Maternal and Infant Care Encyclopedia

Author: Luo Ximeng, Zhang Yi / Country: Mainland China
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-06-01
Features: Postpartum Tips
First, after giving birth, the mother should not immediately return to the ward. She needs to stay in the delivery room for about two hours to observe whether there is bleeding or any other abnormalities. Only after confirming that everything is fine can she return to the ward. Once back in the ward, the mother's main task is to sleep and absorb sufficient nutrients to quickly eliminate the fatigue caused by childbirth. If postpartum contractions are too severe, they may affect sleep. If the pain is unbearable, consult the doctor about taking sedatives. To avoid hunger and thirst, the mother can eat simple foods and drink some warm milk.
Immediately after birth, a large amount of fluid is excreted through the urine, so urine output should increase. However, in reality, most mothers do not feel the urge to urinate, and even if they do, it is difficult to empty the bladder. To prevent excessive urine retention, artificial urination should be performed. If natural urination does not occur after more than 8 hours, catheterization may be necessary.
On the first day of postpartum recovery, after a good night's sleep and with pain relief, the mother can usually begin walking under the guidance of a doctor around 8 hours postpartum. At this time, the breasts may become congested and swollen. A midwife can provide guidance on breastfeeding and breast massage, allowing the mother to try her first breastfeeding. From this point on, uterine massage should be performed while in bed. Abdominal belts or tight waistbands are very beneficial for promoting the recovery of abdominal wall relaxation and uterine contraction. Abdominal belts should be used for 4 to 6 weeks.
Second, on the second day of postpartum recovery, the mother has already recovered from the fatigue of childbirth, and the baby is also ready to nurse. To ensure proper milk production, the mother should massage her breasts from the second day after birth to about one week. Massaging during this period is most effective. If the weather is hot, it is also important to avoid fatigue to ensure sufficient milk production.
Key points for massage:
(1) Soak a towel in hot water, wring it out, and apply it to the breasts for 5 minutes.
(2) Gently massage the breasts from the inside out.
(3) Rub the area around the nipple towards the nipple.
(4) The massage area should be larger.
(5) Press the areola with five fingers and perform the squeezing motion used when feeding the baby, repeating several times.
To promote milk production, after feeding the baby, it is essential to express any remaining milk. This is also a key method for maintaining milk supply. To ensure rich milk production, the mother should consume plenty of protein, such as milk, eggs, fish, meat, beans, and fats, while also drinking more water and eating soups and stews. These are highly nutritious and effective for boosting milk production.
To speed up postpartum recovery, try walking indoors without causing fatigue. Initially, vaginal discharge may increase, but there is no need to worry. Generally, the mother can start showering.
Third, the mother should have a bowel movement on the third day of postpartum recovery. If constipation occurs, an enema may be necessary. On the fourth day of postpartum recovery, the mother should begin cleaning her lochia herself and continue breastfeeding as much as possible. If the mother had a cesarean section, she can also start walking, but there is no need to force it. Additionally, a blood test should be conducted.
On the fifth day of postpartum recovery, if the mother had an episiotomy and stitches, they should be removed. For the first 1–2 days after removal, avoid strenuous activity. The mother should also test her urine, measure her blood pressure, and weigh herself.
The mother can be discharged on the sixth to eighth day of postpartum recovery. By this time, the baby's umbilical cord has fallen off on its own, and if there are no special abnormalities, the mother can be discharged. For the mother, this is her first time outside after giving birth, and for the baby, it is their first encounter with the outside world. Therefore, caution must be exercised when traveling by car or walking.
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