EXPERIENCE OF GIVING BIRTH:

It’s a great feeling to hold your baby in your arms. Believe me, I have delivered more than a hundred babies as a midwife, it always felt like I was witnessing a miracle. But when I held my baby in my arms it was a totally different feeling – an “out of this world” experience. 

FAMILY FOCUS CARE:

Parents prepare extensively for the arrival of their new baby, and after birth, the focus is entirely on the care of the baby. This is great, but along with the care of the baby, it is important to take care of yourself. After delivery, mother and baby are exhausted physically, while the father and close family members are tired mentally. So, care has to be family-focused and helping each other.

NEVER HESITATE TO ASK FOR HELP:

While you think you can do everything, never hesitate to ask for help from family and friends. As we know recovery might not be the same for everyone depending on the delivery, whether it was vaginal or c-section, short or long labor.  

In the hospital, nurses and doctors do a good job in explaining what is going on, but with exhaustion, lack of sleep, it’s hard to take it all in at once. 

WATCH FOR:

Some discomfort is normal after delivery. But watch for any warning signs and symptoms to get medical attention. 

Watch for any heavy vaginal bleeding, passing large clots, vaginal area red or swollen and pus or foul odor; pain in the leg, redness or swelling; sore breast, hard or red hot to touch; chest pain breathing difficulty, palpitation; pain abdomen, if c-section or episiotomy; having severe headache and the problem with vision; fever above 100.4; feeling of weakness; severe mood swings, not feeling like eating, always exhausted, unable to enjoy the beautiful time with the baby.

Research shows 10% Father also can go through mood swings

SUGGESTION OF THINGS YOU MIGHT NEED FOR AFTERCARE:

Labor cannot be predicted how it will progress so the below list has suggestions that might be helpful.

  • Chuck pads (For protecting bed)
  • Ice packs (Help to reduce swelling and soreness)
  • Tucks Pad (Help to soothe the perineum and hemorrhoids)
  • Witch hazel bottle (For making the frozen pads)
  • A squeeze bottle (For pouring on the perineal wound after vaginal delivery)
  • Donut pillow (For comfort sitting after episiotomy or tear)
  • Mesh Panty’s (Helps to hold better the big pads without pressure)
  • Big Pads (Overnight protection pads)
  • Sitz bath

– Container for a sitz bath

– Epson salt and essential oil

  • Abdominal belt (Supporting abdomen)
  • Lidocaine spray (Dermoplast)
  • Nursing Bra (Breast support)
  • Breast comfort (Cold / Hot soft gel packs)
  • Nursing Pads (Prevent soiling of Shirt/top)
  • Lanolin cream (Preventing Cracked nipples)
  • Tea Bags (Helps cracked nipple)
  • Over counter pain meds
  • Stool softener

It’s very important to eat healthily, have family and friends help with food/cooking. Do grocery before, prepare food, and stacked in freezer individual pack. If you have pets, have enough food at home for them. Have a list handy of people you may need to contact.

Be prepared as much as possible so you can spend time bonding with the new member of your family.