Postnatal Support In the Fourth Trimester
Congratulations on the birth of your new baby! Most new mums hear this from almost everyone including total strangers in the postnatal (also known as postpartum) and this is amazing!
For the first few days, you are overwhelmed with visitors who may expect to be hosted while you are just exhausted, thinking about the next feed, possibly uncomfortable from the Caesarean Section (CS) wound or perineal repair and just want five minutes to yourself.
Eventually the visits reduce (quite rapidly at times) and you are left to the stark reality it’s just you and your baby.
The fourth trimester is your newborn baby's first three months of life. The transition from the life in the womb to experincing life as we see it. An excellent time to bond with your baby through their great transformations in sight, sounds, touch, smell and response.
"By the end of the fourth trimester, you'll have watched a remarkable physical, mental and social transformation in your baby" The Baby Center
As a first-time mother (sometimes a multip too), you have so many questions such as:
- Am I doing this right?
- Is my baby feeding well?
- Is his/her poo the right colour?
- I am struggling to bond with my baby, is this normal?
- I am bleeding too much, something must be wrong?!
The list is endless. I am sure you can relate and the truth is, you are not alone.
Imagine having the same level of antenatal care and interest applied to the postnatal period. Having a midwife who you can call, to ask all these “random” questions? Having a place to meet with other mothers and exchange experiences or even just chat about the latest episode of Fifty?! It would alleviate many worries and doubts.
Postnatal care is just as important as antenatal care. Many argue it’s even more crucial because there are two lives affected now. I believe postnatal community visits/ continuation of care is an absolute must.
What’s your experience of postnatal care? Who/what did you ask to answer these burning questions? Which support groups did you tap into for support? What are the postnatal support options you have available in your area?