Postpartum Care
Your newborn is your first priority in the days and weeks following delivery. However, you can’t forget to take care of yourself. After delivery, your body goes through a lot of changes and it can be difficult to know what is normal and what might need a visit to your health care provider. Fortunately, the experienced staff at Pacific Women’s Center can help.
Excellent postpartum care is essential to the health of you and your new baby and regular postpartum check ups should be scheduled. We will work with you to make a plan that best fits you and your family’s life. Initial postpartum visits consist of an exam and a discussion of any questions or concerns you or your physician may have.
We’ll be here for you every step of the way, but there are a few things you can do to help ease into life after delivery. Here are a few tips, suggestions and things to watch for in the first days and weeks after you get home:
Rest
This may seem like a given, but it is extremely important that you get plenty of rest. Gradually increase your activity level as you heal, making sure that you only do things that you are comfortable with and be sure to follow your doctor’s orders. You should avoid difficult tasks and manual labor for at least six weeks.
Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding can be difficult to get used to. Proper care for your breasts and understanding ideal feeding positions and latching will help immensely. Engorged and/or sore nipples are very common initially, so don’t be discouraged if this happens early on while breastfeeding. Be sure to properly hydrate yourself and continue to eat a healthy diet to ensure your newborn gets the proper nutrients. If you have any questions or concerns, Pacific Women’s Center offers lactation classes and resources for breastfeeding consultation, so feel free to contact us for any help you may need.
Postpartum Depression
Postpartum sadness is a normal response to the hormonal and physical changes that your body is experiencing. Stress and lack of sleep can also amplify any sad feelings you may have. Monitor your feelings and if your sadness begins to cause suicidal or scary thoughts, contact a counselor or a physician as quickly as you can. Our physicians at Pacific Women’s Center are also available for you to talk to should any problems arise, so feel free to call us any time.
Our staff at Pacific Women’s Center will help make the transition from hospital to home as easy as possible. Bringing your new baby home can be intimidating, but we’re here for you. Whether you’re planning on bringing a new life into the world, already expecting, or a new mother, we’d love to help. Give us a call at 541-342-8616, or come visit us at The TEN Coburg, 10 Coburg Road, Suite 100 Eugene, Oregon 97401 and we’ll make sure your new baby gets off to a great start and that you stay happy and healthy.
