Post natal Care

THE ADVENTURE
BEGINS NOW

Now begins a positive chapter in your life – the start of an exciting new adventure. The postnatal period begins after birthing and ends when the mother's body has nearly returned to its pre-pregnant state. This period usually lasts six to eight weeks. The postnatal period involves the mother progressing through many changes, both emotionally and physically, while learning how to deal with all the changes and adjustments required with becoming a new mother. The postnatal period also involves the parents learning how to care for their newborn and how to function as a changed family unit. A mother needs to take good care of herself to rebuild her strength. You will need plenty of rest, good nutrition, and help during the first few weeks. Your nine months of waiting have ended. You have just given birth to your baby and now you are full of the wonder and excitement of caring for your newborn! No doubt - you are also full of questions. To be well prepared in advance, "Welcome Motherhood" - an initiative by CheQKmate would have helped you and your partner cope up with the sudden changes that happens after child birth, breast feeding issues and care of your newborn.

Taking care of yourself

Baby yourself
too!!!

• Take enough rest
• Sleep when the baby sleeps
• Eat healthy and balanced diet
• Take plenty of liquids
• Wear a supportive bra
• Maintain a correct posture while breast feeding
• For stitches after vaginal delivery, take warm baths (seitz bath) to relieve soreness

• For stitches after cesarean section, keep the incision clean and dry
• Start postnatal exercises as soon as you're comfortable or when the doctor permits you
• Do not lift anything heavier than your baby
• Get on to birth control six weeks post pregnancy
• Continue calcium supplements for at least six months
• Do not miss your doctor appointment
• Get vaccinated

Taking care of your Angel

LOVE AT
FIRST SIGHT!!!

• Always exclusively breastfeed your baby unless and until indicated otherwise
• Handle your baby with care
• Learn how to bathe your baby
• Do not over dress your baby
• Do not use lotions or powders unless recommended by a doctor
• Wash new clothes to make them soft before putting them on your baby

• Wipe the umbilical cord and keep it clean and dry
• Wipe baby's bottom with mild soap and water
• Keep your baby's toe nails and finger nails short to prevent scratches
• Ensure that baby passes enough urine and stool
• Follow the immunization schedule recommended by a Doctor

Mission Breastfeeding

Give your angel
the breast start in life

Breast milk in the one and only natural, complete and complex nutrition for your angel. Here are few breastfeeding tips -

• Be sure you get the right latch
• Be sure to burp your baby
• Experiment with different breastfeeding positions
• Get an eye witness
• Get breastfeeding help early
• Use a breast pump if needed
• Use breastfeeding props
• Keep it pure
• Expect that breastfeeding will be challenging
• Think peaceful thoughts

Benefits to the Angel

• Stronger immune system
• Decreased likelihood of SIDS
• Decreased likelihood of childhood cancer
• Decreased risk of obesity
• Decreased risk of heart disease as an adult

Benefits to the Mother

• Faster loss of pregnancy weight
• Natural contraceptive
• Decreased chances of osteoporosis
• Decreased chances of breast cancer and ovarian cancer
• Emotional benefits

When to see your Doctor ?

• Heavy bleeding
• Increasing pain over stitches
• Fever greater than 100 degree F
• Pain when you urinate
• Painful cramps
• Feeling that may hurt yourself or your baby
• Painful lumps in your breasts