Postpartum episodes occur after the birth of a baby. In the maternity ward and on returning home, the young mother will experience many upheavals, both physical and psychological. Monitoring will also be put in place very early, as well as for the baby. Explanations with Solenn Vinot, midwife.
After childbirth, the diaper suites generally spread over several weeks and are accompanied by many physiological changes on the level of the woman’s body, but also on the psychological level. In some cases, it also happens that there are postpartum complications, which the medical team at the maternity ward is monitoring closely. Solenn Vinot, liberal midwife in Nancy, tells us all about it.
What do diaper suites mean?
“Postpartum corresponds to the period following the birth of the newborn, after childbirth“, explains the caregiver. Not to be confused with the return of diapers, which refers to the return of menstruation after childbirth. Postpartum lasts about 6 weeks during which the pregnant woman’s body will have to readapt and also face psychological upheavals.
“Immediate diaper suites correspond to first aid which are carried out to the mother and the child, as well as to the monitoring of the immediate postpartum, therefore within two to three hours after birth”, says Solenn Vinot.
After childbirth, a monitoring of the mother is carried out in the delivery room. This step allows caregivers to check that the uterus is contracting well to prevent the risk of bleeding, and that blood pressure is normal. We also monitor the expulsion of the placenta and the state of discharge. It is also at this time that the mother, if she wishes, can gently begin breastfeeding and breastfeed her child. A postpartum newborn monitoring is also made by caregivers, as well as their first aid.
What are the signs that accompany postpartum?
Generally, postpartum is accompanied by several physiological changes as well as psychological changes. “Some symptoms will only last the first few days, including discomfort to pee or uterine contractions, but others can extend over several weeks such as blood loss, or even several months, such as fatigue. We find purely physical signs, which are anatomical” and psychic signs, emphasizes the expert, namely:
- Uterine contractions (or trenches).
- Blood loss (lochia).
- A more or less painful perineum.
- Back pain.
- Pelvic heaviness.
- Tired.
- First urination and uncomfortable bowel movements, which can cause constipation.
- Hemorrhoids, because the anal muscles and veins have been stressed.
- Sensitive breasts.
- Scars for the cesarean section and for the episiotomy if there was one.
- An emotional upheaval.
The midwife also wants to reassure future mothers about postpartum. “Every day there is an improvement in terms of discomfort, pain and recovery of the body. Moms notice it and tell us”, she says. Moreover, these symptoms also depend on each woman.
“Every day there is an improvement in terms of discomfort, pain and recovery of the mother’s body.”
What are the potential postpartum complications?
There monitoring during childbirth in the maternity ward also aims to control any complications that may occur in some women. The medical team will thus look into what they call the aftermath of pathological childbirth and check that there is no bleeding, fever, infection, pain, phlebitis, breastfeeding complications. L’psychological state of the mother is also to be monitored to detect in the most sensitive women, the risks of baby blues or postpartum depression.
In the baby also, possible complications can occur, but here again, the caregivers are there to closely monitor the condition of the newborn through various examinations and act as quickly as possible if necessary. “There may be a risk of jaundice, excessive weight lossor food-related risks”, lists Solenn Vinot.
Can a pathological leave be prescribed in the event of childbirth?
A pathological leave can be issued to a young mother in the event of a pathological childbirth. “L’pathological arrest can be prescribed postpartum, before returning to work. Because even if a mother goes back to work for a day, it will no longer be a pathological stoppage, but a classic work stoppage”, reports the nurse. A general practitioner or a gynecologist can prescribe it, but not a midwife.
After a caesarean, are the postpartum more difficult?
THE postpartum after caesarean section can, from one woman to another, be more or less difficult. “Most of the time, postpartum after a C-section is a bit more complicated. On the first day, mothers often remain lying down. Because of the surgery that was performed, there is a little more monitoring and pain. They can’t get up on their own, they have a urinary catheter, an infusion. The dad, the second mom or the person who accompanies, are also more solicited to take care of the baby with the change, the latch, etc. develops Solenn Vinot.
From a psychological point of view too, it can be harder for the young mother. Even if most are conscious during the cesarean, the mother may find it difficult to accept, because she does not immediately share the first moments with baby.
Thanks to Solenn Vinot, liberal midwife in Nancy.