Welcoming a new baby into the world is a momentous occasion, filled with joy and anticipation. However, it also brings about significant changes in a woman’s body and lifestyle. Navigating pregnancy and postpartum health can be overwhelming, which is why a natural, holistic approach is essential for both mother and child. This guide provides accurate information and helpful resources to support you through this incredible journey, focusing on your well-being and the healthy development of your baby.
Caring for Yourself: Nurturing Your Body and Mind
The postpartum period, often referred to as the fourth trimester, is a time of significant physical and emotional adjustment. It’s crucial to prioritize self-care, allowing your body to heal and your mind to adapt to the demands of motherhood. Remember, taking care of yourself is not selfish; it’s necessary to effectively care for your baby.
Staying hydrated is crucial for postpartum recovery and breastfeeding.
Here are some essential tips for nurturing your body and mind:
- Hydration: Drink plenty of water throughout the day, especially if you are breastfeeding. Water supports milk production and helps prevent dehydration.
- Rest: Prioritize sleep whenever possible. Nap when your baby naps, and don’t hesitate to ask for help from your partner, family, or friends to allow you to rest.
- Nutrition: Focus on consuming a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein. Canada’s Food Guide offers excellent advice and recipes for healthy eating.
- Physical Activity: Incorporate gentle physical activity into your daily routine. Start with short walks with your baby and gradually increase the intensity as you feel stronger.
- Support System: Build a strong support network by connecting with other new parents in early years programs, parenting classes, or support groups. Share your experiences and learn from others.
- Me-Time: Schedule time for yourself to engage in activities you enjoy, such as reading, listening to music, or taking a relaxing bath.
- Communication: Talk openly with your partner, family, and friends about your feelings and concerns. Sharing your emotions can help alleviate stress and promote emotional well-being.
Remember, the first few weeks are a time for bonding with your baby and adjusting to your new role. Be patient with yourself, and don’t hesitate to seek help from your healthcare provider if you experience any physical or emotional difficulties.
Understanding Body Changes After Birth
Your body will continue to undergo significant changes after childbirth. Some changes are physical, while others are emotional. It can take several weeks for you to feel like yourself again. Understanding these changes and knowing what to expect can help ease anxiety and promote a smoother recovery.
Medical Follow-Ups
Schedule a follow-up appointment with your healthcare provider 2 to 6 weeks after delivery to ensure your body is healing properly. If you have any questions or concerns before your appointment, contact your healthcare provider or a public health nurse. If you have a midwife, they will provide regular check-ups for you and your baby for the first 6 weeks.
Common Postpartum Symptoms and Management
The following table outlines common postpartum symptoms, what is considered normal, and when to seek medical attention:
| Common Symptom | What is Normal? | What Can I Do? | When Should I Contact My Healthcare Provider? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bleeding and Vaginal Discharge (Lochia) | Up to 6 weeks of vaginal bleeding and discharge is normal. It will start as heavy, red, and bloody, then gradually decrease and change to pink, brown, and eventually white or yellow. Small clots may be present in the first few days. | Use pads (not tampons or menstrual cups), change frequently, rinse the perineum with warm water, and avoid douching. | Heavy bleeding (soaking a pad in an hour, twice in a row), large blood clots, foul-smelling discharge, ongoing stomach pain, or fever. |
| Changes to Your Perineum | Stretching and tearing are common. You may experience bruising, swelling, and pain that gradually decreases. Stitches will dissolve within 2-4 weeks. The vulva may look different and feel more open. | Apply cold packs for 15-20 minutes every hour for the first 24 hours, rinse with warm water, wipe front to back, soak in a sitz bath, use a donut-shaped cushion, take pain medication as directed, and perform Kegel exercises. | New or severe pain, bleeding, or discharge; yellow or greenish discharge from stitches or vagina, foul-smelling discharge, fever, flu-like symptoms, or pain that doesn’t go away with medication. |
| Afterpains and Cramps | Menstrual-like cramps (afterpains) help the uterus return to its original size within about 6 weeks. They may last a few days to a week after birth and be stronger if you breastfeed or have had previous pregnancies. | Take pain medication as directed, apply a warm compress to your stomach, and go to the bathroom frequently. | New or worse pain in your stomach, new or severe bleeding or discharge, or pain that doesn’t go away with medication. |
