The time of getting to know each other
The first six weeks after the birth are called the postpartum period. It is the first time in your child's life and it is the first time in your life with your child. It is therefore a very special time of beginnings.
It is a time when you are learning to find your way in your new life as a family. It is a time of growing love for a lifelong bond. So it's a very special time for you. Physically, because your body is recovering from the pregnancy and birth and preparing for the new task of breastfeeding. But it is also a special time emotionally. Because you get to know and love your baby even more deeply than you already do. You learn to understand your child. You can help this little creature to find its way in life.
But of course you also have to find your feet first. The weeks after the birth are a wonderful but also exciting time. Changes don't usually happen from one day to the next.
First difficulties
In the first few days at home, you and your family will face a number of new things. The biggest changes will affect the young mother. Essentially, you will have to be prepared to endure at least another 4 weeks of pain due to the involution of the uterus. Of course, this will not be as intense, but you will still feel it.
It is important that you get help now. Your body needs all the energy it can muster to heal properly and breastfeed your baby. During this time, your partner must try to keep other problem areas far away from you. These include: preparing your meals, cleaning your home, official appointments, too many visitors, doing the laundry, changing nappies, etc.
The postpartum period is called the puerperium for a reason. The young mother can and should take at least 4 - 6 weeks to recover. Longer walks, housework, work etc. are taboo.
Sleeping or breastfeeding?
What many women initially underestimate are the new sleep cycles. These are effectively no longer there. Your baby doesn't know when or why it is day or night. Your baby is hungry and wants to breastfeed immediately. We recommend that you adapt to your baby's cycle and, especially in the first few days, don't be afraid to simply sleep during the day between feeds.
Sleep cycles usually only improve after a few months. This is a major challenge when it comes to not completely throwing your previous routine overboard.
Contact with the baby
The most important thing in the postpartum period is contact with your baby. In this discovery phase, you should savour every waking minute with your baby. This time will never come again and between you and me: the little ones grow far too quickly. Skin-to-skin contact helps the baby to bond more quickly.
Nutrition in the puerperium
As during pregnancy, you should continue to eat a balanced and healthy diet in the postpartum period. You don't have to reach an ideal weight or win beauty contests in a very short space of time - such stress is not good for your body, as it is already under a lot of strain due to postnatal recovery and breastfeeding.
What does your baby need?
The newborn will sleep a lot. The little ones need up to 18 hours of sleep and therefore won't need much apart from their mother, nappies and sleep. Of course, they will still need all the initial equipment, but you probably already have everything on your to-do list or at home 🙂
