.[2] [3]
5. Maintain good hygiene
Using clean pads and changing pads every one or two hours and washing hands frequently are a part of the good hygiene that a new mother should maintain to avoid deadly infections. [2]
6. Get some regular exercises
Getting regular exercises can help a new mom tone up her abdominal muscles. [1] So, it is important.
7. Adopt proper breast care measures
Postnatal care also involves caring for the breasts of a new mom. Cleaning the nipples with lukewarm water prior to feeding is important. If breasts become sore, placing warm and cold washcloths may relieve the discomfort.[3]
8. Take painkillers if necessary
Safe analgesics after consulting a doctor may be taken to experience relief from pains such as uterine cramps, painful breasts and vaginal pains.[3]
9. Be mindful towards ‘baby blues’
Raging hormones and overwhelming responsibilities may cause a new mom to feel sad, irritated and indifferent. Counseling and support of family members can help out.[3]
10. Sitz Baths can relieve pain
After vaginal delivery getting a sitz bath can relax the vaginal muscles and relieve soreness.
11. Go slow with sexual intimacy
The woman should stay away from sexual intimacy at least for 4-6 weeks. That is the timespan required for her perineal region to heal.[3]
12. Increase your water intake
Drinking sufficient quantities of clean water [2] can boost the milk production of a lactating mom and rule out the chances of UTIs.
13. Seek the support of maids/nurses
If the new mom feels tired and exhausted, she can take the help of maids/house attenders to help her with nurturing the baby and the daily chores.
14. Stay away from heavy lifting
Lifting weight and hard physical exertion should be avoided soon after delivery, especially if it is a C-Section. [2]
15. Keep the baby care routine simple
Baby care is important but don’t make it complex. Your baby will not need showers daily. Keeping the nappy area clean and wiping the baby with a clean, warm washcloth can be done whenever the new mom is feeling tired.
FAQs
- Can a mother’s gluteal region and lower abdomen be massaged post-delivery?
In normal delivery, the waist and abdominal area of the mother may be massaged with mildly heated mustard oil to generate warmth and restore the mom’s humoral balance [4]. But, if it is Cesarean delivery, such massages should be avoided.
- What type of foods to avoid in a postnatal diet?
Gas-generating food items like chickpeas, dal, brinjal, chilies, potatoes, and tamarind should be avoided.
- How does the abdominal belt/binder help?
Abdominal binder/belt, if worn for a few hours every day, can help a new mom’s hanging belly shrink and offer optimum back support, posture correction and pain management.
Conclusion
Motherhood is indeed a blessing, and the support a woman gets during her postnatal care prepares her both physically and mentally to accept her new role and carry out her duties towards her newborn. In this article, we have learned how a new mom can be taken the best care of and can be helped to excel in her role as a mother.
Disclaimer:
This article has been written solely to provide information on postnatal care and is not a substitute for medical advice. However, consult a certified medical practitioner if you wish to follow any of the tips mentioned here.
