Clinical Reference Systems: Pediatric Advisor 10.0

If you are already a parent, you know that having your first baby qualifies as a life crisis. Most parents-to-be focus on the birth of their child. It is only after the birth that you begin to realize that the birth was just the beginning and the shock begins to set in.

Taking steps to prepare for the shock of parenting can help enormously. Mental and emotional preparation is just as important as preparing the layette.

FATIGUE

Delivering a baby has been compared to running a marathon. Combine that with the change in sleep habits that night feedings require and you can understand why new mothers are exhausted. Anxiety over being a new parent adds to the fatigue.

HINTS FOR FATIGUE:

• Expect to be tired, and don't be upset with yourself about it.
• Nap when the baby naps.
• Try to sleep at least 1 and 1/2 or 2 hours during the day for the first 2 to 3 weeks. Ask your husband, a friend, or relative to take care of the baby during this time.
• You may want to nurse the baby in bed during night feedings.
• If you are bottle feeding, share night feedings with your spouse.

APPEARANCE

As a new mother, don't expect miracles. It took you 9 months to evolve into a nice rotund shape, and it will take time to get your body back into shape. As far as appearance is concerned, remember that one of the biggest challenges of early motherhood is having time (and the energy) to brush your hair once a day!

HINTS ON APPEARANCE:

• Start with exercises as soon as your physician gives the OK.
• When you are physically ready, joining an exercise or aerobics class will get you out of the house and keep you motivated to exercise.
• Get a haircut that is easy to care for.
• Buy some new clothes as a reward for a successful start in life as a mother and for starting regular exercise. But wait until your figure has shrunk a bit from the exercise!

PAIN FROM A CESAREAN SECTION

Cesarean birth complicates the healing process and requires more rest and recuperation.

HINTS FOR RECOVERING FROM A CESAREAN BIRTH:

• Use the time in the hospital to rest. You may need to control the number of phone calls and visitors.
• Make sure there is some kind of help available when you come home for at least the first 2 weeks. The more rest you get during that time, the faster you will heal.
• Until your incision heals, make sure you lift your baby slowly, keeping your arms close to your body, so that you put minimal strain on your stomach muscles.

PAIN FROM AN EPISIOTOMY

An episiotomy is an incision often made during birth to give more room for the baby to pass through the birth canal. It usually heals within 7 to 10 days and with no complications.

HINTS FOR RECOVERING FROM AN EPISIOTOMY:

• Warm sitz baths and heat lamps (at a safe distance) can provide some comfort.
• You can prevent some of the pain by tightening your buttocks before you sit down. The hospital might be able to provide you with a plastic "doughnut" for you to sit on.
• Avoid straining when you have a bowel movement.