Here are some steps for healing your body as it works to re-balance itself both physically and emotionally.
Bonding After Childbirth
Right after your baby is born, nothing should stand in the way of your first hello. That first hour after baby's arrival is a magical time and is best spent with baby laying skin-to-skin on your chest. This is your golden chance to bond and help baby feel safe. Other tasks, like weighing and bathing can wait!
During skin-to-skin contact, baby can feel your warmth and hear your heartbeat and breathing. Relaxing hormones are released in both you and baby, helping you bond. Frequent eye and voice contact during this time helps with bonding as well, and reduces the risk of postpartum depression. This practice also promotes baby's natural breastfeeding behaviors, such as rooting (searching for the breast) and attaching to your breast.
Dads, this time is special for you too! Enjoy Magic Hour with your new family by supporting mom and softly talking to baby.
We know that family and friends are anxious to meet baby, but ask that they wait until after Magic Hour to come in and visit.
Our Mother/Baby suites are equipped with a television, private bathroom and a sleeper sofa for one adult overnight guest. Your baby will sleep in a bassinet right next to your bed.
Under the skillful care of your nurse, you'll begin to adjust to life as a new family. This time is the perfect opportunity to ask questions and get to know your new baby. Your pediatrician will examine your baby in your room, offering you another chance to learn how to care for your baby before you go home.
While you are in the hospital, a lactation nurse will visit you to address any breastfeeding concerns or issues. Your nurse is happy to answer questions and assist with feedings. We encourage you to watch the breastfeeding programming on our digital on-demand TV.
All new moms need rest. Having a baby is exhausting, but adjusting to parenthood is hard work, too. Caring for a newborn 24 hours a day is both emotionally and physically demanding. Rest as much as possible. Try to sleep when your baby sleeps and let others help you.
It takes several weeks to recover from delivering a baby vaginally. It takes longer if you have had a cesarean section (C-section). Always consult with your physician about recovery times. Let your family and friends help with cooking, laundry and housework. Climb stairs carefully. Do not lift anything heavier than your baby.
Woman's continues to care for moms after they give birth and go home. We offer several classes and programs for new mothers, as well as postnatal fitness classes to help you get back in shape after pregnancy.
While the life of a new mother is a rewarding adventure, the days, weeks and months following delivery are a time of adjustment. You can learn a great deal through classes, books and the Internet, but most parenting know-how comes from hand-on experience.
Here are tips to keep in mind:
- Know that you'll be emotional. You may be euphoric or depressed or something in between. Or, you may swing from one emotion and another, like you're on an emotional roller coaster. Learn about the differences between the baby blues and postpartum depression.
- Don't put too much pressure on yourself to be the "perfect" mother. Be patient. You'll need some time to get the hang of it. Remember to take care of yourself, too.
- If you had a C- section, you need to recover from both childbirth and surgery. Consider these helpful tips for your recovery.
- Don't expect to return immediately to your pre-pregnancy figure. Even though you may have dropped 20 pounds with childbirth, you probably won't fit into your old clothes right away. We can help you with nutritional counseling or personal training.
Be Patient with Physical Changes
You'll have challenges during the post-pregnancy period. Vaginal soreness, breast soreness and painful bowel movements are common. Physical effects of childbirth vary depending on whether you had a vaginal birth or a C-section.
Keep in mind that all the negative effects of childbirth won't compare to the amazement and love you feel for your new child. You'll find that the difficulty, pain and sleepless nights are worth it.
Monitoring your blood pressure is an important part of perinatal care.
High blood pressure (also called hypertension) during and after pregnancy can pose various risks for you and your baby. High blood pressure usually has no signs or symptoms, which is why it is important to attend all of your pre- and postnatal care visits. If it is determined that you are at risk, talk to your health care provider about the best ways to manage your blood pressure.
How to check your blood pressure at home video »