| Breast Changes | Breasts may feel swollen, warm, tender, and sore as they fill with milk (engorgement). This usually lasts 2-5 days. Engorgement can make breasts feel hard, warm, swollen, and throbbing, lasting 24-48 hours. The skin may look tight and shiny, and the nipple may look flat. | Wear a supportive bra, use nursing pads, express a small amount of milk to release pressure, apply cold compresses for 10-15 minutes every couple of hours, take pain medications as directed, breastfeed frequently, and avoid warm compresses if formula feeding. | Swollen, red, hot, and painful breasts for more than 48 hours, a sore, hard, red, painful area on your breast, painful or cracked nipples, which could indicate improper latching, or fever. |
| Constipation and Changes in Bowel Movements | Constipation is common after giving birth. Bowel movements may be painful and hard to pass, occurring up to 2-3 days after a vaginal birth or 3-5 days after a C-section. | Drink lots of water, go to the bathroom as soon as you feel the need, gradually eat more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, gradually increase physical activity, and talk to your healthcare provider about medication for constipation. | Ongoing constipation beyond the normal timeframe. |
| Hemorrhoids | Hemorrhoids are caused by pregnancy and pushing during birth and usually go away after a few weeks. Symptoms include itching, bleeding, and pain. | Move often, avoid standing or sitting for long periods, drink lots of water, avoid straining during bowel movements, clean often from front to back, use baby wipes or hemorrhoid pads, gradually eat more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, apply a cold pack for 10-20 minutes a few times each day, and take pain medications as directed. | Ongoing pain or hemorrhoids that don’t go away after a few weeks. |
| Changes to Urination | Difficulty urinating, discomfort, stinging, burning, leaking, and more frequent urination are common. | Rinse the perineum with warm water, drink lots of water, run water in the sink or try urinating in the shower, do Kegel exercises, and take pain medications as directed. | Ongoing pain when urinating, pain in your bladder, inability to urinate or only urinating in small amounts, an urgent need to urinate or frequent urination with a burning feeling, fever, or leaking urine longer than 6-8 weeks after birth. |
| Menstruation Changes | If exclusively breastfeeding, you may not have a period while your baby is only taking breast milk (often starting again around 6 months when your baby starts solid foods). If formula feeding, your period will likely start within 6-12 weeks. | Consider birth control options and timing for another baby, as your body will ovulate before your period returns. | Talk to your healthcare provider about birth control options and any concerns about your period. |
| Caesarean Birth (C-Section) | It can take up to 6 weeks for your body to heal. You may experience fatigue, pain at the incision and in your lower stomach, difficulty moving, and vaginal bleeding. Stitches should dissolve on their own, or staples will be removed by your healthcare provider. | Take pain medication as directed, rest when you can, ask for help, take a shower and pat the incision dry, wait to take a bath until the incision is fully healed, don’t lift anything heavier than your baby for the first 6 weeks, support your incision with a pillow when you cough or sneeze, use a pillow to support your stomach when breastfeeding, move often, gradually increase physical activity, and talk to your healthcare provider about when it is safe to drive. | Pain that doesn’t go away with pain medication, fever, signs of infection in your incision (pain, oozing, redness, warm to touch), an increase in vaginal bleeding, pain in your calf, behind your knee, or in the thigh or groin, or redness and swelling in your leg or groin. |
Additional Reasons to Seek Help
Contact your healthcare provider if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Swelling in your hands, feet, or face
- Blurry vision or seeing spots
- Severe headache
- Pain in your calf, thigh, or groin
- Redness or swelling in your leg or groin
- Pain in your chest, stomach, back, or legs
- Dizziness and feeling faint
- Vomiting and trouble keeping fluids down
In rare cases, serious symptoms may require immediate medical attention. Call 911 if you experience:
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Coughing up blood
- Seizure
- Fainting or passing out
- Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby
Prioritizing Sleep
Sleep is paramount for your physical and emotional well-being. While it may be challenging to get adequate sleep with a newborn, prioritizing rest is essential.
