a. Care of the Mother

Whether you have a vaginal or cesarean birth, you will notice many changes in the hours and days following your baby's birth. Physically, your body recovers from childbirth and gradually returns to its pre-pregnant state. Emotionally, you get used to the idea of being a mother and begin to know and love your baby.

Rest and time with your baby will help to ease you through these changes.

While you are in the hospital, your temperature, pulse, and blood pressure will be checked. Your abdomen will be checked to see that your uterus is firm and returning to its normal size. If you have had an episiotomy, it will be checked to see if it is healing well.

Speak to the nurse or your health care provider if you have any questions about your body, your baby, or your new family

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MODULE 7

Test Your Knowledge

 
 

The following exercise will help you learn a little more about what you can expect after childbirth.

Click on the option button which corresponds to the correct answer and verify your answer by clicking on the "Check" button.

1

While the uterus is returning to its normal size, you may feel cramps in your abdomen.

a) True
b) False
Right answer! If you are breastfeeding, you are likely to notice these cramps while the baby is feeding. In fact, stimulating the breast causes the uterus to contract and helps it to return to normal. For many women, breathing exercises that they used during labour help handle the discomfort of the after pains. Wrong answer! If you are breastfeeding, you are likely to notice these cramps while the baby is feeding. In fact, stimulating the breast causes the uterus to contract and helps it to return to normal. For many women, breathing exercises that they used during labour help handle the discomfort of the after pains.

Check your answer

2

Lochia is vaginal discharge and looks much like a menstrual period.

a) True
b) False
Right answer! For the first few days after childbirth, lochia is bright red, heavy, and may have clots. Over the next few days, it changes to a brownish or pinkish discharge and finally becomes light yellow or clear. This process can take a few weeks.Wrong answer! For the first few days after childbirth, lochia is bright red, heavy, and may have clots. Over the next few days, it changes to a brownish or pinkish discharge and finally becomes light yellow or clear. This process can take a few weeks.

Check your answer

3

After childbirth, a woman should stay in bed as much as possible.

a) True
b) False
Right answer! Although you need rest, you also need exercise. You will be urged to get up and walk, and begin gentle exercises soon after childbirth. A combination of rest and activity will help give you the energy you need to take care of your new baby and yourself.Wrong answer! Although you need rest, you also need exercise. You will be urged to get up and walk, and begin gentle exercises soon after childbirth. A combination of rest and activity will help give you the energy you need to take care of your new baby and yourself.

Check your answer

4

The mature milk production begins two to four days after delivery.

a) True
b) False
Right answer! Your breasts will feel, warm, and tender. If your breasts become very full and sore, you can ease them by feeding the baby. You can also express milk from your breasts. A warm shower or warm compresses can also give comfort.Wrong answer! Your breasts will feel, warm, and tender. If your breasts become very full and sore, you can ease them by feeding the baby. You can also express milk from your breasts. A warm shower or warm compresses can also give comfort.

Check your answer

5

Breastfeeding delays the return of your period.

a) True
b) False
Right answer! If you breastfeed, you may not have a regular period for months or until you stop breastfeeding. Your first period may be heavier than usual and irregular for a certain time. Wrong answer! If you breastfeed, you may not have a regular period for months or until you stop breastfeeding. Your first period may be heavier than usual and irregular for a certain time.

Check your answer
MODULE 7