The
Early Weeks as a New Mum!
Here’s an overview of what to expect in
your first weeks of motherhood, as well as some practical suggestions and
health information. If you’re worried about your health or wellbeing for any
reason, speak to a health professional.
It is true that after your first baby is
born, your life changes forever. Physically your body has changed a lot, and
not all the changes are reversible. Mentally and emotionally, you are now a
mother. Even though your child will not always rely on you for every need as a
new baby does, she will always be your child.
After the birth
If all is well, you might only stay a
couple of days in hospital (although some women go home on a supported early
discharge programme). It will be a very busy time with a lot to learn, and can
seem quite confusing. The staff might seem busy, but they are there to help you
so ask any questions you have about yourself or your baby.
You’re likely to feel very excited at
first, and relieved that the long wait of pregnancy and hard work of giving
birth are over. There will be phone calls and visitors and congratulations as
everyone greets the new arrival.
After the first day or so, though, you
might start to feel quite flat and let down. You might be physically uncomfortable,
quite exhausted, worried about managing feeding and overwhelmed with all you
need to do for the baby. Massive hormone changes don’t help either. Not
surprisingly, many mothers have mood swings and lots of tears at this time.
This is what is meant by the baby blues.
You will notice changes in your breasts as
your milk comes in (also known as ‘let down’). If your baby attaches and sucks
well, your breast might become fuller fairly gradually, but sometimes they get
hard, full and uncomfortable quite quickly. This is called engorgement and
there are things you can do to help.
It is common for nipples to feel a bit
tender as they get used to the baby feeding. This will be helped by making sure
your baby attaches properly.
Coming home
Bringing your baby home for the first time
can feel rather scary. There’s so much to think about and organize and you
worry about what to do first, or what will happen if the baby won’t stop
crying. Try to have somebody with you for the first day or two, at least. Keep
a list of parenting hotlines handy so you can ring to talk things over with
someone if you need to.
The feeling of responsibility for your
baby’s life can be overwhelming at first. Every first baby survived a new mum,
and yours will too.
Physical recovery and concerns
if you have an episiotomy (cut), or a tear,
or a Caesarean section wound, you will feel some soreness as it heals,
especially as you start being more active. This discomfort should gradually
lessen over the next couple of weeks. If it seems to be getting worse rather
than better, or if it is suddenly more painful, check with your doctor.
You will be bleeding at first. This blood
loss might be quite heavy in the first week, and also get a little worse when
you first get home and more active. You might pass some clots. After the first
week, your loss (called lochia) should gradually get lighter and change from
red to dark red to brown to yellowish white. It might clear up in 10-14 days,
or there might be some loss for several weeks. Again, if the bleeding is
getting heavier rather than lighter, or if you have a sudden heavy loss or
large clots after the first few days, check with your doctor or midwife.
When you’re breastfeeding, the hormone that
lets down your milk will also cause the uterus (womb) to contract. You might
feel some discomfort low in your tummy (these are called ‘afterpains’ and are
more commonly felt with second or third children), and you might notice you
bleed a little more during feeds. This is all normal.
Breastfeeding is a new skill for you and
your baby. It might take some time for you both to learn how best to manage.
Early breastfeeding problems can usually be easily overcome, so do get help if
you need it.
New babies
need feeding every few hours, day and night. You will feel very tired
from broken sleep, so it’s important to rest, or to sleep if you can, during
the day. The housework will keep until later.
It’s great to have visitors at home in the
early weeks, but it can be tiring too. Put a notice on the door if you’re
having a rest. Encourage the sort of visitor who does some jobs around the
house, minds the baby or even brings a meal, and discourage those who want to
just sit while you provide afternoon tea.
The Early Weeks
You and your baby will gradually get to
know each other, and you and your husband will gain confidence as the weeks go
by.
Most mums find the ‘baby blues’ stage only
last a week or two (with highs and lows over this time), then they gradually
get back to normal. But it’s not unusual for the blues to continue, or for you
to start feeling tearful, anxious and depressed at any stage in the first few
months. If you’re feeling bad much of the time, and particularly if this
interferes with your sleep or enjoyment of the baby, do talk to someone about
it.
Your period
If you’re breastfeeding, you might not get
your period until the baby is 4 – 6 months old or later. This can vary a lot
though. Some women start their periods at two or three months and others not
for a year or more. If you’re not breastfeeding, your period will usually
return in a few weeks.
Whenever it comes, your first periods after
having a baby might well be heavier and more uncomfortable than usual. Don’t
worry, the next one should be better. Do remember, however, that you could get
pregnant before this period, so take precautions if you don’t want another baby
immediately.
Looking after yourself
Looking after yourself is very important if
you are to have enough energy to look after your baby.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help – babies
weren’t meant to be brought up by just one person. Get rest, exercise and some
time out, even for a short time. Physically you should gradually feel stronger
over the first few weeks, but it can take some time to feel you’re back to
normal energy levels.
Make sure you have a postnatal check at
about 6 – 8 weeks with your doctor, an ideal time to discuss any concerns you
have.
What you can do for yourself
·
All new parents need support.
If you’re parenting on your own this is even more important. It’s OK to say yes
if someone offers to help you.
·
Make sure you take some time
out for yourself and to do some things with your husband or a friend.
·
Take care of yourself. Make
sure you do some things you enjoy regularly, get some exercise and eat well.
·
If you feel desperate when your
baby is crying, make sure she is safe and then leave the room until you feel
better. Play some music, make a cup of tea, ring someone who understands or do
whatever helps you.
·
If you find you’re feeling down
and irritable most of the time, talk it over with your doctor, your mum, your
spouse or a close friend.
BUY NOW FOR COMPLETE BABY DEVELOPMENT
