Welcoming a new life is an exciting adventure for parents. The mother feels accomplished when she has smooth and safe childbirth. There is also a rewarding feeling because going through nine months of pregnancy is not for the faint of heart. Second, the father feels the same way because he was able to support his wife throughout the journey. Overall, postnatal care in Singapore is all about physical and mental health.
The journey does not end after mothers hear their baby’s first cry. In fact, it starts the moment they carry them for the first time. Here is an article that gives an overview of the postpartum recovery stages. You will also learn about the things you need in this process.
WHAT IS POSTPARTUM RECOVERY?
Most people see childbirth as the end of the journey. However, this period is crucial for both the mother and her baby. She would experience physical changes like a postpartum belly that may affect her mentally and urinary incontinence in Singapore due to the stress of childbirth on the body. The baby also needs extra supervision to aid their development and growth.
Another thing about postnatal care in Singapore is the mental health of mothers. Most of them worry about divarication of recti or the overwhelming feeling of being a first-time mother. All they need is help and support from their family and friends. Some of them even hire a confinement nanny to ensure a smooth recovery.
Overall, this whole process means recovering from all the physical and mental effects of childbirth. It can be performing diastasis recti exercises, consuming supplements for lactation, and anything that improves the mother and baby’s health.
WHY IS POSTPARTUM RECOVERY IMPORTANT?
Have you ever imagined delivering a baby, normal or c-section, or carrying a baby inside you for approximately nine months? Women are physically-capable of those things, but it can be stressful on the mind and body. Basically, they push their bodies to the limits to ensure smooth and safe childbirth. Your doctor, who promotes proper postnatal care in Singapore, has all the reasons for doing such a thing.
A woman might also consider having one or a few babies in the future. Being able to overcome the struggles of urinary incontinence and divarication of recti would come in handy eventually for their future endeavours as a mother.
Lastly, being a healthy mother poses lifelong benefits for them and their child. Come to think of it: parenthood requires physical and mental strength. You have to be able to multitask during their infant and toddler stage, explain things to them when they start talking and work to provide for their needs.
WHAT ARE THE STAGES OF POSTPARTUM RECOVERY?
Postnatal care in Singapore starts when you carry your baby for the first time in the operating room. It is also a stage where you experience a mixed set of feelings. It can be overwhelming, depressing, sad, and exciting. Don’t worry, because these things are usual. Here are the stages every mother goes through:
#1: AFTER THE OPERATION
You feel exhausted from the delivery and long hours of labour. During this stage, you will be at the dedicated delivery area or in your hospital room. A nurse will supervise your vital signs, and all you have to do is lie down and rest. Lastly, your body is still adjusting from the stress, so do not pressure or force yourself to go back to normal.
#2: ONE TO TWO DAYS AT THE HOSPITAL
Most mothers stay in the hospital for 24 to 48 hours. Also, it depends on your health condition and the doctor’s findings whether you might need to stay longer than that. In this stage of postnatal care in Singapore, wait for the anaesthesia to wear off and be healthy enough to return home. You will also need to consult with your doctor about final matters.
#3: THE FIRST WEEK OF RECOVERY
Mothers who delivered via normal childbirth will experience bleeding in their vaginas, while those who underwent c-sections will experience pain in the incision. Episodes of urinary incontinenceare also possible. They will also have changes in their hormone levels that can cause fluctuations in their moods.
#4: THE SECOND WEEK OF RECOVERY
Everything is now better after the first week. Bleeding will minimise, the incision will no longer bother you with extreme pain, and your mental health might improve. However, do not pressure yourself if things are still the same. For instance, if you have a postpartum belly, do not expect it to disappear instantly.
#5: ONE MONTH OF POSTPARTUM
Things are going back to normal after one-month postpartum. The bleeding finally stops, the uterus goes back to its shape, the incision and scar are healing, and you can now do your favourite activities slowly. Episodes of urinary incontinence in Singapore also decrease because your body is now fine.
THINGS YOU NEED
Every mother needs the essentials for postnatal care in Singapore. These things help them maintain health and practise proper care of their bodies. Here is a list:
#1: CLEAN BEDDINGS
You will stay in your bedroom and lie down the whole day, especially on the first days of recovery. Before anything else, prepare clean beddings for comfortable rest and moments with your baby.
#2: MAXI PADS
Bleeding and discharge are normal for recovering mothers. Aside from performing diastasis recti exercises and tending to your baby’s needs, value your health by using these pads.
#3: COMFORTABLE LOUNGEWEAR
You want something that fits nicely on your body and is comfortable during the day. Do not only focus on buying shapewear for your postpartum belly because loungewear sets are equally important.
#4: ICE PACK
The vagina might swell after normal childbirth. Keep a high-quality ice pack inside your maternity bag or bedside table so you can access it when needed.
#5: YOUR TRUSTED PAIN RELIEVER
Have a stable supply of pain relievers in your cupboard because they come in handy when you experience pain and discomfort. Take note of your allergies and only buy what you have tried.
Orchard Clinic is a facility that specialises in postnatal care in Singapore. Give them a call if you have queries or concerns.