Hướng dẫn chăm sóc mẹ sau sinh thường| Hộ sinh trưởng Nguyễn Bích Hạnh - Vinmec Times City

Postpartum Recovery: A Guide for New Mothers

Key Concepts: Postpartum nutrition, breastfeeding considerations, postpartum weight management, rest and recovery, uterine prolapse prevention, light exercise benefits, environmental factors, postpartum discomfort management (pain, urination issues, vaginal bleeding, constipation, stitches pain).

Postpartum Nutrition

After childbirth, mothers need a full range of nutrients to regain strength and produce milk. Restricting food intake is not recommended. Key nutrients include:

• Fresh fruits and green vegetables: Provide fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
• Carbohydrates: Found in rice, vermicelli, bread, sweet potatoes, and potatoes, provide energy.
• Protein: From lean meat, chicken, eggs, and beans, essential for tissue repair and milk production.
• Calcium: From milk, butter, sardines, and tofu, supports bone and teeth development for the baby.

What to Avoid While Breastfeeding

Certain substances and foods should be avoided or limited during breastfeeding:

• Tobacco and alcohol: Reduce breast milk supply, cause early weaning, lead to mental instability, and slow down postpartum recovery.
• Raw meat, eggs, and seafood: Pose a risk of allergies and poisoning.
• Allergenic foods: Cabbage, eggs, fish eggs, shrimp eggs, and spicy spices should be monitored for reactions in the baby and limited if necessary.
• Coffee or tea: Limit consumption to avoid sleep disturbances. If consumed, only a very small amount each day.

Should Mothers Diet During Postpartum?

Dieting is not recommended during postpartum. Fat consumed during pregnancy is converted into milk for breastfeeding. Breastfeeding helps mothers regain their pre-pregnancy figure. Instead of dieting, focus on:

• Balanced diet: Ensure adequate nutrient intake.
• Regular exercise: Promotes weight loss and overall health.
• Reduced intake of sugary drinks and alcohol: Contributes to weight management.

Rest and Recovery

Adequate rest is crucial in the first week after giving birth.

• Sleep whenever possible: Promotes energy regeneration, better milk production, and prevents postpartum depression.
• Careful body care, activities, and food choices: Essential for quick recovery.

Uterine Prolapse

Uterine prolapse is a concern, especially for mothers with vaginal births.

• Symptoms: Frequent urination, reduced libido, and difficulty with daily activities.
• Prevention: Avoid heavy work, prolonged sitting, and prioritize rest.
• Early breastfeeding (within 24 hours): Helps the uterus recover and prevents uterine prolapse and postpartum hemorrhage.

Light Exercise

After wound healing, light exercise and massage are beneficial.

• Benefits:
  • Quickly restore health after childbirth.
  • Reduce stress and help you maintain a clear mind.
  • Effectively restore psychological health and reduce postpartum depression.
  • Reduce the rate of postpartum back pain.
  • Improve temperament.
  • Enhance blood circulation, which is good for the heart.
  • Reduce constipation and avoid urinary retention.
  • Restore the firmness of the body.
  • Reduce belly fat and cardiovascular complications later in life.
  • Avoid the risk of venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism.

Environmental Considerations

The living environment should be conducive to recovery.

• Avoid hot sun or cold drafts.
• Maintain an airy, comfortable space free from smoke, odors, or noise.
• Ideal room temperature: 27 to 29 degrees Celsius.
• Avoid coal stoves or honeycomb coal stoves: CO2 emissions are harmful to the mother and baby.

Managing Common Postpartum Discomforts

Common postpartum problems and their remedies:

• Postpartum Pain (Uterine Contractions):
  • Cramping in the abdomen, especially during breastfeeding.
  • Mild pain relievers like Paracetamol can provide relief.
• Urination Issues:
  • Frequent urination is normal.
  • Try to urinate as soon as possible after giving birth.
  • Standing and walking around can help.
  • Pour warm water when urinating if there are stitches in the perineum.
• Vaginal Bleeding:
  • Can occur for 2 to 6 weeks after giving birth.
  • May decrease faster with breastfeeding.
  • Use sanitary pads; avoid vaginal tampons.
• Constipation:
  • Drink plenty of water.
  • Eat fiber-rich foods (whole grains, fresh fruits, and vegetables).
  • Walk, do Kegel exercises, avoid stress, and use stool softeners.
  • Chew gum to stimulate digestive reflexes.
• Stitches Pain:
  • Pain can last for 1 to 2 days; most stitches dissolve within a week.
  • Use pain relievers as prescribed by the doctor.
  • Avoid heavy work or lifting heavy objects.
  • Apply an ice pack around the incision and lie down to avoid pressure.

Synthesis/Conclusion

Postpartum recovery involves a holistic approach encompassing nutrition, rest, exercise, environmental considerations, and management of common discomforts. Prioritizing these aspects helps new mothers regain their health, produce milk effectively, and prevent potential complications. The guidance provided by Head Nurse Nguyen Bich Hanh emphasizes the importance of a balanced lifestyle and proactive care during this crucial period.