A Message to New Mothers

Dear Mothers,
Your journey into motherhood is one of the most beautiful and transformative phases of life. But it also brings changes—physical, emotional, and hormonal—that require gentle care and proper guidance.

At Kishori Hospital & IVF, we often meet mothers who are unsure how to care for themselves after childbirth, especially when they have pre-existing health conditions. This guide is written to help you understand what your body needs, what to watch for, and how to recover safely and confidently.

1. Understanding the Postpartum Period

The postpartum (after-delivery) phase usually lasts six weeks, but recovery can vary for every woman depending on:

  • Type of delivery (normal or cesarean)
  • Blood loss and healing
  • Breastfeeding
  • Past medical or fertility history

The goal during this time is to help your body heal, restore strength, and support lactation while maintaining emotional well-being.

2. Rest and Physical Recovery

  • Sleep is essential: Rest whenever your baby sleeps; fatigue is common in the first few weeks.
  • Avoid strenuous household work and lifting heavy objects.
  • Gentle walking helps circulation and prevents blood clots — start once your doctor approves.
  • After C-section, avoid bending or pressure on the abdomen for at least 4–6 weeks.

If you had normal delivery with stitches, maintain perineal hygiene (clean with warm water after urination and bowel movement).

3. Emotional and Mental Health

Post-delivery, hormone levels change rapidly, causing mood swings or tearfulness (“baby blues”).

  • If sadness, irritability, or loss of interest lasts beyond two weeks, you may have postpartum depression — this is treatable, not a weakness.
  • Talk to your doctor, counselor, or support group.
  • Light exercise, sunlight, hydration, and talking with loved ones help balance your mood.

4. Nutrition and Diet for Healing

Your nutritional needs are higher after delivery, especially if you are breastfeeding.

  • Balanced Diet: Include cereals, pulses, milk, curd, green vegetables, fruits, eggs/fish/chicken.
  • Iron & Calcium: Continue supplements prescribed during pregnancy.
  • Hydration: Drink 3–3.5 litres of water daily to maintain milk supply.
  • Avoid: Junk food, excess caffeine, sugary snacks, or spicy food.

Traditional foods: Warm soups, moong dal, ghee in moderation, and methi or ajwain water aid digestion and lactation.

5. Breastfeeding and Lactation Care

Breastfeeding helps both mother and baby — it strengthens immunity, bonds emotionally, and aids uterine recovery.

  • Feed every 2–3 hours or on demand.
  • Ensure proper latch — baby’s mouth covers the areola, not just the nipple.
  • Mild nipple pain is common; cracked nipples may need lanolin ointment.
  • Avoid bottle feeding in early months unless medically necessary.

If you have low milk supply, discuss lactation supplements or galactagogues (e.g., fenugreek, shatavari) with your doctor.

6. Special Guidance for Mothers with Pre-existing Conditions

a. Diabetes (Gestational or Type 2)

  • Monitor blood sugar regularly.
  • Continue prescribed diabetic diet and medicines or insulin.
  • Breastfeeding helps improve glucose metabolism.
  • Watch for signs of hypoglycemia if you are breastfeeding and on insulin.

b. Thyroid Disorders

  • Continue thyroid medication (same timing daily).
  • Get thyroid levels checked 6 weeks postpartum.
  • Both hyper and hypothyroidism can affect milk supply and mood — monitor carefully.

c. High Blood Pressure / Preeclampsia

  • Continue BP medications; not all are safe in breastfeeding — consult your doctor.
  • Rest adequately; avoid stress and salty food.
  • Monitor BP twice daily for the first few weeks.
  • Report headaches, blurred vision, or swelling immediately.

d. PCOS or Infertility History

  • Hormonal changes may take longer to settle.
  • Focus on balanced diet, light exercise, and stress control.
  • Resume follow-up fertility or hormone checkup after 3 months if advised.

e. C-section Recovery

  • Keep incision clean and dry.
  • Avoid applying any powders or creams unless advised.
  • Look out for redness, discharge, or fever — signs of infection.
  • Wear loose, cotton clothing; avoid tight waistbands.

f. Anemia

  • Continue iron supplements for 3 months post-delivery.
  • Eat iron-rich foods: jaggery, dates, spinach, red meat, lentils.
  • Vitamin C improves iron absorption — include citrus fruits.

7. Hygiene and Personal Care

  • Wash hands before touching baby or breasts.
  • Change sanitary pads every 4–6 hours.
  • Use mild soap and warm water for personal cleaning.
  • Avoid vaginal washes or douching.

Maintain dental hygiene — gum infections can spread bacteria.

8. Follow-up Visits and Red Flags

Schedule:

  • First visit: 7–10 days post-delivery
  • Next visit: 6 weeks postpartum or earlier if needed

Contact your doctor immediately if you notice:

  • Heavy or foul-smelling bleeding
  • Fever above 100.4°F
  • Pain, swelling, or redness in stitches or breasts
  • Breathlessness, severe headache, or blurred vision
  • Persistent sadness or thoughts of harm

9. Caring for Your Newborn

  • Always support baby’s head and neck.
  • Keep the baby warm, dry, and clean.
  • Exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months — no water or other food.
  • Maintain proper sleep routine and safe sleeping position.

Follow the immunization schedule given at Kishori Hospital.

10. Resuming Normal Life and Family Planning

  • Gradually resume light household activity after 6 weeks.
  • Avoid intercourse until your doctor advises (usually 6–8 weeks).
  • Discuss contraception — lactational amenorrhea (no periods during breastfeeding) is not always reliable.
  • Options: Copper-T, progesterone-only pills, or other methods as advised.

Postpartum care is not just about recovery — it’s about rebuilding your strength, confidence, and joy as a mother.
 Remember, each woman’s journey is unique. Whether you conceived naturally or through IVF, had a normal or cesarean delivery, your body deserves gentle care, nutrition, and time to heal.

At Kishori Hospital & IVF, our team of doctors, nurses, and lactation experts are here to support you through every step.

📞 For Assistance or Follow-up Appointments

Kishori Hospital, Bargarh, Odisha
 Phone: 9040246332 / 9437487332
 Email: kishorihospital@gmail.com
 Website: www.kishorihospital.com