The Power of Birth Comes from Within, The Knowledge of Birth Comes from Support.

Sunday, May 8, 2011

Transitions: The Postpartum Period

Shortly after the birth of a baby a family is faced with many adjustments.    Some of these are most certainly physical and some are quite emotional.  The changes involve all members of the family:  significant others, siblings, even pets.  Patience is needed as the adjustment period cannot be rushed and each person will adjust in their own time and in their own way.
The types of adjustments that a family is faced with can be broken down into separate categories:
v Physical
Immediately postpartum the body starts restoring itself.  The uterus begins restoring itself to its non-pregnant state.  After birth contractions occur and assist in the process.  The breasts begin the process of supplying milk to the baby.  The woman’s body begins to relieve itself of excess fluid by sweating and urinating.  Then there is the physical healing from the actual birth experience and working with any soreness that may occur.  The full physical healing may take anywhere between 4-6 weeks.  Time, self care, good nutrition, and rest are needed for the body to heal.
v Emotional
So many emotions flood the family right after birth ranging from exhaustion to excitement to even disappointment and anxiety based on the birth experience.  Many women experience the ‘Baby Blues’ which can occur in the first two weeks postpartum.  A new family needs rest, help at home and encouragement as they transition in the new role as parent.   Community resources must be available to all families so that they can feel safe to reach out if needed at any time. 
v Attachment
Falling in love is not a single magical moment in time in any relationship.  There are some families that take time to fall in love with their baby as they get to know who this baby is as a person.  Caring for the baby gives the new families the time to fall in love as the baby’s personality begins to emerge.  The time it takes may be different for each person in the home.
v Taking Care of the Baby
Taking care of yourself while you are pregnant takes care of the baby while the care a newborn requires is quite intensive.  Feeding, diapering, and bathing are all new skills that the new family needs to learn all while they are quite sleep deprived and healing physically.  It’s important that everyone who cares for the baby knows the basic safety factors regarding signs of illness, sleep positioning, and car seats.  The new family should contact the Pediatrician for any questions whenever they arise without feeling guilty for making that call.  It’s important that a new parent trust their instincts.  They are the experts of their baby. 
v Relationships
The effect on all relationships changes with the arrival a new baby.   It’s important to support all family members and provide time to talk about feelings and concerns in the safety of the home.   There may be times when a new parent feels vulnerable or frustrated and may  tend to take it out on the person closest to them at home.  Communication and rest are vital in getting through these times.   Each person needs a certain amount of sleep to function.  It’s important that each family member try to get that amount within every 24 hour period.  Extra time should also be taken for siblings as they adjust to their role as a big brother or sister as there may be some issues of jealousy. 
All of these types of adjustments occur simultaneously in the hours, days, and weeks postpartum.  They can present some challenging moments but with time, rest, love, open communication and feeling safe to seek help when needed, it will get easier.