Die Ruhe nach der Geburt: Ein Blick auf das Wochenbett

Rest after birth: A look at the postpartum period

August 25, 2024

The miracle of the postpartum period

The importance of the postpartum period

The postpartum period is a significant period after childbirth, during which the mother's body recovers from the exertions of childbirth and adjusts to her new role as a mother. During this time , the uterus begins to shrink and hormonal changes can bring about both physical and emotional changes. It is a time of adjustment and getting to know each other between mother and child.

Traditions and practices surrounding the postpartum period

Many cultures have specific traditions and practices that accompany the postpartum period. These rituals are often designed to provide the mother and newborn with the best possible recovery and support.

Culture	Traditions and practices
Germany	Midwife visits, postpartum exercises
China	"Zuoyuezi" - A month of rest and special diet
India	Special diet, massages, family support
Mexico	"La Cuarentena" - 40 days of rest and care by family members

These traditions emphasize the importance of rest, recovery and support in the first weeks after birth. They help the mother to recover physically and adjust emotionally to the new situation.

The phases of the postpartum period

The postpartum period is a crucial time for recovery and adjustment after birth. It can be divided into different phases, each of which brings its own challenges and changes.

The first week after birth

In the first week after birth, the focus is on the mother's immediate recovery. The body begins to recover from the strain of childbirth and the mother becomes familiar with the new everyday life.

Day	Changes and recommendations
1	Rest and bonding with the baby
2	Support from professionals (midwife)
3	First physical changes (afterpains)
4	Monitoring the vital signs of mother and child
5	Beginning of milk production and breastfeeding
6	Emotional adjustments (baby blues)
7	Rest and build routines

The second week after birth

In the second week after birth, the mother gradually begins to feel stronger. The focus remains on physical recovery and caring for the newborn.

Day	Changes and recommendations
8-10	Continuation of physical recovery
11-12	Adjusting sleep and breastfeeding routines
13-14	Check-ups with the doctor

The third and fourth week after birth

In weeks three and four, there is a clear improvement in the physical and emotional state. The mother slowly finds her way into a new everyday life and begins to prepare for the postpartum period.

Week	Changes and recommendations
3	Strengthening the pelvic floor, light physical activity
4	Preparation for returning to everyday life, further emotional stabilization

The phases of the postpartum period are individual for each woman and can be different. It is important to listen to your own body and take the necessary time to recover.

Physical and emotional changes

The postpartum period is characterized by many physical and emotional changes. This phase is crucial for the regeneration and adaptation of the body and mind.

Physical regeneration

After giving birth, the body goes through various healing processes. The uterus contracts, birth injuries heal, and hormone levels normalize. It is important to understand these changes and be prepared for them.

change	Description	Length of time
Involution of the uterus	The uterus contracts to its original size.	6 - 8 weeks
Lochia	Lochia, which consists of blood, mucus and tissue residue.	4 - 6 weeks
Healing birth injuries	Sutures and perineal injuries heal.	2 - 4 weeks
Hormonal changes	Normalization of hormone levels after birth.	6 - 12 weeks

Regular follow-up visits are important to monitor the healing process and ensure that no complications arise.

Emotional adjustments and challenges

In addition to physical changes, many women also experience emotional fluctuations. The postpartum period is a time of great emotional adjustment, which can bring both positive and challenging moments.

Challenge	Description	frequency
Baby Blues	Short-term mood swings and tearfulness.	50 - 80% of women
Postpartum depression	Prolonged depression after birth.	10 - 15% of women
Bonding with baby	Developing a strong emotional bond.	Varies

It's important to seek support when emotional challenges become overwhelming. Talking to family, friends, or professional counselors can help you get through this time and become emotionally stable.

Postpartum support

Professional help and support

During the postpartum period, professional help is essential for the mother's recovery and the well-being of the newborn. This support can be provided by various professionals who are specialized in the needs of mother and child.

