After going through a difficult October pregnancy and giving birth to a healthy baby, mothers need a period of rest to adjust their bodies, which is why postpartum care, also known as "confinement", is carried out. So what are the main contents of postpartum care? Let's take a look together below.
1、 Breast care
1. Proper breastfeeding
Maintain a relaxed, happy, and positive mindset while breastfeeding. Never wait until your baby is very hungry to breastfeed. When breastfeeding, be calm and slow, avoid sudden interruptions, and avoid doing other easily distracting things. After breastfeeding, keep the baby in an upright position and do not play with the baby in large movements, as the baby may easily pull the nipple and cause nipple injuries. During each breastfeeding session, alternate feeding between the two breasts. Feed one breast first, empty it, and then switch to the other breast. The next feeding should start with the side that was not fully aspirated last time, and then switch to the other side when it is empty. After the baby stops sucking, gently remove it.
2. Cleaning care
After normal breastfeeding, use warm water to wipe the breasts and nipples clean. First, clean the areola and nipples with warm water, then wring out a towel slightly and wrap it around the breasts (exposing the nipples). Use two towels alternately, change towels every 2-3 minutes, repeat for about 15 minutes, and apply until the skin turns slightly red, achieving the desired effect. If there is no milk secretion yet, do it once in the morning and once in the evening. If milk secretion has already started, do it half an hour before each feeding.
3. Choose nursing underwear
Postpartum mothers can now switch to specialized nursing underwear. In addition to making breastfeeding more convenient, it also plays a good protective role.
4. Massage breasts
In order to breastfeed smoothly after childbirth, it is necessary to massage the breasts. Massaging the breasts can not only accelerate blood circulation, but also promote breast milk secretion.
2、 Perineal care
1. Prevention of perineal infection
Keep the perineum clean, change sanitary pads frequently, and be cautious of infection. After defecation, postpartum women should rinse the perineum with water from front to back to avoid bacterial infection.
2. Prevent wound cracking
Avoid doing forceful squats and other movements. Within one month after giving birth, do not lift heavy objects or engage in any physically demanding household chores or exercises. Sexual activity should be avoided within 6 weeks after childbirth.
3. Keep bowel movements unobstructed
If postpartum constipation occurs, excessive force during defecation can cause the wound to rupture again. Therefore, it is necessary to replenish water, consume high fiber foods, and avoid constipation.
4. Avoid hematoma in the wound. Generally, the side incision wound of the parturient is on the left side. After delivery, it is recommended to adopt a right or supine position. If the parturient has a perineal tear, a comfortable lying position is sufficient. If there is a hematoma, 50% magnesium sulfate solution can be used for wet compress.
3、 Dietary care
Pregnant women need to consume sufficient nutrients to promote physical recovery and milk secretion. Attention should be paid to eating foods rich in protein, vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. Specific requirements:
1. Light
The diet of the parturient should not be too salty or greasy, as it will not only worsen the parturient's digestive system but also affect the recovery of the wound.
2. Nutrition
The diet of postpartum women is not about how fancy and delicious it is, but about whether the nutrition is comprehensive, not excessive, not lacking, and a reasonable diet is the best.
3. Soup
Breastfeeding mothers must have plenty of soup in their diet, so that they have enough energy to secrete breast milk and the nutrients contained in the soup can be absorbed more quickly by the stomach and intestines.
4、 Hygiene care
1. Wash your face, brush your teeth, and wash your hair
These are all essential, but of course, be sure to keep warm while washing.
2. Clothes should be changed in a timely manner, especially during the period of lochia discharge, personal hygiene should be paid more attention to.
3. Air circulation is also important. A closed space is not conducive to the physical recovery of the mother and the healthy development of the baby. It is advisable to open windows for ventilation and maintain good indoor air quality.
5、 Rest and Sleep
Postpartum women need to rest and maintain sufficient sleep after giving birth to promote physical recovery and repair. Medical staff need to ensure a quiet and comfortable sleeping environment for postpartum women, and properly arrange their daily routines. Reduce the frequency of breastfeeding at night and increase the frequency of breastfeeding before bedtime.
6、 Psychological counseling
Postpartum women often face psychological pressures such as physical recovery, parenting pressure, and family role transition after childbirth. Medical staff need to pay attention to the psychological status of postpartum women and provide corresponding psychological counseling and support. Mothers can choose to participate in postpartum recovery courses, communicate with family and friends, seek psychological counseling, and other ways to relieve stress.
7、 Regular follow-up visits
Postpartum mothers need regular follow-up visits, and medical staff need to observe the recovery of the mother's body, promptly deal with any problems that arise, and provide corresponding guidance and suggestions. Mothers need to undergo routine follow-up examinations 42 days after delivery.
Postpartum care for postpartum women is a comprehensive and systematic task that requires the participation of medical staff and family members. Only by fully paying attention to the physical and mental health of pregnant women, providing appropriate care and support, can the health and safety of pregnant women and newborns be ensured.