The First Month After Childbirth: Tips for Moms

The psychological state of a woman in the first month after childbirth

The first month after childbirth is always somewhat uncomfortable for a woman: previously, she went to work, performed useful functions for society, communicated with friends, and had hobbies. Now, the young mother is forced to stay within four walls, constantly tied to the baby. She may feel helpless in some situations, useless to society, and experience a lack of communication. All this together can lead to postpartum depression.

However, there is another side – caring for the baby brings joy to many women, they enjoy observing the new family member, telling them about the world around, and generally having fun times.

If a young mother experiences problems with her psychological state, she should consult a specialist. An online course offers a psychologist who can help solve these issues.

Condition of the body and the recovery process

In the initial period after childbirth, a woman may still experience some effects of pregnancy. Internal organs have not yet returned to their places, and the circulatory system is gradually readjusting after working “on two fronts” – for both the mother and the baby. During the first month, there will be blood-tinged discharge called lochia. This signals the process of the uterus’s final cleansing.

An important stage at this time is establishing lactation. Women who have decided to breastfeed need to learn how to do it correctly, express milk, and establish feeding, as well as learn how to prevent lactostasis and mastitis. Mothers who are inclined towards formula feeding will also face challenges: mastering quick and effective formula preparation, sterilizing bottles while managing lactation.

Overall, any issues women face in the first month postpartum are resolved either by waiting them out or consulting a specialist physician.

How to fill the first days after childbirth at home with positive emotions?

After childbirth, women experience a number of restrictions: in food, rest, and free time. All of this, combined with the burden of caring for the baby and painful recovery, worsens the overall condition of the woman. To prevent this from becoming an obstacle in loving the baby, it is important to approach all aspects of your new life wisely.

Food in the first weeks postpartum should be nutritious and balanced. It is important to abandon outdated misconceptions that breastfeeding mothers are heavily restricted in food and must adhere to a strict diet. Another myth is the necessity to eat heavily, ‘eating for two,’ during breastfeeding. In reality, this practice lacks logical justification.

For young mothers, there are only two main rules in nutrition: avoid allergens and pay attention to the laxative and binding properties of foods. Both rules apply not only to breastfeeding mothers but also to those practicing formula feeding. The fact is, after childbirth, allergies can develop to new foods, even those that previously caused no reaction. The second rule is justified by the fact that the intestines do not work as smoothly after childbirth, making it easy for disorders to arise.

Ample hydration is a faithful companion of enhanced lactation. This is worth considering for women when choosing the type of feeding for their baby. A woman who decides to wean but continues to drink a lot of fluids will have difficulty with milk reduction.

For a woman in the first month postpartum, personal time is a relief. It can be dedicated to rest, learning new skills, or even spending a few hours returning to work if it’s loved that much. It’s important to agree in advance with family and friends about any possible assistance. Some may need time that can be fully devoted to themselves, while others might just need ongoing help with minor household chores.

Some mothers hurry to start losing weight and getting back in shape right in the first days postpartum. This is incorrect, as the body needs time to recover after childbirth. Specialists from the online course can help with all the issues related to postpartum recovery.