After the birth is completed, the recovery period required for the changes experienced in the first 6 weeks to return to the pre-pregnancy position is called puerperium. Although birth is an extremely important period for the body, it causes significant changes in the body. During the recovery of these changes, the individual giving birth may experience some emotional and physiological abnormalities. Situations that are not abnormal during and after birth will seem extremely unusual for the individual who is experiencing this process for the first time in his life.
The Process of Life in the Hospital After Birth
For the first time For couples who have had children, the postpartum period is much more worrying. However, while the couple experiences happiness when they realize that they are parents, on the other hand, they can be crushed under the responsibilities and indescribable emotions that this happiness brings, if they do not get help.
“Every individual's reaction after birth will be different. Therefore, it would not be right to take these reactions into consideration.”
Different reactions that occur after birth may cause different emotions to arise between the mother and father. Because the pregnancy and birth process, which is a very traumatic process for the mother, is relatively calmer and normal for the father. For this reason, the father's actions and behaviors do not indicate that he will be a very bad father, and whether or not you dote on the baby too much cannot be considered as a criterion in the concept of motherhood. Mothers experience privacy violations dozens of times during birth. The mother who now wants to go home and return to her normal life may not be comfortable in the hospital environment. For this reason, it is among the common requests of mothers and fathers to return home as soon as possible.
“Depending on hospital policies, if there is no special situation, you can return home after 24 hours for a normal birth or 48 hours for a cesarean birth. ”
If you want to feel more comfortable during your time in the hospital, there is no harm in taking your own home sheets and some belongings to the hospital. Having a relative accompany you in the hospital during this period will be extra support for you. Therefore, choose a companion before birth. It is recommended that you make your mark. When making this choice, it would be great if there is a patient person who speaks the same language as you and who will understand your feelings. The common advice of every visitor to the hospital will undoubtedly be the list of recommendations that will be presented to you in a wide range of areas, from baby care to breastfeeding. This list will sometimes conflict with each other, confusing you and making you feel inadequate. Try to reassure yourself by thinking that these recommendations are temporary.
• Remember that everything has a solution
• Do not doubt that you and your baby will find a way to communicate
• Accept that you need time
• Always trust yourself
Things to Experience After Birth and Things to Consider
Motherhood Blues: One of the most important changes that occur after birth is called the motherhood blues syndrome, which occurs during the puerperal period. During this period, the new mother will cry very easily, cheer up very easily, get hopeful and despair very easily. Keep in mind that the emotions you experience during this temporary situation do not reflect reality. If this process, which you will leave behind in 2 weeks, takes longer than necessary, do not hesitate to see your doctor. If the motherhood blues are not controlled in the extended period after birth, it will turn into depression.
The items below include some recommendations to help you overcome the additional responsibilities that arise after birth.
• Make sure to ask for support from someone you trust so that you can continue housework and baby care after birth.
• Attend training to better understand breastfeeding and what to do after birth. Also read books on these subjects
• When you receive many visitors, move to a quiet room by clearly saying that you will take care of your baby. During this period, your mother or friend can take care of your guest.
• Allow some time for yourself, even if it is very small. During these times Do activities that make you feel good, such as listening to music or dancing.
• Do not neglect yourself during this time. Instead of walking around in pajamas all the time, wear nice clothes and put on make-up.
• If you have a baby care assistant, be sure to take time to chat with your spouse
• Share your feelings and thoughts with your friends and colleagues who you think will not find you strange.
• Contact experts for professional help if you think it is necessary.
• Any problems you experience during this process are temporary. Keep in mind that every problem has a solution
Fatigue
You may feel constantly tired during the time you experience after birth. However, the small changes you make to cope with this situation will help you get rid of the feeling of fatigue. First of all, do not forget to drink 3 liters of water daily. Afterwards, take care to eat a balanced and healthy diet and take time to sleep whenever you can.
