The Postpartum Period

Having a baby is an exciting but daunting time. As your due date gets nearer, it is common to start thinking about what will happen after you have actually had the baby and what to expect during the postpartum period.

What is the postpartum period?

The postpartum period is the period of time that immediately follows the birth of your child. Some mothers leave hospital within a few hours of giving birth. This is less common for first time mothers, however. Usually, those who have had an uncomplicated vaginal delivery return home within 1-2 days of giving birth, while those who have had a caesarean section usually return home within 3-4 days.

During this postpartum period, you and your child are assessed to ensure that you are fit and healthy, both physically and emotionally. You and your baby will be monitored at hospital and also when you return home.

Physical issues

Any issues arising from the birth will be investigated and you will be monitored to make sure that you can take care of your baby. If you gave birth vaginally, then any tears will be assessed and sutured if necessary. Your bladder may also be assessed as postpartum urinary incontinence is common. If you have had a caesarean, then the doctors or nurses will check that you are healing well. They will also help with breastfeeding your baby or, in some maternity units, there are specialist breastfeeding advisors who are available to help.

Psychological issues

Many women will experience the 'baby blues' at some point during the first few days. This is not uncommon as the significant changes that a baby brings, along with exhaustion, can be difficult to cope with. A smaller number of women experience post-traumatic stress disorder, often when there has been a complicated delivery. As with any type of psychological condition, early diagnosis and treatment is important. If you think you may be experiencing a post-traumatic stress disorder, seek help from your doctor.

Bringing your baby home

Bringing your baby home can be a scary prospect as it is a bit like stepping into the unknown. However exciting, looking after a newborn child can also be worrying, particularly when it is your first baby. Feeding, sleeping, changing and learning your baby's different cries can be difficult, particularly if you are exhausted after the birth. However, there is much in the way of support available to help you during this period.

Friends and family

Friends and family can be of invaluable support during the early days. Just make sure that they are looking after you rather than the other way round. Some new mums revel in a stream of visitors admiring their new arrival, while others prefer to limit visitors to immediate family and very close friends. Others opt not to have any visitors at all during the first few days, preferring to spend time adjusting to and getting to know their baby first.

Midwife and health visitor checks

You will be visited by a community midwife the day after you have been discharged from hospital. The purpose of this visit is to make sure that you and your baby are doing well. The midwife will weigh your baby and check that your baby is feeding well. She will check that the baby's umbilical stump is healing. She will also feel your tummy to make sure that your uterus is returning to its normal size and, if you've had a caesarean, she may also check that the scar is healing well.

Guthrie test

When your baby is between 6 and 14 days old you will offered a heel prick test that is known as the Guthrie test. During the test, which is usually done at home, a few drops of blood will be collected from your baby's heel. The blood will then be tested for some uncommon but serious conditions such as cystic fibrosis.

Further visits

Your midwife will agree regular visits with you in your home until your baby is approximately 2 weeks old. If all is well, she will hand over responsibility for your care to the health visitor who is allocated to your GP's surgery. Your health visitor will usually visit you at home once. After this, it is usual to see her at your GP's surgery, baby clinic or health centre. You can also phone her for advice if you need it.

Postnatal depression

Postnatal depression is also called postpartum depression. This is a clinical form of depression that usually starts within the first few months of having a baby and which can last for several months or even a year. Symptoms include fatigue, loss of appetite, anxiety and crying episodes. It is important to recognise that having postnatal depression does not mean that you do not love or cannot care for your baby. If you think you may be suffering with postnatal depression, you should consult your GP as soon as possible.

The postpartum period is an exciting time when you finally get to meet the baby that you have been carrying. There is much in the way of support available during this time to ensure that both you and your baby are fit and healthy. From friends and family to medical professionals, it is important to ask for help when you need it and make the most of the precious first few months.