Postpartum Care
The care of mother and child after birth is extremely important for both individuals. Many new moms, and those who have gone into labor before, die from significant health issues that can very well be prevented if postpartum care is taken into consideration. Below is some information regarding care provided from our partners, March of Dimes and the Florida Health Justice Project, as well as Mayo Clinic, and Stanford Children's Health.
March of Dimes and Florida Health Justice Project
Postpartum checkups for mothers are extremely important as new moms are at-risk of life threatening complications after birth. During the mothers pregnancy, it's crucial that they have a postpartum plan that is set up to begin right after labor.
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Postpartum checkups include a check up schedule, discussion of the mothers reproductive life plan (may include use of birth control), common physical and emotional changes, and the possibility for postpartum depression.
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During checkups, mothers experience a physical exam, discussions of issues during their pregnancy, feelings about being a new mom, and breastfeeding help. It is key to get a complete check up no later than 12 weeks after birth (March of Dimes).
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In FL, a woman who earns up to $2,816 monthly, or $33,792 annually is eligible for Medicaid coverage. Beyond the 60th day postpartum, she loses coverage unless her income is at or below $459 monthly or $5,508 annually for a new single mom and baby. Pregnant woman covered by Medicaid have higher rates of maternal morbidity and mortality. Florida Health Project is striving for mothers to have health coverage up to a year postpartum. Extending coverage is crucial for mothers as it increases positive outcomes for babies. This is extremely important to extend Medicaid, especially regarding the negative effects surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic (Florida Health Justice Project).
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Effects after Birth
Mothers start to experience effects on their bodies right after birth (Mayo Clinic). These effects can include:
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Vaginal soreness
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Mother may experience a tear during labor, or the doctor may had to make an incision to have a successful delivery​​​
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To help alleviate this pain you can: ​
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Use ice packs on the sore areas​
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Sit on pillows until soreness slows
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Take warm baths for short periods of time to relive some pain
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Vaginal discharge
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Mothers shed the membrane that was attached to the uterus after birth, and can bleed for weeks after labor​
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Contractions​
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These are afterpains that many may experience a few days after delivery and resemble menstrual cramps​
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This is common during breastfeeding as well, and pain can be relived with over the counter pain medication​
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Tender breasts
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Frequent breast-feeding is recommended to prevent further swelling, as well as wearing supportive bras​
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Hair loss and skin change
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Mood change (i.e. depression/anxiety)​​
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Rest, Nutrition, and Help
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Rest
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For the first few weeks postpartum, have someone else (family or friend) take care of some responsibilities that are usually taken around the house ​
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Allows time for mothers to focus on the baby and themselves​
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To increase the mothers amount of sleep, consider sleeping when the baby is sleeping.
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You can also have your baby sleep near your bed so thats they're in reach when they need to be fed at night.
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Nutrition
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Prioritize eating simple, easy, and healthy meals.​
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The 5 categories that are key include: grains, vegetables, fruits, dairy, and protein.​
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Try to include daily exercise and some sort of physical activity.
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Drink more fluids than normal, especially if you are breastfeeding.
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Help
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If friends or family are offering to help you take care of certain tasks around the house (i.e. cleaning) that you don't necessarily have to do, be sure to allow them to help out so that you can relax and recover fully​ (Stanford Children's Health).
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