During your postnatal period, we will visit you a few times to see and evaluate if everything is going well. The maternity assistant plays an important part in this, she will be our eyes and ears to see if everything is going smoothly. If necessary, we will discuss particulars with her and you.
Mother
Peeing
It is important to pee within 6 hours after childbirth. In the beginning, you may feel little to no urge to pee, but try it frequently. An empty bladder may prevent unnecessary blood loss. If you do not manage to pee within 8 hours, you have to call us. Do not go to the toilet alone shortly after giving birth, because you may feel faint after the effort. During the first day, there may be a burning sensation while you pee. It may be possible to reduce these complaints by flushing with a flush cup or the shower head while you are peeing.
Bleeding
After childbirth, there will be some blood loss. During the first days, it may be as much or a little more than during your menstruation period. You may also lose some clots, sometimes as big as an apple. You do not have to be alarmed. If your sanitary towel is soaked with blood within half an hour, you have to call us via our mobile number.
Postnatal contractions
You may experience postnatal contractions after childbirth. Your uterus may also contract while you are giving birth. This will fade after a few days. You can take paracetamol to help with the pain, a maximum of 6 times 1000 mg per 24 hours.
Stitches
Most of the women in their postnatal period are bothered by their stitches. There are a few tips to soothe this unpleasant feeling. Cool the stitches with a little package of ice sold apple syrup, this is not too sharp, and cools and reduces the swelling. It is also beneficial to air dry the stitches every day. For example, by lying on a mat on top of your bed.
Haemorrhoids
Since they pushed during childbirth, a lot of women in their postnatal period get haemorrhoids, an unpleasant but normal ailment. Curanol taken through rectal and oral tablets can have a positive effect. Using nose spray with active substance (xylometazoline) also works against haemorrhoids very quickly. Cooling with apple syrup (in a package) or frozen tampons may also help.
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Baby
Temperature
During the first 24 hours, your baby’s body may struggle to stay at the right temperature. The temperature should be between 36.5 degrees and 37.5 degrees. It is wise to measure the temperature a few times during the first day.
- If the temperature is too high: remove the hot water bottles, take off the hat, and maybe remove the blanket. Measure the temperature again after an hour, and if it is still higher than 37.5 degrees, call us on our mobile phone number.
- If the temperature is too low: check if you have applied the thermometer “deep” enough. The silver measuring part should not be visible. Check if the hot water bottles are properly warm, put a little hat on and put another blanket in the crib. Another possibility is to undress your baby and put him or her on your bare stomach. You should keep the baby’s hat on. Put a blanket over yourself and the baby. Measure the temperature again after an hour and if it is still too low, call us on our mobile phone number. If you feel uneasy or want advice, you can call us first!
Feeding
If you are breastfeeding, you can offer your breast when your baby starts to make smacking noises. We recommend to offer your breast to your baby often during the first few days, to really get the breastfeeding started properly. Make sure there are never more than 6 hours between feedings.
If you are breastfeeding, you can offer a bottle with 10 cc every 3 hours (approximately) during the first day.
The amount of milk will increase every day, the maternity assistant will explain this to you. The package of the formula milk will indicate how to prepare the formula. Usually, new-born babies feel nauseous during the first 24 hours, and they do not want to drink properly. You do not need to worry about this, it is normal. If you are still worried, you can always call us.
Cramps
The intestines of your baby suddenly have to digest the milk, and for a lot of babies this results in cramps. Sometimes this makes babies cry for long periods of time. This is normal. You cannot prevent these cramps. A good tip is to put your baby with his or her belly on your lower arm. Because of the warmth of your arm and the counter-pressure, the cramps will be somewhat soothed. Keep feeding your baby at the set feeding times. If your baby keeps crying, you as parents are doing nothing wrong. Just hold your little one, it is only a phase!
De Luiermand
Verloskundigenpraktijk Vlaardingen
Hoflaan 43i
3134 AC Vlaardingen
Contact
Phone number: +31 10 234 13 55
Childbirth and emergency phone number:
+31 6 46 27 2220
Email: info@deluiermand.nl
