Post Delivery Care: All You Should Know!!

Once a baby is born, a mother's world centers around her bundle of joy. Post pregnancy period can be challenging for a first-time mother. From breastfeeding to her diet, there are a lot of things going on in her mind post pregnancy. In this article, we answer some common yet important post pregnancy questions.

Lactating mothers with small or inverted nipples: For women with small or inverted nipples, breastfeeding may not always be smooth sailing. During pregnancy, the base of the nipples (one or both) may adhere together resulting in inverted nipples. The inversion can occur in one or both the nipples. However, inverted or small breasts seldom interfere or affect the milk flow. In some cases (deeply inverted nipples), during breastfeeding, the baby may face some problem to latch on. There is, however, nothing to press the panic button. Instead, consult a lactation consultant.

Useful Techniques--

If your nipples are flat or inverted, it is helpful if you have help from a Lactation Consultant if possible during the first feedings, as these are likely to present the most problems. Useful techniques include:

1. Nipple Stimulation. Unless it retracts completely, grasp the nipple and roll it between your thumb and index finger for 30 seconds, then touch it with a moist, cold cloth immediately before offering it to your baby
2. Pulling back on the areola before you latch the baby on. Support your breast with your thumb on top and your other fingers underneath, and pull back on the breast toward the chest wall. This will help the nipple protrude.
3. Using a nipple shield. This is a thin, flexible silicone nipple with holes in the end that fits over your nipple during feedings. Modern nipple shields are made from a clear, thin layer of silicone, which means that more stimulation reaches the areola, and the reduction of milk volume is minimized.

How many times should the baby be breastfed?
The needs and requirements may not be same for all the babies. The initial few days may require frequent breastfeeding. In the next few weeks, for a healthy baby, the recommendation is about eight times a day. As the baby grows (from six months onwards), the requirement may drop down to three- four times a day.

Signs that your baby is getting enough breast milk-

1. Your breasts feel softer after nursing. 
2. Your baby seems satisfied and relaxed after taking a feed.
3. Your baby continues to gain weight. Your baby should gain about 6 to 8 ounces a week for the first four months, then about 4 to 6 ounces per week from 4 to 7 months.
4. Once your baby starts getting regular breast milk, he/she will start having at least six wet diapers a day.

Tips to ensure that the baby latches on during breastfeeding: The position of the mother and the baby can be a determining factor in how well the baby latches on during breastfeeding. While breastfeeding the baby, your breast should be within the range of the baby's mouth. Many mothers make the mistake of putting their hands on the nipples during breastfeeding. Use your hand to position the nipples towards the baby's mouth, but do not cover the nipples. Your hands should be at some distance from the nipples. Do not breastfeed your baby forcefully.

Heal your stitches-

1. Take bath at least once a day
2. Change your sanitary pad regularly,
3. Wash your hands frequently.
4. Keep doing your pelvic floor exercises, as it improves circulation to the area, and will help in quick healing.
5. Expose your stitches to the air for 10mins a day. Take your panties off and rest on your bed. Put an old, clean cloth underneath you to protect the sheets.
6. Avoid wearing tight trousers. 

Post Delivery FAQs

1. Post pregnancy, a woman needs at least 4-6 weeks rest before she can resume her sex life.
2. A woman should not lift heavy objects post pregnancy at least for a month (or as recommended by the doctor). Women who had a C-section should be extra careful.
3. A healthy mother with no complications can get on with her normal life within 2-3 weeks. However, doctors recommend 6-weeks (or till the first check-up) before resuming the daily activities.
4. Take care of the stitches (especially, C-section) to avoid infection. The area around the stitches should be kept clean and dry. Rest as much as possible. In the case of any discomfort, consult your physician.
5. Pay attention to your diet post pregnancy. Lactating mothers should avoid foods that have high mercury content. Avoid smoking and drinking while breastfeeding. Some believe that having clarified butter (ghee) may speed up the recovery. However, there is no scientific evidence to prove this fact. Drink plenty of water, and eat fibre-rich foods, such as brown rice, whole-wheat roti, wholemeal bread, green vegetables, and fruits, in order to prevent constipation.