The excitement and difficulties of the postpartum period

If you're already a mom, you know exactly what to expect in the first few weeks after giving birth. You'll be able to prepare for it more easily and will likely be less anxious about your baby's arrival.

If you are expecting your first baby, you may feel a little anxious and uncertain, as the experience will be new. In such cases, it is worth getting informed, because if you learn about the things you will encounter for the first time after giving birth, the situation will become more familiar to you.

By the end of the postpartum period, most mothers are already familiar with their baby's tastes and reactions. They recognize their crying and the reason for it. And yet it's only a few weeks... yet the experience, the flood of new things, is so intense that you get used to it very quickly!

It starts in the hospital...

At the beginning of the postpartum period, the mother takes her place in the hospital ward or room after giving birth. In the few days spent here – usually 3-5 days – big changes occur compared to the last weeks of pregnancy. Not only physically, in terms of new activities, but also mentally. 

It is in these moments that the new mother, who has experienced her first birth, realizes that she has become a mother. Just as she is resting and giving space to her inner world, which still revolves around the memories of the birth, her newborn is brought in for the first breastfeeding, whom she can now see in this way, at peace, for the first time. 

From there, as they say, things start to take off. In addition to rest, there is always something to do, as the baby is fed at regular intervals, and after the milk has come in, regular breastfeeding is the best way to establish the required amount of milk, the balance between supply and demand. Many mothers are able to store the expressed milk in the hospital.

The hospital stay is a time when new mothers can learn a lot about caring for their babies, with the support of healthcare professionals. Doctors monitor the newborn's condition and the mother's recovery, and baby nurses provide practical advice. It's worth accepting their guidance and asking questions if there's anything you don't understand.

Source: Genetic diagnostics

Both the mother and her child learn in the hospital

Breastfeeding , feeding a child, is so natural that we would think that it does not require learning. Of course, there are situations when everything goes well, or the mother is already in a routine because she already has children. However, in the case of the first baby, you have to master the correct breastfeeding position, harmonious cooperation, get to know each other's reactions... this will develop nicely during practice. There are also breastfeeding consultants in hospitals who teach mothers everything.

During these days, mother and child begin to get to know each other . They become attuned to each other, and the bond deepens. The expectant mother learns how to care for her little one, and the baby recognizes and responds to its mother's voice and movements.

What is worth paying attention to during the days in the hospital?

The most important task of the expectant mother's body now is to start and maintain milk secretion, and to return to its pre-pregnancy state. To produce milk, it is necessary to drink a lot of fluids , which should be mostly water. It is worth avoiding fizzy drinks with a bloating effect, because they can also enter the baby's body. Milk production is a very energy-intensive process, so it is important for the expectant mother to be able to rest properly, also during the day. Exhaustion, anxiety, and stress inhibit milk production.

Source: Genetic diagnostics

The journey home is coming.

Everyone has been waiting for this day with great excitement! This is when the family can reunite, and the expectant mother would probably like to live her everyday life in the familiar cozy family nest. If you feel that you are worried about becoming independent, you should know that this is completely normal, and most women, especially those who have given birth to their first child, experience this feeling - they just usually don't talk about it. Remember that you will also receive help at home from your family members, the health visitor, and your pediatrician.

For the last day, you will prepare the baby's travel clothes and any other things the hospital may request for that day, such as diapers and sterile breast milk storage bags if you have collected milk to take home. 

It depends on the hospital whether the mother dresses the baby with help or the baby nurses do it. When traveling home, be careful about the weather outside and bring clothes for the little one accordingly.

The new family member is arriving!

You've probably tried to direct family members to come visit your child well in advance, according to your plan. This may also depend on family traditions. It's a common, beautiful custom for a grandmother to help her daughter bathe the newborn on the first day.

As a mother, you may feel particularly active in these first few days. 

What can you expect in the first 6 weeks?

As you breastfeed and care for your baby, you and your baby will become more familiar and get to know each other. Your little one will learn your voice, your smell, the taste of breast milk, and how to communicate with you when they feel hungry.

Your baby sleeps most of the time during this period. In the meantime, however, he develops at a rapid pace. By the time you reach the end of the cot period, he will already turn his head in the direction of sound stimuli, and will cry in various ways to indicate if he is hungry, scared, or sleepy. You will notice that a kind of daily routine is starting to emerge. This can easily change later, which is natural. 

You may have questions about one of the most important aspects of breastfeeding later on. You can always ask your midwife or lactation consultant about any problems you may have. You can even find a specialist for anesthesia, if necessary.

Your body is recovering better and better every day. Your uterus is slowly shrinking back to its original size, which you can sometimes feel when you notice contractions while breastfeeding. This is due to oxytocin.

Take good care of your perineal sutures , if any, to avoid infections. Postpartum bleeding is normal and lasts for 4-6 weeks.

Even if you have a lot of tasks, take time for your emotions! Processing the experience of childbirth is always important. Even if you experienced it very positively, and even if you didn't. As the many swirling feelings emerge, accept them naturally. Mood swings are greatly influenced by the drastic changes in hormones, the strangeness of the new role, and the memories of childbirth.

Source: Genetic diagnostics

What problems can occur during the postpartum period?

Breastfeeding difficulties

It may happen that your baby does not want to or cannot breastfeed. This can be caused by several things, for example, it is more difficult for him to take an overly full breast into his mouth. If the problem is due to the shape of the nipple, it will probably be discovered during the days in the hospital, and the solution will also be found. If you have such problems, you can seek help from a lactation consultant .

Chest inflammation

When one or more milk ducts in the breast do not empty properly, they become blocked and a painful lump forms. It may loosen and disappear on its own during breastfeeding, but this does not always happen. If it spreads to the entire breast, the breast becomes very sensitive, tight, and the mother develops a fever.

When there is no inflammation yet, you can use massaging movements to loosen the milk ducts so that the milk can move freely. However, if inflammation has already developed, it is worth consulting a doctor.

Source: La Leche League

Pain after cesarean section

Every mother experiences pain differently after a cesarean section. Everyone has their own limits, but the mother is still needed to care for her newborn. If the pain is severely limiting, medical help should be sought for pain relief.

Source: Dr. Zoltán Tömösváry

Appearance of hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are a very common complication of pregnancy and childbirth. They can cause bleeding, pain, and itching. It is important to pay attention to proper hygiene and a fiber-rich diet . The good news is that they often go away on their own a few weeks after childbirth. If they don't, it is worth seeing a proctologist about the problem.

Source: Dr. Péter Bánfalvi

Postpartum depression

Some mothers struggle with mood disorders after giving birth, and everyone is talking about it openly these days. Its symptoms are constant sadness , crying , listlessness , lack of motivation, and disinterest . The mother cannot be happy with her child and has difficulty forming a relationship with him. If the symptoms are serious, it is necessary to see a specialist who will help her get through this difficult period.

In a previous article, we wrote about the mental strain on mothers , it may be useful to read it!

During the postpartum period, it is worth accepting all well-intentioned help, as the expectant mother still needs a lot of rest.