Midwives: Midwives play a central role in the postpartum period. They visit the family regularly, monitor the mother's physical recovery and the baby's growth. They also offer advice on breastfeeding and baby care.

professional	Frequency of visits	Main tasks
midwife	Daily to weekly	Monitoring, advice, support with breastfeeding problems
Gynaecologist	If required	Medical examinations, aftercare
Pediatrician	Regularly	Monitoring child development, vaccinations

Gynecologist: The gynecologist also plays an important role. Regular follow-up examinations help to identify possible complications at an early stage.

Pediatrician: The pediatrician monitors the health and development of the newborn. Regular examinations and vaccinations are part of this care.

Support from family and friends

In addition to professional help, support from family and friends is very important. They can be a valuable help in everyday life and take the pressure off the new mother.

Family members: Partners, parents and siblings can help by taking on everyday tasks such as cooking, cleaning or shopping. This gives the mother the opportunity to recover and focus on the baby.

Friends: Friends can also be an important support. They can visit to provide emotional support or take on small tasks when needed.

supporter	Possible tasks	Advantages
partner	Housekeeping, childcare	Relief, emotional support
Grandparents	Cooking, babysitting	Experience, relief
Friends	Visits, shopping	Social interaction, practical help

The combination of professional help and family and friendly support makes a significant contribution to ensuring that the postpartum period becomes a time of healing and well-being for the mother.

Self-care in the postpartum period

rest and relaxation

The period after birth, known as the postpartum period, is crucial for the body's recovery and emotional adjustment. Rest and relaxation are essential to support the healing process. It is recommended to take enough time to recover from the birth and get used to the new challenges of motherhood.

Rest periods	Recommended duration per day
Sleep	7-9 hours
nap	1-2 hours
Relaxation times	2-3 hours

Healthy nutrition and hygiene

A balanced diet plays an important role in the recovery phase after birth. The body needs additional nutrients to recover from birth and support milk production. The following nutrients are particularly important:

Protein: Supports tissue repair and muscle building
Iron: Important for blood formation and preventing fatigue
Calcium: Essential for bone health
Vitamins: Especially vitamin C to strengthen the immune system

nutrient	Recommended daily dose
protein	70-100g
iron	15-20mg
calcium	1000-1300mg
vitamin C	85-100mg

Hygiene is also very important during the postpartum period. Regular washing and thorough hand hygiene can prevent infections. It is advisable to avoid perfumed products and use mild, hypoallergenic soaps instead. Special attention should also be paid to the care of the intimate area to promote the healing process and prevent infections.

Return to everyday life

Slow return to everyday life

After the intensive postpartum period, it is important to make the transition back to everyday life slowly and carefully. The body and mind need time to adapt to the new circumstances. A hasty return can lead to overload and stress.

Tips for a smooth return to work:

Take on tasks gradually: Start with light household chores and increase the workload slowly.
Schedule breaks: Regular rest breaks are essential to avoid overexertion.
Realistic expectations: Set realistic goals and accept that not everything will immediately be the same as before the birth.

The importance of postpartum regeneration

Postpartum recovery is crucial for long-term well-being. The physical and emotional changes that occurred during pregnancy and birth require a comprehensive recovery period.

Important aspects of regeneration:

aspect	Description
Physical recovery	The body needs time to recover from childbirth. This includes healing of tissues, shrinking of the uterus and restoring hormone levels.
Emotional stability	Emotional adjustments are normal. Support from family, friends and, if necessary, professional help can help you overcome emotional challenges.
Health care	Regular follow-up examinations are important to ensure that the healing process is progressing well and that any complications are detected early.

A slow return to everyday life and conscious regeneration after the postpartum period contribute significantly to the health and well-being of the new mother.

You can find further articles on this topic here:

https://my-ephelia.de/blogs/news/wochenbett

https://my-ephelia.de/blogs/news/periodenunterwaesche-wochenbett

https://my-ephelia.de/blogs/news/wochenbett-geschenke

https://my-ephelia.de/blogs/news/kopfschrei-wochenbett

https://my-ephelia.de/blogs/news/wochenbett-einlagen

https://my-ephelia.de/blogs/news/wochenbett-nach-kaiserschnitt

https://my-ephelia.de/blogs/news/wochenbett-depression

https://my-ephelia.de/blogs/news/was-bedeutet-wochenbett

https://my-ephelia.de/blogs/news/wochenbett-dauer

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