Catching up on sleep whenever your baby sleeps can help combat exhaustion.
Important Facts
- Baby’s Sleep Patterns: Newborns have different sleep patterns than adults. They wake up easily and often, and sleep for short periods throughout the day and night.
- Physical Exhaustion: Interrupted sleep can lead to physical exhaustion, affecting your cognitive function, safety, and risk of postpartum depression.
Common Questions
- How Much Sleep Do I Need? Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night, but realistically, expect to sleep in 2-4 hour intervals during the first few weeks.
- How Can I Get More Sleep? Sleep when your baby sleeps, share nighttime duties with your partner, limit visitors, ask for help with household chores, and help your baby develop healthy sleep patterns.
Nourishing Your Body with Nutrition
What you eat and drink plays a vital role in your recovery and ability to care for your baby. Even though you may feel overwhelmed, prioritizing healthy eating habits will help your body heal and improve your overall well-being.
Important Facts
- Variety of Healthy Foods: Consume a variety of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and protein foods each day.
- Healthy Fats: Choose foods with healthy fats, such as nuts, seeds, fatty fish, and vegetable oils.
- Multivitamin: Take a daily multivitamin containing folic acid to support your baby’s healthy growth and development.
- Mindful Eating: Take time to eat without distractions, plan your meals and snacks, and incorporate cultural and food traditions.
- Hydration: Drink plenty of water to support milk production and prevent constipation and swelling.
Common Questions
- Can I Eat Anything While Breastfeeding? Many foods you avoided during pregnancy are now safe to eat. However, continue to avoid alcohol (or limit intake and plan accordingly), be mindful of caffeine intake (limit to below 300mg a day), and choose fish low in mercury.
- Healthy Snack Ideas: Keep fruit on the counter, chop extra vegetables when cooking, ask friends to make muffins or granola bars, and keep roasted chickpeas and nuts in your bag.
- Losing Baby Weight: Avoid drastic changes and focus on a healthy and active lifestyle. Breastfeeding can also aid in weight loss. Talk to your healthcare provider about a healthy weight loss goal.
Integrating Physical Activity
Exercise is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle and can significantly improve your postpartum recovery.
Important Facts
- Benefits of Exercise: Regular exercise boosts energy levels, improves sleep, relieves stress, enhances mood, and aids in weight loss.
- Start Slowly: Begin with simple exercises like walking with your baby and gradually increase the intensity.
- Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to any signs of discomfort or pain and adjust your activity level accordingly.
- Recommended Activity: Aim for 150 minutes of moderate physical activity each week, spread out over at least 3 days.
Common Questions
- When Can I Start Exercising? If you had a healthy pregnancy and vaginal birth, you can slowly start exercising soon after delivery. If you had a C-section or complications, consult with your healthcare provider.
- Will Exercising Impact My Breastmilk? Moderate exercise will not affect the quantity or quality of your breastmilk. Try breastfeeding before exercising to make it more comfortable.
- Pelvic Floor Exercises: Kegel exercises help strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, improving bladder control.
Navigating Sexual Health
Physical and emotional changes after childbirth can influence your sex life. Before resuming sexual activity, plan for birth control.
Important Facts
- Time to Be Ready: It takes time to be physically and emotionally ready to have sex after childbirth.
- Contraception: Several options are available to prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
- Open Communication: Talk openly with your partner about your feelings, worries, and expectations.
Common Questions
- Is It Normal to Not Want to Have Sex After Giving Birth? Yes, it’s normal. Each person is different.
- When Can I Start Having Sex Again? Wait until bleeding has stopped and you don’t feel pain while having sex, typically 4-6 weeks.
