Looking After Yourself Postnatally

It is important to look after yourself postnatally and it can be challenging when looking after a new baby, especially as your body is recovering from the delivery and you are extra tired from caring for your new baby. 

At around two weeks your care will be transferred from the Midwife to the Public Health Nurses (Health Visitors). There will probably be lots of questions that you will have and this information page might help with some of the questions.

Infant feeding

Breastfeeding is something that you and your baby learn together; it may take time before you both settle into a rhythm that feels comfortable. Keeping your baby close, using skin to skin contact and recognising the signals your baby gives when they are hungry will help to develop your babies feeding skills.

If you choose to bottle feed your baby continuing skin to skin contact, keeping your baby close and letting them pace the feeds will help your baby feel safe and secure. For further support and information about feeding your baby.

Family planning

Contraception may be the last thing on your mind but it’s something you need to think about if you want to delay or avoid another pregnancy. You could become pregnant as early three weeks after your baby is born so it’s better to be prepared. You can find more information about sex and contraception  after birth and local services within Hertfordshire.

Pelvic floor

Having a baby changes your body but these changes don’t need to be permanent. Pelvic floor muscle exercises strengthen the muscles around your bladder, vagina and back passage. This can also help to stop incontinence. Please speak to your Health Visitor if you are experiencing incontinence.

Smoking

The health benefits of giving up smoking begin the moment you stop. It can be difficult to stop smoking but it never too late to stop. Remember that second hand smoke is especially dangerous for children as their lungs, airways and immune systems are less well developed. There are over 300 local stop smoking services in Hertfordshire offering non-judgmental support,  your Health Visitor can refer you to the Herts Stop Smoking Service or alternatively you can refer yourself.

Be breast aware

There’s no right or wrong way to check your breasts but it is important to know how your breasts usually look and feel. That way you can spot any changes quickly and report them to your GP. If you are breastfeeding you will have noticed that your breasts are constantly changing. However, if you notice a persistent lump or change please see your GP. For more information about how to check your breasts.

Oral health

Remember to book an appointment with your dentist as dental care is free for all mums until your baby is one year old with a maternity exemption certificate. Start brushing your child’s teeth as soon as the first baby tooth appears and all tooth surfaces and the gum line where plaque gathers.

Vitamin D

We are all at risk of low vitamin D status due to living in a country with low levels of sunshine and spending a great deal of time indoors. If you are breastfeeding it is recommended that both you and your baby take a vitamin D supplement as a precaution. In Hertfordshire, Healthy Start  vitamins are available free for you and your baby from one month. If your baby has more than 500mls of formula milk in a 24 hour period Healthy Start vitamins are not required.

Healthy eating

It’s easy to forget about your own needs when caring for a baby so try to make eating well a priority. Aim for a well-balanced diet and drink plenty of water throughout the day. Your GP can support you to manage your weight if this is a concern for you. First Steps Nutrition have lots of good information for new mums and infant feeding.

Smear test

If you were due for a cervical screening test while pregnant, this should be rescheduled for 12 weeks after the birth.

Vaccinations

If you are not sure if you or your partner have had 2 doses of the MMR vaccination your GP will offer them, this will help protect you and your baby before they have the MMR vaccination after their first birthday. Your baby will be invited for their routine vaccinations  which start at 8 weeks.

Coping with a crying baby

Infant crying is normal and it will stop! Babies start to cry more frequently from 2 weeks of age and parents can find this difficult to manage. It can seem like an eternity when your baby is crying so during these periods it is important to plan how you will manage. If you need support please speak to you Health Visitor.

Unsure if your baby is ill?

The free Lullaby Trust Baby Check App is designed for babies up to six months of age and features 17 simple checks that parents can do if their baby is showing signs of illness and let you know whether your baby needs to see a doctor or health professional.

The Healthier Together website aims to improve the health of babies, children and young people throughout Hertfordshire and provides clear, high quality  information and advice irrespective of which healthcare professional you see.

Relationships after having a baby

Relationships with partners, family and friends often change after having a baby. No relationship is perfect but while some couples grow  closer others find the challenges can be overwhelming. Lack of sleep and reduced income can have a huge impact on day-to-day life. Please do speak to your Health Visitor if you feel you need further support.

Your emotional health

Having a baby can trigger a rollercoaster of emotions. This can range from feeling totally in love with your new baby to feeling utterly overwhelmed and exhausted with the responsibility. This is quite normal and you are not alone. There is never a time when it is better to keep  quiet when you’re feeling down. Sometimes sharing your worries with your partner, family or friends is enough to help sort things out in your mind as well as getting a little more practical help from family and friends. Other times it may mean that you would benefit from a little more support from health professionals such as your Health Visitor or GP.

Your Health Visitor will make an appointment to see you 6-8 weeks  after the birth, during which she will review your emotional wellbeing. You might be asked to complete a couple of questionnaires. this will help your Health Visitor to know if you are feeling depressed or anxious and plan care to support you.

Fun activities and things to do with your baby

Your baby is trying to communicate with you from the moment they are born. Almost any daily activity is a chance to talk, bond and have fun with your baby. The Tiny Happy People website has lots of suggestions.