Post delivery care

#postnatalcare #food #postpregnancycare

Nutrition after delivery :

The nutritional needs of breastfeeding women are most readily met by local, affordable, culturally appropriate, nutritious food. Breastfeeding women have a very efficient metabolism, and most have laid down fat stores during pregnancy. Therefore perfect milk will be made even on a rather low energy intake. It has been shown that the composition of breast-milk is very consistent even between women with greatly differing nutrition situations.

the mother should understand that:

1. She does not need to eat any extra food to make more milk, but she should eat to please herself if she is hungry. If the woman is conspicuously underweight some people may think she is too thin and weak to breastfeed. Explain that she will still make milk, although she needs food for own wellbeing; meeting her additional energy needs is much less expensive than feeding her baby breast-milk substitutes. By caring well for herself, she cares for her baby!

2. There is no need to avoid certain foods, cultural taboos notwithstanding, but if her baby develops an allergic reaction , then she can try to avoid the suspected allergenic foods. Some mothers note reactions, such as loose stools or wind, in their baby when they eat certain foods. There is no scientific research on this topic, but you can respect the individual mother’s observations even if you are privately skeptical.

3. She should drink whenever she feels thirsty. There is no need for a lot of extra fluids. If she does not feel thirst then she should observe her urine to see if it gets dark or strong. If it does she should drink more.

4. She need not drink to make milk. If she has been given breast-milk substitutes or powdered milk and is reluctant to throw them away, she can use them for the general household diet and drinks.

source: WHO/UNICEF. Healthy eating during pregnancy and lactation. A training course, 1998 (unpublished document EUR/ICP/LVNG 02 07 03). Breastfeeding: how to support success

5 · It is Advised mothers who have put on a lot of weight during the pregnancy to avoid high fat foods such as sausages, fatty meat, lard and high calorie beverages such as sugary drinks.

6· it is Advised mothers to use iodized salt, since iodine deficiency is common in most countries and iodine is important for the mental development of her child.

7· it is Discouraged for excess slimming during lactation. The mother should not try to lose more than 2 kg/month.

8 · Every mother can can breastfeed, and that even very undernourished women can produce good milk. Even mothers in famines produce enough good quality milk to sustain their babies’ growth.

Postnatal Care: Caring for Yourself After Childbirth

🕒 First 6 weeks are crucial for recovery & bonding

Why Postnatal Care is Important

• Helps detect complications early

• Supports emotional & physical healing

• Promotes healthy breastfeeding

• Aids family planning & future health

At-Home Care Tips:

Rest & Recovery

• Sleep when the baby sleeps

• Avoid lifting heavy items

• Gradually return to daily activities

Nutrition

Eat iron-rich, calcium-rich foods

• Stay hydrated (2.5–3 L/day)

• Continue prenatal vitamins if breastfeeding

Perineal & C-Section Wound Care

• Keep the area clean and dry

• Use warm water for cleaning

• Watch for signs of infection (pain, swelling, pus)

• Don’t use skin irritant like dettol or savlon to clean wounds, it can cause burns

Breast Care

• Nurse frequently to avoid engorgement

• Treat cracked nipples with lanolin cream

• Seek help for latching issues

• Feed on demand

• Exclusive bread feeding until contraindicated

🧠Mental Health Matters

• Mood swings are common (“baby blues”)

• Watch for signs of postpartum depression:

  Persistent sadness, anxiety, loss of interest

• Don’t hesitate to ask for help

• Involve partner in baby care

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Baby Care Essentials

• Frequent feeding (every 2-3 hours)

• Burping after every feeding or upright for 20 minutes

• Monitor wet diapers (6–8/day)

• Keep the umbilical stump clean & dry

• Immunizations as per schedule

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Follow-Up Visits

• First postpartum checkup: within 6 weeks

• Earlier if:

  
  

  • High blood pressure

  • Heavy bleeding

  • Fever or wound problems

  • Signs of depression

  
  

Family Planning

• Discuss contraception before resuming sex

• Breastfeeding is not a reliable birth control

• Safe methods: IUD, pills, condoms, injectables

• It’s normal not to resume periods during breast feeding still there are chances to get pregnant .

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Call Your Doctor If You Notice:

• Fever >100.4°F (38°C)

• Foul-smelling vaginal discharge

• Excessive bleeding (soaking 1 pad/hour)

• Severe abdominal pain

• Trouble urinating or painful urination

• Signs of depression or anxiety

Postnatal exercises

These exercises help restore strength, improve posture, and support overall well-being.

Postnatal Exercises: Rebuild & Recharge

Start gently and listen to your body. Always consult your doctor before starting.

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1. Deep Breathing with Abdominal Contraction

Helps engage the core and promote relaxation.

How to do:

• Lie on your back or sit up.

• Inhale deeply, expanding your abdomen.

• Exhale while pulling your belly button inward.

• Repeat 5–10 times.

  

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2. Pelvic Floor Exercises (Kegels)

💧 Strengthens muscles controlling bladder & uterus.

How to do:

• Contract the muscles you’d use to stop urination.

• Hold for 5–10 seconds, release.

• Do 3 sets of 10 reps daily.

  

  
  

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3. Pelvic Tilt

Improves core strength and relieves back pain.

How to do:

• Lie on your back, knees bent.

• Flatten your back against the floor by tightening your tummy muscles.

• Hold for a few seconds, release.

• Repeat 10 times.

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4. Bridge Exercise

🍑 Strengthens glutes, back, and abs.

How to do:

• Lie on your back, knees bent, arms by your side.

• Raise your hips off the floor until shoulders–hips–knees form a straight line.

• Hold for 5 seconds, lower down.

• Do 10 reps.

  

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5. Walking

Boosts stamina, mood & helps weight loss.

Start with short walks and gradually increase time and pace.

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Tips & Warnings

• Avoid crunches or high-impact workouts too early.

• Wear a supportive bra.

• Stay hydrated.

• Stop if you feel pain, dizziness, or heavy bleeding.