- Can I Get Pregnant While Breastfeeding? Yes, you can. It’s difficult to predict when you will start ovulating again.
- How Long Should I Wait Before I Try to Get Pregnant Again? It is best to wait 18 to 24 months after giving birth before trying to get pregnant again.
Addressing Mental Health
Childbirth is a transformative experience that can trigger a range of emotions. It’s crucial to be aware of your feelings and seek support when needed.
Important Facts
- Baby Blues: Experiencing the “baby blues” is common in the first few days after giving birth. Symptoms include restlessness, sadness, and overwhelm.
- Postpartum Depression: You may experience more severe and longer-lasting symptoms beyond the baby blues, which could be postpartum depression.
- Postpartum Anxiety: Postpartum anxiety often presents as recurring intense worry or disabling fear that is hard to control.
Self-Care
Parents take better care of their newborn when they take care of themselves, too. Eat well, get enough rest, take breaks, and do something fun or relaxing. Find support and relieve stress by talking about your feelings and concerns with your friends and family.
Common Questions
- What Causes Postpartum Mental Health Conditions? Hormonal changes, lack of sleep, and stress can contribute to postpartum mental health conditions.
- How Are Mental Health Conditions Diagnosed? Your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms and complete a physical exam.
- How Are Mental Health Conditions Treated? Treatment options include support groups, therapy, and medication.
If you are having thoughts of suicide or of hurting yourself, your baby, or someone else, call 911 immediately.
Being Mindful of Substance Use
As a parent, consider how substance use can affect you and your family. Alcohol, tobacco (nicotine), cannabis, and other drugs can have negative health impacts.
Important Facts
- Negative Impacts: Substance use by parents can have negative and long-term health impacts on their child.
- Breastmilk Transfer: Alcohol, nicotine, and cannabis can transfer through breastmilk to your baby.
- Changes in Reaction: How you react to substances can change after you have a baby.
- Second-Hand Smoke: Second-hand smoke exposure is not healthy for your baby.
Common Questions
- Can I “Pump and Dump” If I Want to Use Alcohol or Cannabis While Breastfeeding? It is safest to avoid alcohol and cannabis while breastfeeding.
- Will My Partner’s Substance Use Affect the Baby? Yes, your partner’s substance use can affect your well-being and the well-being and safety of your baby.
- I Want to Quit Smoking. Where Can I Find Help? Talk to your healthcare provider for support and advice.
Understanding Vaccination
Vaccines (immunizations) offer the best protection against serious diseases that can make you or your child very sick.
Important Facts
- Immunity: Vaccines work with your body’s natural defenses to build protection against a disease.
- Postpartum Vaccines: You may need vaccines after your baby is born.
- Childhood Vaccines: Your child may receive their first recommended vaccines at birth or within the first 2 months.
Common Questions
- Are Vaccines Safe? Yes, vaccines are safe and provide important benefits for you and your baby.
- Is It Safe to Get a Vaccine When I Am Breastfeeding? Yes, it is safe for you and your breastfeeding baby to receive most vaccines.
- Is Breast Milk a Substitute for Vaccinating My Child? No, breast milk is not a substitute for vaccination.
Caring for Your Baby: Providing the Best Start
The initial weeks with your newborn are a period of discovery and bonding.
Skin-to-skin contact is essential for bonding and regulating your newborn’s temperature.
Newborn Care: Understanding Your Baby’s Needs
Parenting a newborn can be challenging. Focus on holding your baby skin-to-skin and responding to their basic needs.
