postpartum care what to expect after your baby is born
Post on 25-Dec-2015
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Postpartum Care
What to expect after your baby is born
Bonding
Emotional, psychological connection between baby and parent
Recovery takes 6 weeks!
Puerperium – 42 days (6 weeks) after delivery – recovery periodInvolution – uterus returns to normal size and shapeWeight loss – 17 to 20 lbs., more if you breastfeedLochia – uterus sheds its lining – 10 days to 6 weeks
Recovery (continued)
Lactation begins about 72 hours after delivery
Colostrum – first milk – contains antibodies
Weakness in pelvic floor muscles – do Kegel exercisesPerineal pain (especially if there was an episiotomy or perineal tear) – ice, warm water
Recovery (continued)
Recovery takes longer after a Cesarean deliveryFertility may resume as soon as 6 weeks after delivery; 3+ months if you breastfeedEmotional ups and downs are common
Postpartum Depression
“Baby Blues” Caused by hormonal changesMay last 2 – 4 months; more common with 2nd or subsequent pregnancies
Symptoms of Post-Partum Depression
Loss of interestGuiltAgitation Difficulty concentratingAppetite up and downFeeling inadequate
Exhaustion Highly anxiousLoss of energySleep disturbancesFeelings of helplessnessSuicidal ideations
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