Postpartum maternal behavior Various organs that have changed since pregnancy will start to return to normal. However, some changes cannot be reverted back to the way they were, such as stretch marks and body shape. The changes after delivering can take about 6 weeks to cease.
Activities postpartum mothers can do
Postpartum mothers can engage in activities such as
- Housework They can do light housework like sweeping and wiping tables, while heavy lifting should be avoided.
- Eating They should consume a balanced diet with all food groups and fruits and vegetables high in fiber to prevent constipation.
- Wound care
- Stitched wounds can be cleaned as usual.
- C-section wounds might feel numb above the incision area.
- Rest They should rest as much as possible.
- Managing lochia Initially, lochia is a fresh mucus, then turns into old blood, and should lighten to normal lochia and stop within 2 weeks. If after 2 weeks the lochia is still red, consult a doctor as it may indicate inflammation or retained placenta.
- Sexual Intercourse Should be avoided for about 2 months as the vaginal walls might be thin due to pregnancy hormones.
Postpartum body exercises
- Breastfeeding Breast milk contains complete and balanced nutrition, provides immunity against various infections, is sterile, can prevent constipation in infants, and can help reduce postpartum bleeding, leading to the uterus shrinking faster and the stomach returning to normal more quickly.
- Breastfeeding positions One should sit in a comfortable position, with arms and back supported, to prevent back pain and fatigue from breastfeeding. In some cases, when a mother cannot breastfeed, infant formula is another option.
- Milk storage For mothers who produce excess milk or need to return to work, breast milk can be stored at room temperature for about 6 hours, in an ordinary fridge for 24 hours, in a freezer for 2 weeks, and in a deep freezer for about 3 months. Thawed breast milk can be stored in the fridge for 12 hours before use.
Family Planning
Normally, sexual intercourse should be avoided for 6 – 8 weeks postpartum and consider family planning on the postnatal check-up. Options may include birth control pills, contraceptive patches, intrauterine devices, condoms, or immediate postpartum sterilization if the family is complete, or later through laparoscopic sterilization, which causes less pain and quicker recovery.
