Postpartum

Take it easy at the start together after giving birth

The first time in the puerperium

What a joy: your baby has finally arrived. Everything is new and the feelings of happiness are running high. An extensive time in the postpartum period offers you the best conditions to get to know your newborn baby very well and to get used to each other. You, dear fathers, partners, can now lovingly care for and support the mother so that she can take it easy after the exertions of the birth. Enjoying this intense closeness together is a unique experience.

What is the puerperium?

Ideally, the postpartum period lasts six to eight weeks after the birth. The new addition to the family demands your full attention from now on, although the mother's body needs to rest after the birth and the hormones first have to settle again. Breastfeeding also requires some practice at the beginning, which is easier in a relaxed atmosphere. It is therefore a good idea to plan enough rest for the first time with your baby.

In addition, the start of family happiness is often like a rollercoaster ride emotionally. You first have to learn to understand your baby's signals: Is it crying because it's hungry and because it's looking for closeness? When does it want rest, when does it want stimulation, when does it want the breast or bottle? How can it be soothed well? Which lying or holding position does he like best? It's all about finding out. During this unique time of the postpartum period, your partner also has the opportunity to get to know your newborn baby and its signals and needs in detail. It also promotes a loving bond if you, dear fathers and partners, also spend a lot of time with the baby.

Why is the postpartum period so important?

The first few days and weeks together are a particularly intense time for you and your baby and have many benefits:

The postpartum period helps the mother to recover after the exertions of childbirth. The hormones change and the physical changes of pregnancy recede. This can take a few weeks. In the first 10 days in particular, mothers should allow themselves rest and care.
The puerperium and intensive closeness with lots of skin contact between you and your child promotes the development of a strong bond. Parents who give their baby the greatest possible sense of security and respond to their needs make it easier for their offspring to settle into the world.
Postpartum rest also promotes milk production. A relaxed atmosphere offers you the opportunity to develop a breastfeeding routine and overcome any initial breastfeeding problems.
Rest in the postpartum period supports the recovery and healing of birth injuries.
A largely relaxed time in the postpartum period also prevents the so-called baby blues. However, mood swings, upset moods and crying fits are nothing unusual given the hormonal changes in the mother's body.

What role does the midwife play during the postpartum period?

The aftercare or family midwife accompanies and supports the newborn and you during the first few weeks at home. If necessary, even beyond that.

The midwife will care for your child's navel, support breastfeeding, monitor the recovery process and the healing of the mother's birth injuries. The midwife will also closely monitor your baby's drinking behavior and weight gain.

In addition, providing emotional support to the young mother is an important task for the midwife. Especially when the hormones are on a rollercoaster at the beginning, mood swings and excessive demands, the so-called baby blues, can occur. Experienced midwives can quickly recognize this and know when help is needed.

In addition, the midwife will give you tips so that the "new" everyday life with your child and your new life as a family can begin as smoothly as possible.

How long am I entitled to paid follow-up care from my midwife?

Until the 10th day after the birth, every new mother is entitled to at least one daily visit from the midwife. Until the child is 12 weeks old, you can also ask the midwife for advice and help 16 times. If necessary, until the end of the breastfeeding period. Further home visits are possible on the doctor's prescription if complications arise.

How can the father provide support during the postpartum period?

As a father, your understanding and care for your partner and the newborn are particularly important. It takes some time to establish a certain routine. It's great if you take leave or parental leave after the birth to experience the first time together intensively, relieve your partner and seek closeness to the baby. After the birth, there is also a lot of administrative work and paperwork to do, where you can relieve the mother wonderfully. Your help is also needed more than ever in the household.

Being a father clearly brings new roles with it. The responsibility grows and suddenly you are in demand as a caring father and in many other roles in addition to being a friend and husband. Despite all the happiness about your baby, this all requires a big adjustment and is not always easy. Our topic Active fatherhood deals in detail with all questions relating to fatherhood. Here you will find answers, inspiration, networks and numerous offers. Why not take a look?

And here are a few tips for getting started together after the birth:

Spending time with the baby in bed
Midwives recommend taking the postpartum period literally and spending most of the day in bed with the baby, especially at the beginning.
Seeking help
There are more important things to do in the postpartum period than vacuuming and doing the laundry at home. It is best to arrange for family or external help before the birth. Statutory health insurance companies cover the costs of household help to a limited extent. Ask your health insurance provider in good time.
Keep to yourself
Of course, the whole family would like to get to know the new arrival straight away. But in the early days, visits cause a lot of anxiety. So it's perfectly okay if you want to keep to yourself for the first few days. And then take the rule of thumb to heart: a maximum of one visit per day. Visitors are welcome to make themselves useful and, for example, bring food and do some important shopping along the way.
Recharge your batteries
While the first few days feel like a rush due to the hormonal high, don't be surprised if you feel tired and exhausted after two to three weeks. Don't be afraid to treat yourself to a nap during the day! When the baby is asleep, you can also recharge your batteries.
Avoid stress
The less external stress there is, the better you can grow into your new role together and enjoy the little baby miracle alongside all the stress of the first few weeks.