Hygiene and Daily Care
| Newborn Care | What to Expect | What You Can Do |
|---|---|---|
| Sleep | Newborns may sleep up to 18 hours a day in short periods. | Develop a soothing bedtime routine and place your baby on their back to sleep. |
| Diapering | Diapers need to be changed regularly, and genitals cleaned with each change. | Use unscented wipes or a cloth with water, wipe from front to back (for females), and change diapers often to prevent diaper rash. |
| Bathing | Babies don’t need a bath every day. | Give your baby a bath in a warm room with a few centimeters of warm water, hold them firmly, and never leave them alone. |
| Umbilical Cord | The umbilical cord will dry up and fall off within 1-3 weeks. | Keep the cord dry, gently dry after a bath, and don’t cover it. |
| Nail Care | Wait until your baby is at least 1 week old before trimming their nails. | Use a nail file or baby scissors to gently trim the nails after a bath or when they are sleeping. |
Changes in Your Baby
| Changes in Your Baby | What is Normal and What Can I Do? | When Should I Contact My Healthcare Provider? |
|---|---|---|
| Skin | Skin coloring varies, feet may look slightly blue, pimples and birthmarks are common. Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes) is common in newborns. | If your baby is not feeding well and seems more sleepy, you have concerns about jaundice or birthmarks. Call 911 if your baby’s face and body are grey or blue. |
| Head | Newborns have soft spots, their head may have an odd shape, and cradle cap (dry yellow crust) is common. | If cradle cap doesn’t clear up or you have concerns about the shape of your baby’s head. |
| Breathing | Irregular breathing is normal, with pauses up to 10 seconds between breaths. | Contact your healthcare provider if you are worried about your baby’s breathing. Call 911 if you think your baby needs immediate medical attention. |
| Sneezing | Sneezing is normal to clear the nose. | If your baby is sneezing and has other symptoms, such as a runny nose, fever, or cough. |
| Body Temperature | Normal temperature is 36.5°C to 37.5°C (97.7°F to 99.5°F) under the armpit. Feed your baby more and put light clothes on them if they have a fever. | If your baby is under 3 months and has a fever, contact your healthcare provider right away. |
| Crying | Crying is normal to express needs. Try changing, feeding, snuggling, singing, and rocking. | If your baby is inconsolable and has other symptoms you are worried about. |
| Mouth | A pink, moist mouth is normal. Thrush (white spots) is common. | If you think your baby has thrush. |
| Spit Up | Spitting up a small amount of milk is normal. | Contact your healthcare provider if your baby projectile vomits, spits up blood, chokes, or has spit-up that concerns you. |
| Hiccups | Hiccups are normal and will stop on their own. | There is no need to contact your healthcare provider. |
| Genitals | Female: Genitals may seem swollen and produce a few drops of blood. Male: Do not retract the foreskin on an uncircumcised penis. | If you are worried that something does not seem right or if a circumcision shows signs of bleeding or infection. |
| Pee (Urine) | Pee should be pale yellow. Expect 1 wet diaper on day 1, increasing to 6 wet diapers after 7 days. Orange crystals in pee are normal in the first few days. | If you still see orange crystals or pink pee after the first few days or you are worried about the number of wet diapers. |
| Poop (Stool) | Poop will be thick and black in the first few days, then change to yellow, green, or brown. Breastfed babies will have golden yellow, soft poop, while formula-fed babies will have pale yellow to light brown poop. | If your baby’s poop is black after the first few days or is red, grey, white, or beige, or you are worried about constipation. |
When to Contact a Healthcare Provider or Seek Emergency Care
Consult your healthcare provider if your baby has any of the following symptoms:
- Frequent projectile vomit
- Not drinking much and unusually sleepy
- Skin color is pale or greyish
- Under 3 months of age and has a fever
- Breathing quickly
- Exerting extra effort to breathe
- Irritable and crying all the time
- Reacts little to interactions when awake
- Has not peed in 24 hours
- Has orange crystals in their diaper and they are more than 3 days old
Call 911 if your baby:
- May have ingested poison, alcohol, medication, or drugs
- Has trouble breathing or swallowing
- Is choking
- Is pale blue, grey, or has a very pale face or lips
- Has a swollen tongue, mouth, or throat
- Has a hoarse voice or cry
- Has fainted or passed out
- Is not reacting to interactions when awake
Breastfeeding: Nourishing Your Baby Naturally
Breast milk is the optimal food for your baby, providing essential nutrients and promoting a strong bond.
