How to Successfully Get Through the First Month After Giving Birth

In the hospital, you may not yet feel it. After you give birth, you’re surrounded by a professional support system, comprised of doctors and nurses, as well as a social support system, comprised of visitors and other new moms in the ward. Yet, once you return home, the change begins to set in. generally, the first month is the most charged period you and your family will experience. Your newborn cries, you cry and the house is turned upside down - but with a little advanced knowledge and tips for proper coping, you can enjoy this period and even turn it into a constructive experience and pleasant memory.

Get to know your new self

Many women recount that what surprised them most was the physical pain that follows childbirth; the stitches, postpartum contractions, breast engorgement and even hemorrhoids. Each one on their own, and certainly all of them together, prevent you from being the “Woman of Valor” you imagined yourself to be five minutes after giving birth.

The influence of the famed “hormones” have a stake in your well being as well. The hormonal changes your body undergoes during and post childbirth generally influence your mood, your appetite, and even on your perceived sense of physical pain. If you feel that you are “not yourself,” you are most likely correct. The good news: your body will eventually return to its proper hormonal balance.

Are you crying all the time? You’re likely experiencing the baby blues, just like 80% of new months who feel down in the first weeks after giving birth, There are those who place blame on hormones, and those who claim it’s a human reaction to a new and unknown situation and that general exhaustion and sadness is the lot of every new mother. If your blues don’t dissipate after a few weeks, it’s a good idea to consult a medical professional, who will determine whether you may need additional help and treatment.

Many women recount that the real reason they’re sad after giving birth is their reflection in the mirror, or a failed attempt at squeezing into their pre-baby jeans. It it takes time for the body to return to itself. The first month after giving birth is not the best time to go on a crash diet.

The first month after giving birth IS the ideal time to take care of yourself. Keep abreast of physical and emotional experiences that concern you and consult a professional if needed. Accept help from your spouse or relatives, so you can rest up, regain strength and eat healthily. This will help you maintain high levels of energy, essential for navigating your new life.

What is included in caring for your newborn during their first month of life?

Tipat Chalav (well baby check-up clinic): While still in the hospital, your infant will be given the first vaccination against Hepatitis B. No side-effects are to be expected and most new mothers report that its administration was uneventful. The second dose of this vaccine is administered at your local Tipat Chalav, when your infant is one month old. As such, ti is recommended that you schedule an appointment with a Tipat Chalav nurse. During the appointment, your infant will also be measured and weighed, giving you a cleared picture of their growth and feeding rates.

Nutrition: Nursing mothers, as well as moms who bottle feed (formula) tend to ask themselves, “Is my infant eating enough?” It is important to remember that so long as your infant keeps gaining weight in line with their percentile - there is no cause for concern. However, here’s a general calculation of how much your infant should be eating each meal: multiply your infant’s body weight in kg by 150 cc and divide it by the number of meals they drink each day. It is important to note that this is a general calculation for estimation purposes only; every infant has their own eating rhythm. In addition, the Health Ministry recommends giving all infants a Vitamin D supplement every day until their first birthday, to strengthen their bones and prevent Rickets.

Circumcision: If your infant is a boy, you may need to cope with pain and fever just eight days post-birth, as a result of their circumcision. Medical complications related to circumcisions are relatively rare; most infants do not need painkillers after the procedure. If your infant does continue to cry, you can give them a pain reducer intended for use from birth, containing paracetamol.

Gas: 30% of infants aged 3 weeks to 3 months suffer from gas pain, or, in professional terms, colic. These are air bubbles that get trapped in the digestive system, causing pain and lots of crying. There are various natural ways to relieve gas in infants, as well as medical treatment that is safe and scientifically proven to help alleviate gas pain.

Fever: Infants younger than 6 weeks of age are not meant to suffer from fevers. As such, any incidence of fever during the first month of life requires an immediate doctor’s appointment. If your infant suffers from a fever in their first month of life, it is important to lower it using an age-appropriate medication. It is important to note: the most accurate and effective way of measuring temperature in newborns is using a rectal thermometer. You can place a bit of vaseline on the tip of the thermometer to prevent any associated pain.

Protecting your infant’s skin: your infant’s delicate skin is vulnerable to rashes, dryness and pimples in the first months of life. It is important to note that, in most cases, these phenomena are mild and can be prevented and treating using a variety of serums: diaper cream, bath oil and moisturizer.

What else awaits you?

The first smile, gaze, arm reach and many more new and powerful experiences. Good luck!