Postpartum Care

Postpartum depression...

The "baby blues" are very common, starting suddenly on the third of fourth day after birth. About 50-80% of new mothers cry and feel overwhelmed, crabby, restless, and anxious. Some women have lots of ups and downs, like a roller coaster.

Baby blues are unpleasant, but they usually go away on their own in less than two weeks. Take good care of yourself. Ask for and accept help from others.

However, if you are feeling extremely sad and are concerned about your feelings please discuss it with your health care provider.

Please click on the link below to learn more about this topic:

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Your care...

To give your best to your baby, you need to take care of your own health needs first:

• Remember to take it easy and rest as often as you can. Do not be afraid to ask for and accept help. Learn to delegate and share chores. The most obvious tasks to give up are laundry, dishes, garbage, shopping and pet care. Learn to say no and, if necessary, let go or cut back on some of your commitments. Others will understand. For more ideas
• Take naps when the baby takes a nap.
• Plan to see your health care provider about 2-6 weeks after the baby is born. If problems arise before call your doctor immediately.

Also, you should contact your doctor if the following occurs:

• Vaginal discharge with a foul odor
• Bleeding that increases more than that of a normal period
• Clots larger that the size of a quarter
• Fever or temperature greater than 100.4 degrees

If you had an Episiotomy (small cut made between your vagina and anus) or a perineal tear to allow more room for the baby to be delivered or had a Cesarean birth, please report any of the following to your health care provider:

• Redness or pain around the incision site
• Drainage from the incision
• Opening at the edges of the incision
• A temperature above 100.4 degrees

If  you have had an episiotomy or perineal tear you will receive special care for the stitches. A nurse will show you how to wash properly using a peribottle with warm water to clean this area every time you go the bathroom. "Sitz" baths or sitting in a tub with warm shallow water can also help ease any discomfort.

"Afterpains" - you may have "afterpains" for a few days because your uterus keeps contracting to return to its normal size. These pains may feel a little like menstrual cramps. If you are breastfeeding you may experience more cramping while you are feeding. This is a normal process and necessary to return your body to its pre-pregnancy state.

Breast Care for Mothers Who Breast Feed

• Wear a nursing bra both for convenience and support.
• You can relieve some discomfort by nursing your baby frequently, changing position of the baby's mouth on your breast at each feeding, and making sure the baby has a good latch on all of your nipple and some of the surrounding areola (dark area around your nipple).
• Wash your breast with plain water when you shower or take a bath. Do not use alcohol, as this will dry out the nipple area. Do not use strong soaps that can remove protective skin oils.
• Air dry your nipple after nursing.
• Please report any of the following to your health care provider:
  • Pain, swelling, or reddened areas on your breast
  • Any suspicious drainage from in and around your nipples that does not look like breast milk.
  • A temperature greater than 100.04 degrees
  • If you feel fatigue or "flu-like" symptoms occur

Breastfeeding support around the Capital Region:

• La Leche League 518-439-1774
• Albany Med Lactation Consultants 518-262-3005
• St. Peter's Lactation Consultants 518-525-1388
• Breastfeeding Website: www.breastfeedingpartners.org

Your baby's care...

Click on the link below for information about baby's health.

Infant care