• Early mobility is preferred. It decreases the chances of urinary retention, constipation, blood clots in legs and also drainage of post delivery unnecessary materials from the uterus
• Discharge from hospital (if no complications) should be within 2 days in a case of vaginal delivery & within 4 days in case of cesarean delivery.
• Mother should food according to her choice in adequate amounts. It should contain adequate amounts of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins and micronutrients. Can take advice from nutritionists if needed. Breast feeding mothers need higher caloric intake in their food (500 calories extra than non breast feeding women).
• Adequate sleep is needed. So any problems leading to less sleep for the new mother should be dealt with promptly.
• Constipation after delivery should be treated with food having high leafy vegetable content, lots of oral water intake (3 lit/day) and if needed laxatives can be used.
• Mother should try and pass urine as early as possible after a vaginal delivery. If passing urine becomes a problem due to pain in stitches or less bladder tone then an urinary catheter is inserted to evacuate urine. The catheter can be kept inserted into the bladder till bladder tone returns. In case of cesarean delivery same principle to be followed after removing urinary catheter inserted during the operation.
• Post vaginal delivery the vaginal and perineal stitch area should be kept clean & dry. Area should be washed with soap & water after every act of urination & defecation. Wiped with dry clean cloth. For initial 2 weeks an antibiotic ointment can be used to apply on perineal wound.
• Breast care
- Wear a nursing bra that fits well but is not too tight or restrictive, but actually supports the breasts well. Avoid underwired bra.
- Take daily bath. Wash breast with normal water only. Do not use soap as it causes cracked nipples by removing the protective coating on nipple and areola, derived from natural secretions of glands around the nipples.
- Nipple should be washed with water and cotton before & after each feed and kept dry between feeds.
- Change nursing pads if they become soiled or wet.
• Rooming-in
Hospital practice where mothers and normal babies stay together in the same room, all day from after delivery. This is to be practiced as it creates the much needed bonding between the baby and the mother. Helps in early initiation and sustenance of breast feeding. Also helps in making the mother conversant with the babies everyday habits and behaviour helping the mother to better raise their children.
• Vaccines
- Rubella vaccine if not given before pregnancy & mother in non immune to rubella virus.
- In Rh (-)ve mothers with Rh(+)ve babies Anti-D immunoglobulin injection has to be given within 72 hours of delivery.
- TDaP vaccine if missed in pregnancy.
Here I have tried to focus in brief about important aspects of normal post delivery care for mothers. This is certainly not an exhaustive discussion but any other queries can be dealt with adequately by your gynecologist or baby doctor if needed. You can also mail your queries to deborjyotipalqueries@outlook.com.