Important Facts
- Benefits for Baby: Breast milk provides essential nutrients, reduces the risk of infections and SIDS, and supports healthy weight.
- Benefits for Mom: Breastfeeding encourages uterine contraction, helps with weight loss, and reduces the risk of certain diseases.
- Convenience: Breast milk is always fresh, at the right temperature, and readily available.
Breastfeeding provides essential nutrients and promotes bonding between mother and child.
Common Questions
- How Do I Know If My Baby Is Getting Enough Milk? Look for signs such as regular bowel movements, six or more wet diapers a day, and weight gain.
- How Can I Maintain My Milk Production If I Have to Stop Breastfeeding Temporarily? Express milk at regular intervals to maintain production.
- Should I Give My Baby Vitamin D? Yes, breastfed babies need a vitamin D supplement.
- Should I Give My Baby Water If They Are Breastfed? No, breast milk provides all the hydration your baby needs.
Growth and Development: Supporting Your Baby’s Milestones
The first few months are filled with exciting milestones.
Important Facts
- Early Experiences: Early experiences shape brain development and influence lifelong health.
- Uniqueness: Each baby learns and develops at their own pace.
Your Baby’s Developmental Milestones
| Baby’s Development | What Most Babies Do at This Age and Stage |
|---|---|
| 2 Months | |
| Cognitive (Brain) | Looks at your face, follows objects with eyes, recognizes voices. |
| Physical | Lifts head up, starts to push up onto arms when lying on tummy. |
| Communication | Coos and makes gurgling sounds, turns head to sounds. |
| Emotional and Social | Starts to smile, tries to look at people, starts to self-calm or soothe. |
| 4 Months | |
| Cognitive (Brain) | Reaches for objects with one hand, follows moving objects, recognizes people. |
| Physical | Holds head up, tries to support body by pushing feet down, may roll from tummy to back, puts hands in mouth, pushes onto elbows when lying on tummy. |
| Communication | Starts babbling, starts to copy sounds. |
| Emotional and Social | Smiles at people, likes to play with people instead of toys. |
| 6 Months | |
| Cognitive (Brain) | Brings objects to mouth, passes objects from one hand to another, tries to get out-of-reach objects. |
| Physical | Starts to sit without support, supports weight on legs, rolls over from tummy to back and back to tummy, pushes up onto hands and knees. |
| Communication | Responds to name, starts babbling two-letter sounds, may babble with consonant sounds. |
| Emotional and Social | Enjoys playing with others, likes to look at their reflection. |
What You Can Do to Encourage Development
| 2 Months | 4 Months | 6 Months |
|---|---|---|
| Hold and cuddle, talk, sing, give tummy time, imitate. | Talk during care, read, tummy time, dangle toys, imitate. | Play in front of a mirror, talk, sing, respond to babbling, play peek-a-boo and make funny faces. |
Safe Sleep: Protecting Your Baby During Rest
Every parent wants their baby’s sleep to be safe and restful.
Important Facts
- Back Sleeping: Babies who always sleep on their backs have a lower risk of SIDS.
- Smoke-Free: Being smoke-free before and after birth decreases the risk of SIDS.
- Breastfeeding: Breastfeeding lowers the risk of SIDS.
- Safe Sleep Surface: The safest place for your baby to sleep is in a crib, cradle, or bassinet with a firm, flat mattress.
Always place your baby on their back to sleep to reduce the risk of SIDS.
Common Questions
- What Are the Risks of Bed Sharing? Bed sharing increases the risk of SIDS and suffocation.
- Are Products Like Baby Nests, Nursing Pillows, and Bedside Sleepers Safe? No, these products are not recommended for sleep.
- How Do I Give My Baby a Safe Sleep Space While Traveling or Away from Home? Make sure your baby continues to sleep on a firm, flat surface that is free of soft bedding.
