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Survival Guide
Postnatal Helpful information from pregnancy to parenting.
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CONTRACEPTION
Discuss this with your LMC (Midwife, Dr)
Breastfeeding is not 100% effective as a Contraceptive.
Increased prolactin (a hormone) levels prevent stimulation of ovary: exclusive (no substitutes given) breastfeeding is 98% reliable 1st 6mths as form of contraceptive if there is no periods
Resume sexual intercourse when you feel it is right for you. Using KY jelly to start with may help.
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MATERNAL HEALTH
-Have a store of Large Maternity pads as blood loss is heavy in the first few days. Let your LMC know if you are changing your pad more than every hour or have passed large clots, ring an ambulance if severe. It is normal to bleed (lochia) up to six weeks after the birth, it is bright red like a heavy period then becomes pink in colour and then clearer. The amount reduces gradually.
-Let your LMC know if you feel unwell, have a high temperature, a smelly vaginal discharge, tender abdomen, or have pain or swelling in the calf (leg).
-Episiotomies/tears, soaking in the bath with 1 cup sea salt may help, or 1-2 drops of lavender oil as this acts as a antiseptic. Support your bottom area with your hand when laugh/cough. Other things that may help: Witch hazel, keep knees together when sitting and avoid constipation. Ural sachets and cranberry juice may reduce the sting on the stitches when you pass urine.
-You may have tearful days, it is hard work looking after a new baby, sometimes you will feel exhausted and overwhelmed. You may feel you don't get much time to yourself and sometimes feel lonely if you are unable to get out of the house. It is normal to have "bad days" but if you feel tearful all the time and depressed it is important to talk to someone.
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Pepsicles NZ Ltd
Pepsicles offers postnatal home help for the first few weeks after baby is born. Mum deserves to be looked after!
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POSTNATAL TIPS
POSTNATAL TIPS
-Be prepared antenatally as you will not have much time when baby arrives, and remember baby may arrive early
-Important to go outside as you can get cabin fever, and some days feel like ground hog-day. It is good to go see people or have antenatal group get togethers. You will also need some time to yourself away from the responsibility of looking after the baby.
-Find out about Baby friendly cafes, parents rooms, baby in arms at the movies sessions in your area.
-Gifts, if get given baby clothes leave labels on until you have checked that it will fit your baby as may need to exchange it
-Box of baby keepsakes- baby name bracelet, cot card
-If you are really tired limit visitors the first 2wks: need to sleep or rest when baby sleeps! Also do not let visitors wake the baby and no-one to visit with the flue, babies have poor immune systems. Grouping visitors can be a good idea, ie everyone come see the baby this Wednesday am.
-Rest is more important than housework
-A large box in the living room is handy to throw all the toys in at the end of the day
-Offers of food are great.
-Stock up on groceries and frozen meals
-Think about preparing dinner early eg use a crock-pot or peel a pot of potatoes in the morning, life gets busy around 5pm
-Group your messages to people re the birth eg message by email, answer phone message.
-Often you will be given a lot of advice, only use what makes sense to you. You are the parent you are the one who is looking after your child and know them better than anyone else.
-Raising your child shouldn't be a complicated exercise. Reading all the books and trying to be a perfect parent is exhausting and you will stop having fun if you do this. Children grow up fast take time to enjoy them.
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POSTNATAL VISITS
Often have 6+ Postnatal visits by your Midwife then a Plunket home visit at 4-6wks, but talk to your LMC re this
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VISITORS
Everyone wants to come see the new baby and it is hard for tired new parents to say "No".
Messages via email, answer phone or even a note on the front door can help. eg
Mum and baby need some settling in and recovery time.
If you wish to visit us in Hospital prefer this to be ...(day and time)
If you wish to visit us at home please wait... (1-3 weeks)
Ringing before you come in case we need to catch up on sleep.
All food very much appreciated.
If you have a cold or flue could you wait till better as babies immune systems are immature.
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