Postnatal Care

Postnatal care is a set of services provided to a woman following childbirth. It includes antenatal care, advice on conception, pregnancy, childbirth, and postnatal care.  

What is Postnatal care?

Postnatal care is a vital aspect of parenting and should not be taken lightly. It involves providing physical, emotional, and psychological support for mothers after childbirth to ensure their health, well-being, and recovery from the birthing process. This can include breastfeeding assistance, monitoring maternal health indicators such as blood pressure, and weight gain, and nutrition guidance.  

Why Postnatal Care is essential?

Quality maternal and newborn care is a very essential yet much-neglected phase. The first weeks after delivery are very crucial. take care of hygiene. WHO recommends exclusive breastfeeding for all newborns, if possible.

The baby should be kept warm all the time. Care should also be taken of the baby’s skin and umbilical cord. Make sure to keep your hands sanitized and clean frequently. 

Additionally, postpartum depression screening and family planning counselling can also be integral components of postnatal care. With proper postnatal care, families are better equipped to provide the best possible environment for newborns - resulting in healthier babies and more content parents.

Families should also be counselled on recognizing danger signs, understanding the care that both the woman and the newborn require, and knowing where to turn for help when it is needed.

Signs of Postnatal Care Congratulations on your little bundle of joy. Nobody said it is going to be easy, however, it is worth it. Following childbirth, your body goes through many changes that require time for recovery. Few discomforts post-delivery are normal, however, there are instances where new mothers may be at risk of serious health problems that necessitate medical attention.

After childbirth, a woman may experience life-threatening conditions such as infections or postpartum depression. These conditions can be prevented by quick medical treatment by your obstetrician-gynaecologist.

Symptoms to be aware of Symptoms are conditions you experience personally that others are unable to see. it could be as common as pain in the throat or a feeling of dizziness.

If you find any of the below-mentioned signs/symptoms, consult your doctor immediately:

• A fever of more than 100.4 F.
• Discharge, pain, or redness that persists or worsens near a c-section cut.
• Pain or burning when urinating, or the urge to pee frequently.
• Red streaks on your breasts or new, painful lumps in your breasts.
• You experience severe pain in your lower abdomen.
• Vaginal discharge that stinks.

Postnatal Care Advice In the following weeks, you can walk, climb stairs, or start with basic exercises. Your doctor is the best person to decide all these and many other questions you might have. Your doctor might also refrain from having sexual intercourse for up to six weeks after giving birth. Don’t be in a rush momma and take one step at a time.

Prenatal Care Takeaway  

Postnatal care ranges from home to hospital care. Postpartum care includes getting enough rest, eating well, and taking care of your vagina. Rest is critical for new mothers who need to rebuild their strength.  

Experts advise breastfeeding mothers to eat whenever they are hungry. Vaginal care for new mothers should be a crucial component of postpartum care. A few checkpoints and you are good to go.

Request an appointment at Apollo Cradle, Bengaluru - Koramangala. Call 1860-500-1066 to book an appointment.