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Being a mother is said to be the beginning of a new life. While most women consider giving birth to be the happiest time of their lives, the process can often take a toll on their physical as well as mental health. The human body undergoes massive changes at the time of a child’s birth, and therefore, the right post-natal care for the mother is crucial.
What does Postnatal Phase Mean?
Every pregnancy is a different journey, and so are the delivery and the postpartum experiences. While being prepared is the key, it is not easy to predict how you and your body will react to your new baby and the many changes that you may counter. Thankfully in our country, the postpartum period is very significant. Giving advice to postnatal mothers is something most women can do, as they have themselves received the same.
In most Indian households, extensive postnatal care for moms is planned for at least the first 40 days. During this time, often called the ‘confinement period’, the new mom is supposed to rest and not do anything other than take care of herself and the new baby. In most cases, the mom is accompanied by other women, probably her mother, mother-in-law, or other female relatives. There is an extra emphasis on what the new mom eats and drinks as well. Simple yet special foods, including numerous herbal drinks, are fed to keep healthy and boost the production of breast milk.
>> Also Read: 5 Typical Health Issues that can arise Beyond the Age of 40
6 Post-Natal Care Tips for Mothers
The first few hours and days post-delivery are considered to be the most crucial phase for the mother and the newborn. Care of high-risk postnatal mothers can best be done in a hospital, as the doctors may want to monitor the mother and baby for a few days. If there have been no compilations, before and after delivery, the following tips can prove to be helpful. However, it is recommended that you consult your doctor/ caregiver before bringing any modifications to your routine.
1. Give Yourself Time
You’ve carried your baby for nine months. Your body has undergone drastic changes during this time, and it will continue to do so. With the birth of your child, a number of traditional as well as modern postpartum techniques will be passed on to you. Overnight, you will be expected to be an expert in looking after your baby. While it is normal to feel pressure, it is important that you give yourself some time to adjust to the changes.
Traditional therapies like warm-water baths or hot oil massages can be soothing as well as relaxing for you. They can help you take a break from the unending responsibilities of being a new mum. Enjoy the confinement period, sit back, and enjoy time with your baby.
2. Rest as much as You can
Having a baby is a lot of hard work, mentally as well as physically. While things may seem a lot to handle, remember, this is just the beginning. As the baby grows, so will their needs, and getting rest will be crucial for you to keep going. Make sure you get to rest and sleep as much as possible.
3. Learn to Accept Help
As a new mom, it is natural to feel protective and possessive about your baby, but at the same time, doing everything on your own can be exhausting. Do not feel hesitant to ask for or accept help. You may have always been independent, but asking for help can be helpful in combating postpartum fatigue. Make sure to reach out to friends and family whenever you need to.
4. Keep Healthy and Active
You must have heard it a hundred times, but eating healthy, especially during the initial days post-delivery, is vital. If you are breastfeeding, you need to be all the more careful about what you are eating. Eating simple home-cooked food, including fresh fruits and veggies in your diet, and drinking lots of healthy drinks can help you keep your digestive system running smoothly. Avoid foods that contain excessive sugar as it may lead to constipation.
Unless you have prescribed bed-rest, try to get on your feet slowly yet steadily. Simple physical activity, moving around in your house, or sitting out on the lawn or your balcony, will help you recover from the postpartum symptoms.
After discussing it with your physician, you can start with breathing techniques, pelvic floor muscle exercises, and other post-pregnancy exercises.
5. Prioritise Your Health Concerns
We can’t agree more that childbirth will bring a lot of hormonal changes to your body.
While it is okay to undergo these changes, if you feel something is not right, do reach out to your doctor. Also, do not miss the review dates to see your doctor. Reach out immediately for medical assistance if you have fever, disorientation, pain, or any other discomfort.
Apart from your physical health, it is essential that you keep an eye out for any kind of ‘baby blues’ as well. Loss of sleep, sudden weight loss or weight gain, feeling sad and despairing, or feeling unattached to the baby are things that you can seek help for.
6. Stay Strong
Your newborn baby is bound to turn your life upside down. The endless cycle of sleepless nights, 3 AM feeds, and diaper changes are going to keep you on your toes for a long time. But at the same time, you need to learn to stay strong as everything will be back to normal soon. Soon you will need to rebuild your strength, mental as well as physical. Hire help or ask friends and family to pitch in.
As We Care For You
Nevertheless, while processing with these changes, financial stress would be the last thing you would care to mind for. There is no denial that maternity comes with additional expenses and considering the ever-rising medical costs, it is necessary to plan your expenses beforehand. While most people invest in health insurance plans well in advance to cover the delivery and post-natal expenses, it is recommended that you buy a plan that offers coverage for your mental health as well. We would love to introduce our JOY maternity plan for your consideration here. The policy covers the mother for pre and post natal expenses including newborn care.
We’re sure that the right guidance can help new moms like you deal with the changes smoothly. So, delay not; we’re just a call away! Or you can go through the website of Care Health Insurance to get detail information.
Final Word!
A woman goes through a lot during post-delivery phase. Sometimes, things may not be so simple, and some women may undergo more mental and physical issues after they deliver a baby. It is important that a new mom receives nourishing support from her friends and family so that she can recuperate from the fast-paced changes happening in and around her.
Disclaimer: Plan features, benefits, coverage, and underwriting of claims are subject to policy terms and conditions. Please refer to the brochure, sales prospectus, and policy documents carefully.
