The months following delivery, or the postpartum period, are a time of great change, responsibility, and recovery. The care you receive after giving birth is just as important as your prenatal care. After all, a lot of pregnancy-related issues present themselves following birth.
A solid postpartum support network is one of the keys to success at this period. Consider your network as a web of dependable family members, close friends, and medical specialists to whom you can turn for assistance. Others are only a phone call or video chat away, while some may be there for you in person when you need them. Virtual or physical help of any form is essential.
All new mothers require a basic level of assistance, such as rest, a nutritious diet, and alone time, but there may also be circumstances that call for more care and consideration. Women are more likely to experience postpartum difficulties if they have preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, excessive bleeding, or a cesarean section.
You can discuss whether you are more likely to experience difficulties and what additional care you might need with your ob-gyn.
The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists has recently changed its recommendations to include more postpartum doulas or night nannies in an effort to fight the social isolation that can result in anxiety and postpartum depression.
The postpartum needs of each woman will vary. While some mothers might need a village, others might only need a few individuals and a postpartum doula to lean on. Therefore, it’s OK to ask for help.
