Fertility and Pregnancy - Postpartum Care Flashcards
What is the fourth trimester?
The 12-week period after birth when both the baby and mother go through significant physical and emotional changes.
Why is it important for a new mother to rest during the first week postpartum?
Rest helps the mother recover physically, establish breastfeeding, and adjust to the new role. It’s crucial to have a support network in place.
What should be stocked up in the freezer before birth?
Nourishing meals to help the mother focus on recovery and baby care without needing to cook.
How can a mother integrate her baby into everyday life during the fourth trimester?
Encourage baby-wearing and involve the baby in daily activities to foster bonding and establish a routine.
What is a helpful suggestion for visitors after birth?
Ask visitors to bring food instead of flowers, as it’s more practical and alleviates one less thing for the mother to take care of.
What are postpartum affective instability and baby blues?
Some women experience mood swings, tearfulness, irritability, and anxiety due to hormonal changes after childbirth.
How long do the baby blues last and what symptoms are common?
Symptoms typically peak around the fourth or fifth day postpartum and may last several days. Symptoms include mood fluctuations, tearfulness, irritability, and anxiety.
When should a mother seek help for postpartum mood changes?
If symptoms last for more than two weeks and include difficulty bonding with the baby, withdrawing from family, feelings of hopelessness, excessive crying, severe anxiety, or thoughts of harm to self or the baby.
What homeopathic remedies can be considered for postpartum mood instability?
Sepia 30C or Ignatia 30C, taken twice daily, may help. However, consult with a healthcare professional for guidance.
Why is thyroid function screening important postpartum?
Postpartum thyroiditis can occur in 4–9% of women, mimicking symptoms of anaemia and postpartum depression.
How can anaemia affect postpartum mood?
Anaemia can cause symptoms similar to depression, so screening for it is important, especially if the mother is experiencing fatigue, irritability, or low mood.
What is included in a ‘Mum MOT’?
A pelvic floor examination, screening for diastasis recti (abdominal separation), and checking for bladder, bowel, or sexual dysfunction.
