The postpartum period (time after giving birth) is an entirely new chapter in a woman’s life. A myriad of physical, emotional, and social changes occur. While we’re all focused on caring for the new baby, it’s important to remember that this time is also crucial for the mother’s health and happiness. In this blog post, we’ll explore six essential treatments and strategies to support women in the postpartum period.

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Postnatal Wellness, treatment strategies and care for women after pregnancy

1. Adequate rest

The best way to care for your baby is to care for yourself. New mothers are encouraged to follow the 5-5-5 Postpartum Rule, a guideline designed to support new parents. It recommends spending the first 5 days in bed, allowing for maximum rest, bonding, and healing. The next 5 days involve light activity in bed, while the subsequent 5 days encourage short walks around the house, prioritizing rest and recovery. 

2. Emotional support

While the postpartum period is a time of immense joy, it can also be accompanied by anxiety, sadness, and features of postpartum depression. Understanding and addressing these emotions is essential for your well-being in the now and in the future. This can be done through self-care activities, such as sleeping, long warm baths, walking or meditation.

The support of your partner, family and friends will go a long way in helping you relieve stress. You also have the option to get professional counselling or join in-person or online support groups for new mothers with similar experiences. This step also allows you to put your mental health in check.

3. Breastfeeding

This is a fundamental aspect of early motherhood, providing numerous benefits for both the baby and the mother. It not only serves as a vital source of nutrition and comfort to the baby but also reduces the risk of certain chronic illnesses in the mother, such as hypertension and diabetes, as well as certain cancers, such as breast and ovarian cancer.

To ensure successful breastfeeding, ensure that the baby is latching well and getting enough milk before leaving the hospital, as there are trained nurses and lactation consultants to help you there. 

4. Nourishment and hydration

Proper nutrition and hydration are essential for supporting postpartum recovery and breastfeeding success. Postpartum women should consume a balanced, nutrient-packed diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.

Similarly, staying hydrated is equally important for postpartum recovery. This can be done by drinking at least 3 litres of fluid daily. Keeping a reusable bottle handy to sip water throughout the day may help you achieve this. Also, the intake of caffeinated and sugary beverages should be limited, as these can lead to dehydration.

5. Postnatal exercise

New mothers must perform postpartum exercises to build strength, energy and overall well-being. Remember, it’s not a sprint but a marathon. So, these exercises should be gradual, considering the body is still recovering. Ask your doctor or a physical therapist such as from Vitality Therapy and Performance before starting any exercise.

Exercises such as pelvic tilt and plank are beneficial for building core strength, while swimming, walking, and jogging help improve cardiovascular health. You may have noticed urine incontinence after childbirth, but don’t be dismayed—this is common. Pelvic floor exercises like Kegels help strengthen the pelvic floor, improving bladder control.

6. Empowering Sexual health

For many women, the experience of childbirth can bring about negative changes in their sex life. However, you must understand that these are usually transient and a natural part of the postpartum journey.

Many women find it helpful to have open, honest conversations about their partners’ desires, concerns, and expectations. However, for women experiencing significant changes in sexual function or satisfaction, seeking professional support can be invaluable.

Exploring the need for surgery to tighten and enhance the vaginal canal and surrounding tissues, while not necessary for all women,  can be a transformative option for those experiencing significant laxity or discomfort in the vaginal area postpartum. If you feel this is an option for you, consult with the leading specialists in vaginal rejuvenation treatments.

Final Notes

Optimising postnatal wellness involves a multifaceted approach. There is a paradigm shift that emphasises ongoing support to meet the unique needs of each woman, ensuring that they not only survive but thrive in this life-changing “fourth trimester.”

Author: Ferdinand Obi (MBBS, MWACS, FMCOG, MPH), Bridging medicine and words