We recommend that you start thinking about the postpartum period before the birth. As soon as you hold your baby in your arms, you will be completely enchanted. There is hardly a thought left for organizational matters. However, recovery and postnatal recovery are important topics that will occupy you immediately after the birth. Together with your baby, you have to find your way in your new everyday life, your sleep-wake rhythm is completely turned upside down. Your child will slowly get used to the world, but of course it takes time.
It helps a lot to organize a few things beforehand.
Organization of the postpartum period
If you can, get someone to support you. You can enjoy the time best when you don't have to cook or do the shopping. Also try to sleep yourself when your baby is asleep.
Nutrition in the postpartum period
Even if your world revolves around your baby during this time, you should try to look after yourself. Refrain from dieting, the kilos will disappear all by themselves. The weight of the placenta, the amniotic fluid and the baby will disappear, as will the water retention. Breastfeeding also burns calories. A healthy diet after the birth helps enormously to provide you with the energy you need. Healthy and fortifying but light meals are best. Fortifying broth is just as good and healthy as vegetables and healthy carbohydrates. Nuts are true superheroes in terms of nutrients and healthy fats.
You may also be able to develop the first rituals with your baby that you will keep once the postpartum period is over. Use this time to feel your baby physically and be very close to him or her. Skin-to-skin contact strengthens the bond and makes you indescribably happy.
How many visits make sense?
Think beforehand about how many visitors you would like to receive during this time, who will take care of the practicalities of everyday life and how you would like to communicate with others during this time. This may seem trivial, but it can have a positive impact on your stress levels.
You can prepare those around you for these weeks as well as yourself. Is there someone who can bring you food when you visit? Does your partner have the time and inclination to cook and take care of the household during the first few weeks after the birth? Or do you need help? Can you freeze or pre-cook food for the time? Who will take care of the diaper supplies? Is there an online diaper subscription that you can use? Being well organized makes the postpartum period particularly enjoyable.
The physical changes in the postpartum period
Your body is working hard enough during this time. The uterus recedes during the postpartum period. Meanwhile, milk production is running at full speed. Hormones are the invisible companions that are responsible for the physical changes, and they are also responsible for the emotional highs and lows. Your body is equally busy with all the changes, recovery and postpartum recovery. Mood swings are completely normal. The uterus has grown during pregnancy and has the volume of a medicine ball at the time of birth. After the birth, the muscles contract again so that you may experience afterpains. It will return to its normal size within about six weeks.
Wound healing in the puerperium
After the birth, the placenta detaches and leaves a wound that needs to heal. The puerperium is a good place for the wound to heal. Bleeding can be very heavy in the first few days after the birth. The so-called lochia usually stops after five to six weeks and changes color in the process: it becomes lighter and lighter until it disappears completely. Our tip: Avoid tampons and ensure optimal cleanliness with lukewarm water and regular rinsing and hand washing. Every body reacts differently to childbirth, just be prepared to give it time to regenerate. Injuries can occur during childbirth. Perineal tears, episiotomies or a caesarean section are possible, but bruising in the tissue is also not uncommon. Cooling compresses and compresses with herbal ointments can help. So it's not just about rest and recovery in the postpartum period, injuries also need to heal.
All of this, and much more, is completely normal. and If you are unsure or unhappy, talk to your doctor and your midwife. They are both there for you and will advise you on all your questions and feelings.
The postpartum period shapes strong characters
As you can see, the postpartum period combines the best of both worlds:
It becomes your refuge where you recover and get used to your new life. Meanwhile, your body works tirelessly. At the same time, something magical happens: unnoticed, the bond with your baby germinates and grows with each passing day until a strong bond is formed. A secure bond is like a protective shell that envelops your child throughout their development. This protection will equip your child to cope with stress and develop healthy self-confidence. Attachment is the foundation for creativity, adaptability and perseverance. Empathy skills and strong social behavior also develop through the formation of the first weeks and months. Fascinating, isn't it?
If you'd like to read more about this topic, stay tuned and check back regularly at the blog regularly.
If you are interested in a great alternative to a baby bouncer, then take a look at our Baby Hammock bouncer. Your baby will love it - and you certainly will too!
We deal in detail with the postpartum period and all other topics that concern us around the birth.
See you soon!
