As an OBGYN, I get many questions about postnatal care, often called the "fourth trimester". It is a vital period that includes physical recovery, mental health support, breastfeeding guidance, and regular pediatric check-ups. So let me answer some of the most commonly asked questions.

I will also help you understand why postnatal care matters, how to plan your check-ups and the little things you can do to make this transition smoother for both you and your baby.

Postnatal care involves making sure both you and your baby are healthy and supported as you adjust to this new phase. It’s the time when your doctor checks on your recovery, monitors your baby’s growth, and helps address any concerns. From my experience, this is when I often address concerns like lingering fevers or overwhelming emotions.

Postnatal care is designed to meet the unique needs of every mother and child, with a series of timely doctor visits to ensure the best outcomes for both. Here’s a quick guide to help you understand when and how often these visits should happen.

Immediate Postnatal Care: The First 24 Hours

In those crucial first 24 hours, we focus on making sure you’re recovering well and your baby is thriving. It could include:

• Monitoring vital signs and overall health.
• Addressing any immediate concerns, like excessive bleeding or complications.
• Guiding you through breastfeeding and basic newborn care.
• Ensuring you’re comfortable and stable before leaving the hospital.
• Helping schedule your follow-up appointments with their staff.

Routine Postnatal Visits: From Day 3 to Week 6

Postnatal care ensures you get the attention and support you need to heal and thrive. Your body has just done something incredible, and now it’s time to nurture yourself.

Monitoring Maternal Health and Managing Complications

When I work with mothers, I emphasise the importance of paying attention to everything you're feeling after childbirth, from emotional to physical. It helps us assess your recovery. Here's what to expect:

• Physical recovery: Your doctor will monitor things like vaginal bleeding, wound healing, and pelvic floor health to ensure you're recovering well.
• Mental health: You will be screened for conditions like postpartum depression and anxiety and provided the support you need.
• Chronic conditions: If you have hypertension, diabetes, or thyroid issues, your doctor will monitor these conditions closely.
• Infection control: You will be asked to be watchful for signs of infection like fever or unusual discharge to catch any issues early.
• Breastfeeding support: If you face any challenges with breastfeeding, you will be given lactation support.
• Contraception and family planning: Your doctor will discuss birth control options and family planning with you to help you plan ahead.

Nutrition, Hygiene, and Pain Relief for New Moms

Here’s how you can take care of yourself during the postpartum period:

Nutrition

• Fluid intake: I encourage ample consumption of fluids and electrolyte-rich beverages to support recovery.
• Balanced diet: Have nutrient-dense foods high in protein, vitamins A, C, B-complex, and zinc to promote healing.

Hygiene

• Personal hygiene: Follow proper hygiene practices to minimise the risk of infections.
• Wound care: Your doctor will offer guidance on caring for surgical sites or perineal tears.

Pain Relief

• Pain management: Your doctor will also advise on managing postpartum discomfort, including safe medication use and alternative methods.
• Comfort measures: Techniques like warm baths and rest help a lot in alleviating pain and promoting relaxation.
   

As you focus on your own recovery, your baby’s care is just as important. From regular check-ups to simple daily routines, every little step helps your baby grow strong and healthy.

Umbilical Cord Care, Bathing, and Growth Monitoring

• Umbilical cord care: Keep the cord stump clean and dry until it falls off naturally.
• Bathing: Give sponge baths until the cord stump falls off, then transition to tub baths.
• Growth monitoring: Regularly measure the baby's weight, length, and head circumference.
• Skincare: Keep the baby's skin moisturised and protect it from diaper rash.
• Safe sleep practices: Place the baby on their back to sleep and avoid soft bedding.

As a doctor, I always encourage new mothers to embrace breastfeeding as not just nourishment but a powerful bonding experience. Breastfeeding creates moments of trust and love that will stay with you and your baby forever. Skin-to-skin contact, especially in the first hour after birth, promotes the release of oxytocin, the 'love hormone', which fosters maternal bonding and helps initiate breastfeeding.

It’s okay if breastfeeding feels challenging at first. You’re not alone—there’s help available to make the journey smoother. Despite difficulties, other forms of close contact, such as touching, talking, and gazing into the baby's eyes, are also highly effective in fostering a strong bond, making them an integral part of postnatal care.

Remember, you are not alone in this journey. Lean on your support system, and let them help you through the joys and challenges of the postnatal period. Together, you can create a loving, nurturing environment for your little one to thrive.