Bonding and Emotional Health: Nurturing Your Baby’s Emotional Development
Your baby is growing and developing emotionally, learning to form close relationships and manage their emotions.
Important Facts
- Attachment: The foundation for attachment and emotional health starts early in life.
- Brain Development: Your baby’s brain develops rapidly in response to their experiences and environment.
- Positive Experiences: Positive experiences help your baby’s brain develop and protect them from stress.
Common Questions
- What Can I Do to Build Attachment? Respond to your baby’s needs by feeding, cuddling, and changing their diaper.
- What Can I Do to Help Develop My Baby’s Brain? Talk, read, sing, make eye contact, and provide a safe environment.
Safety: Protecting Your Baby from Harm
New baby products can be overwhelming. Make sure they are safe for your baby.
Important Facts
- Safe Place: The only safe place to leave a baby unsupervised is in a crib, cradle, or bassinet.
- Bath Time: Always stay with your baby while they are bathing.
- Car Seats: Infants and young children should face the rear of the vehicle in a car seat.
Common Questions
- How Can I Check the Safety of My Baby Products? Check for recalls and regularly inspect products for damage.
- How Can I Check the Safety of Second-Hand Products? Inspect second-hand products carefully and ensure they are in good condition.
Family Health: Promoting Well-Being for Everyone
Postpartum health includes the entire family. When everyone takes care of their health, it will help promote the healthy growth and development of your baby and make your family’s transition with the new baby easier.
Partner Health: Supporting Fathers and Partners
It is important to be involved and take an active role in nurturing and taking care of your baby.
Important Facts
- Birth Brings Changes: The birth of your baby can bring challenges to your life.
- Being Active: Being active and present while taking care of your newborn has benefits – now and for life.
- Postpartum Depression: Partners can get postpartum depression too.
- Tips to Take Care of Your Health: Make time for yourself, talk to people, eat well, get enough sleep, and ask for help.
Common Questions
- Where Can I Find Support in My Community? Look up your local public health unit or community organizations.
- I Did Not Grow Up Around Babies and Young Children. How Do I Care for My Newborn? Be patient and learn by reading, watching videos, or taking classes.
- My Partner Is Breastfeeding. What Can I Do to Help? Bring the baby to your partner, burp and cuddle the baby, bring water or snacks, and change diapers.
- What Can I Do If I Think My Partner Has Postpartum Depression? Support your partner and get help from your healthcare provider.
Parenting: Navigating the Joys and Challenges
Having a baby can be one of the most exciting times in your life, but it can also be overwhelming.
Important Facts
- Taking Care of Your New Baby Can Be Hard: Many new parents feel anxious about taking care of their baby.
- Some Babies Go Through a Period When They Cry a Lot: Some babies go through a period when they cry a lot.
- Relationship Changes: Your relationship with your partner may change.
Common Questions
- Where Can I Find Parenting Support and Information? There are many resources to help new parents, such as books and websites.
- How Will I Know How to Care for My Baby? Start with what you need to know in the moment, like feeding, diapering, sleep, hygiene, and safety.
- How Do I Help My Other Children Adjust to the New Baby? Be patient, give them lots of love and affection, keep their routine as normal as possible, and include them in taking care of the new baby.
Family Violence: Ensuring Safety for Everyone
In the weeks and months after giving birth, there is an increased risk of family violence.
Important Facts
- Increased Risk: There is an increased risk of family violence after giving birth.
- Harmful Impacts: Violence can negatively affect your emotional and physical health.
Common Questions
- Am I Experiencing Violence? Family violence can take many forms, including physical, emotional, financial, and sexual abuse.
- What Can I Do If I Am Experiencing Violence? Reach out to family members or a trusted friend.
If your life or someone else’s life is in danger, call 911.
Pregnancy and Infant Loss: Providing Support During a Difficult Time
If you have lost your baby, this is a deeply sad time for you, your partner, and your family.
Important Facts
- Grief: People feel different emotions and grieve loss in their own way.
- **Self-Care
