Caring for Mom Postpartum
Also known as the "fourth trimester," the weeks following childbirth are a critical period for new mothers. There is a lot that happens to a woman physically, mentally and emotionally. Your hormones will be in flux, your organs will be returning to their former positions and your breast milk will come in. You'll also be bonding with your baby and settling into a "new normal."
Breastfeeding Support
Breastfeeding is a wonderful – if sometimes challenging – experience. During your stay at the Birthing Center, our trained nurses coach you at bedside. They are also available 24/7 by calling our “warm line” at 843-522-5147.
Join other new parents at our Baby University Breastfeeding Class to learn the skill of latching the baby onto the breast.
Your OBGYN can also provide a referral for outpatient lactation services to help with ongoing feeding difficulties, including infant oral motor skills or tongue-tie, sore nipples, engorgement and low milk supply.
Returning to Your Obstetrician
Your Beaufort Memorial maternity team is here to take good care of you during this very important time.
If your delivery had no complications, your obstetrician will have you return for a postpartum visit four to six weeks after the birth of your baby. Having a C-section, bilateral tubal ligation (tubes tied) or health concerns like hypertension or preeclampsia will mean returning within two weeks.
During your postpartum/postnatal checkup, we’ll look at:
- Physical recovery from birth
- Mood and emotional well-being
- Infant care and feeding
- Sleep and fatigue
- Sexuality, contraception and birth spacing
- Chronic disease management
- Health maintenance
We also encourage you to ask questions and share any concerns so we can continue to meet your needs.
Contact Your Provider Right Away
After giving birth you are still vulnerable to some pregnancy-related conditions. If you have any unusual or concerning symptoms like the following, contact your doctor right away.
- Severe stomach pain
- Large blood clots
- Fever of 100.4 degrees or higher
- Feelings of sadness that won't go away
- Vaginal discharge that smells
- Swelling in your legs
Call 911 if you experience heavy bleeding a week after delivery, irregular heart rate, dizziness or unconsciousness.
Self-Care is Not Selfish
New moms often get swept up in the needs of caring for their newborn and don't think of themselves. The focus of friends and family may also turn to the baby rather than seeing the need to care for mom, too.
As a new mother you need:
- Rest so your body can heal
- Healthy food to nourish your body and water to drink
- A smoke- and vapor-free environment
- Emotional support and encouragement
- Connection with other moms — both new and experienced
- Help caring for the baby — diaper duty, swaddling, feeding, soothing, laundry, etc.
- Help with household chores — caring for older siblings, cooking, cleaning, errands, etc.
Make sure to communicate your needs to your loved ones. You can also reach out to our friendly Birthing Center staff if you have questions via the 24/7 warm line at 843-522-5147.
Regaining Pelvic Floor Health
Hormonal changes, along with the weight of your growing baby, put extra strain on the muscles which support your bladder, uterus and bowel. It is very normal for women to have pelvic floor issues during pregnancy or following childbirth, and for some those issues may show up decades later.
Let your provider know if you’re experiencing bladder incontinence or other urinary issues such as frequency or urgency, pelvic pain, pelvic organ prolapse or separation of the abdominal muscles. They may refer you to a pelvic floor therapist who can provide a variety of therapeutic exercises, therapies and strategies to improve function and quality of life.
Learn more about pelvic floor occupational therapy by calling 843-522-5630.