The birth of a baby is essentially a life-changing episode for the mother. Considered to be one of the most beautiful experiences, it can also be quite painful. Since pregnancy and childbirth are two consecutive complex processes, it is vital that the mother gives adequate attention to post-delivery healthcare in order to keep both herself and the baby safe from any probable infections and illnesses. Given below are some tips on post delivery healthcare:

Hygiene

It is very important that you maintain utmost cleanliness during the post delivery period. This is the period when the baby is most vulnerable and so are you as you are in the recovery stage. So always ensure that you are washing your hands after every activity. This should be after you have taken your meal, even if you have used the spoon and not touched the food, after you have taken medicines or applied cremes, after watering the flowers or dusting a figurine in your living room, after reading a book, after opening or closing the door and especially after visiting the washroom. This will effectively reduce the risks of probable infections when you are feeding your baby or changing his nappies.

Healthy Diet

Kick out any bad habit like smoking or alcohol if you have had them during this period. Food containing caffeine and aerated drinks should be avoided. If you have maintained the discipline of a healthy diet during pregnancy, remember you ought to continue with it now too. Eat healthy and follow the diet chart devised by your nutritionist.

Do not go in for crash dieting to lose weight but opt for a balanced meal that will meet the requirements of your recuperating body as well as the baby, as you are nursing him. It is also important that you keep yourself amply hydrated with at least 8-9 glasses of water every day. Include milk and lots of juices in your diet. Take in your regular vitamin supplements.

Right Physical Activity

It is important that you work towards your physical fitness. Activity is essential for a healthy body and more so when you also have to gradually take steps towards losing the extra weight that you have piled on during pregnancy. Start off with regular walking and seek the advice of a trained fitness expert on what should be the ideal exercises for you, keeping your health condition in mind. 

Do Not Exert

While keeping yourself active it is also important that you abstain from any strenuous activity as your body is still in the recovery stage and your stitches, if any are still not healed. Do not lift weights and take care when you bend down.

Care Your Breasts

Post delivery you must continue to breastfeed your baby, and even if you need to bottle feed, you must take extra care of your breasts. When you are bottle feeding it might happen that the breasts get hard, hot and swollen, when the milk comes in. This usually goes down after a couple of days. Using ice-packs for 15 minutes on the breasts can induce comfort. If ice does not help you can try placing a warm washcloth. If you get chills and fever and the breasts are still swollen and uncomfortable, you must see your doctor.

Sexual Activity

During post delivery it is advisable to avoid sexual intercourse for 4-6 weeks. This will help the tissues to heal and prevent further wear and tear. Besides, sex can also be very painful due to the same reasons.

Not to forget the most important of post delivery health care, ensure that you visit your physician at stipulated intervals so that your health is effectively monitored. This can save possible complications and several associated issues can also be dealt with at ease if they are noticed via monitoring at the initial stage.