Wochenbett demystifiziert: Was es ist und was du wissen musst

Postpartum demystified: What it is and what you need to know

August 25, 2024

The postpartum period explained

Definition of the postpartum period

The postpartum period, also known as puerperium, is the period immediately after the birth of a child. This phase covers the first six to eight weeks after delivery, during which the mother's body recovers from the rigors of pregnancy and childbirth. It is an important time for the mother to regenerate and bond with her newborn.

Why is the postpartum period important?

The postpartum period is crucial for the mother's physical and emotional recovery. Important recovery processes take place during this time, such as shrinking of the uterus and healing of birth injuries. It is also a period in which the mother and newborn develop a close bond that is of great importance for the long-term emotional health of both.

Important aspects of the postpartum period:

Physical recovery
Emotional stability
Building the mother-child bond
Adaptation to the new life situation

Duration and phases of the postpartum period

The postpartum period lasts several weeks and is divided into different phases. Each phase has its own characteristics and challenges.

phase	Length of time	Description
Acute phase	1st - 10th day	Intensive regression of the uterus, healing of birth injuries, beginning of the breastfeeding relationship
Recovery phase	2nd - 6th week	Continuation of the recovery, stabilization of the hormonal balance, adaptation to everyday life with the baby
Late phase	7th - 8th week	Complete recovery, normalization of physical condition, beginning of physical activities

These phases help to structure and understand the healing process and the adaptation to the new life situation.

Physical changes

During the postpartum period, a woman's body goes through numerous changes. These adjustments are necessary to recover from childbirth and prepare the body for life after pregnancy.

Regression processes in the body

After birth, the body immediately begins the recovery process. This mainly involves the contraction of the uterus, which returns to its original size. This process can be supported by breastfeeding, as the hormone oxytocin is released, which promotes contractions.

Regression process	Length of time
Uterine contraction	6-8 weeks
Regression of the abdominal muscles	6-12 months
Healing birth injuries	1-6 weeks

Hormonal changes

The hormonal changes after birth are significant. The hormone levels that were elevated during pregnancy now drop rapidly. This particularly affects the hormones estrogen and progesterone, whose levels drop sharply after birth. At the same time, prolactin levels rise to promote milk production.

hormone	Changes after birth
estrogen	acceptance
progesterone	acceptance
Prolactin	increase
Oxytocin	Weight gain (through breastfeeding)

Dealing with physical complaints

Various physical complaints can occur during the postpartum period. These include pain in the perineum or cesarean section scars, breast pain from breastfeeding and afterpains.

Practical tips for dealing with physical complaints:

Pain management: Application of cold packs or warm compresses.
Rest: Sufficient rest and avoidance of heavy lifting.
Hygiene: Regularly wash and dry the affected areas to avoid infections.
Gentle exercise: Light exercises to support recovery and promote blood circulation.

The physical changes that occur during the postpartum period are a natural process. It is important to listen to your body and take the time you need to recover.

Emotional aspects

During the postpartum period, many women experience not only physical but also emotional changes. This phase can be characterized by a variety of feelings and challenges.

Postnatal mood swings

After having a baby, mood swings are common. These can range from joy and relief to sadness and exhaustion. It is important to understand that these feelings are normal and are often caused by hormonal changes in the body.

Emotional states	Frequency (%)
Happy	60
Worried	50
Exhausted	70
Sad	40

Bonding with the newborn

Bonding, i.e. the bond with the newborn, plays a crucial role in the postpartum period. Many mothers feel a deep connection to their baby shortly after birth, while others need a little more time. Skin-to-skin contact, breastfeeding and spending time together can promote and strengthen bonding .

Dealing with emotional challenges

Emotional challenges are not uncommon during the postpartum period. It is important that mothers seek support if they feel overwhelmed. Talking to partners, friends or family members can help share the burden. Professional help from midwives or therapists can also be valuable, especially if emotional problems are persistent or intense.

Emotional health during the postpartum period is just as important as physical recovery. Understanding and support from your social circle can make a big difference and ease the transition to motherhood.

Practical tips for the postpartum period

Self-care and rest periods

During the postpartum period, it is essential to allow yourself enough rest and to pay attention to your own needs. The body goes through many changes and needs time to recover. The following tips can help:

Regular rest breaks : Try to rest as often as possible, especially when the baby is sleeping.
Pleasant environment : Create a peaceful and comfortable retreat.
Realistic expectations : Don’t set your expectations too high and appreciate small progress.

Support from family and friends

Support from family and friends can be a great relief. Tasks can be shared so that the new mother can better concentrate on her recovery and the baby.

Support	Description
Household	Help with everyday tasks such as cooking, cleaning and shopping.
Emotional support	Conversations and company to avoid feeling isolated.
Baby care	Assistance with caring for the newborn, e.g. changing diapers or holding the baby while the mother rests.

Nutrition and physical activity

A balanced diet and light physical activity can support recovery during the postpartum period.

Nutrition tips :

Nutrient-rich foods : Fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains and proteins.
Hydration : Drink plenty , especially if breastfeeding.
Small, frequent meals : Eat regularly to keep energy levels high.

Physical activity :

Light exercise : walking or gentle stretching exercises as soon as the body feels ready.
Postnatal gymnastics : Special exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles.

These practical tips can help make the postpartum period more relaxed and pleasant.

What to do if complications arise?

Various complications can occur during the postpartum period. It is important to recognize these early and act appropriately.

Signs of problems in the postpartum period

There are several signs that may indicate problems during the postpartum period. These include:

Heavy bleeding (more than a normal period)
Fever over 38°C
Severe pain in the abdomen
Foul-smelling discharge
Difficulty urinating
Swelling or redness in the legs
Persistent headaches

symptom	Possible Cause
Heavy bleeding	Uterine infection, postpartum bleeding
Fever	infection
Strong pain	Uterine inflammation, birth injuries
Foul-smelling discharge	infection
Difficulty urinating	Urinary tract infection
Swelling/redness in the legs	thrombosis
Persistent headaches	Blood pressure problems, preeclampsia