What is postpartum care? Why is it important?

Verified by Dr. Vaishali Sakpal Rane (MBBS, DGO Obstetrics and Gynaecology, DNB Obstetrics and Gynaecology)

The postpartum period is the first six weeks after childbirth, and it is critical to take care of yourself during this time. People tend to focus on the period preceding childbirth, but the period following childbirth is equally important. For mothers, this is a joyful time, but it is also a period of adjustment and healing.Adjusting to daily life after the birth of a child is difficult, especially if you are a new mother. While it is critical to care for your baby, you must also care for yourself.

The first reason for paying more attention to the postnatal period is that it is a critical time for both the mother as well as her newborn baby. 

This allows you to adjust and establish a new normal. Because a baby must be fed and changed frequently, you may have sleepless nights. It can be frustrating and exhausting. The good news is that you'll get into a routine eventually. Meanwhile, consider and remember some physical tips such as resting, avoiding heavy lifting, limiting stair climbing, and maintaining your baby's care simple.

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Along with hormonal fluctuation, you will experience physical changes such as weight gain after giving birth. Be patient because losing weight does not happen overnight. Once your doctor has cleared you to exercise, start with a few minutes of moderate activity per day and progressively extend the duration and intensity of your workout sessions. Take a walk, swim, or enrol in an aerobics class.

Losing weight also entails eating nutritious, well-balanced meals rich in fruits, veggies, and whole grains. Every new mother loses the weight at a different rate, so don't compare your efforts to those of other new mothers. Breast-feeding accelerates your return to pre-pregnancy weight because it tends to increase your daily calorie burn. Breast engorgement, constipation, pelvic floor changes, sweating, uterine pain, vaginal discharge, and other symptoms may occur.