Abdominal Pain
The uterus, which weighs 50-70g before pregnancy, weighs an average of 800-1200g after pregnancy. It can reach a weight of g. In addition to the changes in every part of your body after birth, the uterus will also begin to return to its previous state. The contractions you experience will feel like abdominal pain. Although it is among the problems frequently experienced in the days following birth, remember that it is one of the situations that will disappear in a short time. The reason for increased abdominal pain, especially during breastfeeding, is; It is the oxytocin hormone secreted during this time. The hormone in question also helps the uterus shrink. To cope with the pain in question, you can use the painkillers prescribed by your doctor at the time of your discharge.
Frequent Sweating and Urination
During pregnancy, there will be a significant increase in fluid in your body. . In the period following birth, this amount of fluid is removed from the body with sweat and urine. Frequent urination during the postpartum period and the first few days should be considered extremely normal. In some cases, urination on the first day after birth A complaint of inability to perform may be observed. The reason for this is due to the abrasions that occur in the vagina at birth as well as the swelling that occurs at the head of the bladder. It is a common mistake for women to delay urinating due to this pain. This may prevent your uterus from returning to its previous state and may cause you to experience a urinary tract infection. In this process, you should create the opportunity to urinate more by providing plenty of water.
We can say that sweating is among the common issues in the postpartum period. Be careful to use cotton clothes to reduce this feeling of sweating, which can become uncomfortable. It will be beneficial to wear short-sleeved nightgowns or pajamas while you are in the hospital. Changing your clothes frequently will reduce the feeling of sweat.
There is no harm in patients who have had a normal birth taking a bath immediately after birth. However, if you gave birth by cesarean section, this process may take up to 7 days. It may be possible for your doctor to extend this process, considering the condition of your stitches. During this period, you can apply the wiping bath system.
"If a waterproof dressing material is used on the stitches, you can take a bath as in normal birth."
After birth, regardless of the delivery system, make sure to take a standing shower. .
Vaginal Discharge
In the period following birth, a dark red blood discharge that resembles menstrual bleeding is observed. Tiny clots may also be seen in the bleeding that occurs in the first week. In the following days, the amount of blood will decrease and its color will turn into a shade between pinkish and brown. At the end of this process, the discharge will turn a color between yellow and white and will disappear completely.
“Do not forget to consult your doctor in case of heavy bleeding and bleeding with a bad smell.”
Bleeding also occurs in cesarean births. The decisive difference is that it is much lower compared to normal birth.
Protection from Infection
In order to protect from infection, using sanitary napkins during the postpartum period will make a significant contribution. These ties Do not forget to change it frequently. It is definitely not recommended to use tampons. You also need to pay attention to perineal cleaning and do it frequently. When cleaning the perineum, start from the front and move towards the back. Don't forget to disinfect your hands frequently during this time. During this period, always shower standing up. Do not swim in the sea or the pool during the postpartum period. This will prevent inflammation.
“If you encounter temperature rise, redness or bleeding in the stitch areas, as well as foul-smelling discharge and unexpected swelling, consult your doctor immediately.”
Sexual Intercourse
Postpartum period is the time when the mother is most prone to infection. For this reason, during this period of 6 weeks, sexual intercourse should be avoided in order for the abrasions in the vagina to heal and for the stitches to fully close. Postpartum discharge and bleeding will disappear after this period. The vagina, which will return to its normal state, will be suitable for sexual intercourse after the postpartum period.
During this period when hormonal changes are observed, it will be observed that the mother is cold towards sexual intercourse. During this period, the expectant mother, who will be more emotionally attentive to her baby, will also experience vaginal dryness along with the secretion of the Prolactin hormone needed for milk production. When the complaint in question arises, the lubricant gel sold in pharmacies will be very useful.
Pain in the Vagina and Anus
One of the prominent complaints after normal birth is the feeling of pain in the vagina and anus. . The reason for this is known as the incision made in the vagina during normal birth. It is normal to feel pain while sitting in the following days. It is extremely normal for the pain in question to last between 7-10 days. In the hospital, you are given painkillers for your pain. During your time at home, you can use the painkillers prescribed by your doctor.
“After birth, sitting on an ice pack wrapped in a clean towel will be good for your pain.”
To avoid constipation during this period, take care to consume foods that prevent constipation.
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