The postpartum period – Everything about its significance and duration

You are pregnant and still unclear about what the postpartum period is all about? Then this article will answer your most important questions! It was created in close collaboration with our LILLYDOO midwife Sissi Rasche. She is an expert in the field and a true advocate of the postpartum period, which is no longer practiced and celebrated as extensively as it used to be. And it is so important! But first, let's go back to the beginning:

What is the postpartum period?

The postpartum period is the , during which the new parents and the newborn get to know each other very closely. Most of the time is actually spent in and on the bed, physical activities are greatly reduced, and the intensive first time as a family is enjoyed.

How long does the postpartum period last?

Our midwife Sissi recommends taking plenty of time for the postpartum period. It's no coincidence that it's called the WEEK bed. Ideally, it lasts a full eight weeks . Many moms find this too long, so they sometimes significantly shorten or completely skip the postpartum period. Sometimes also out of ignorance. Ultimately, it is always a personal decision how much time one wants to dedicate to it. But at least the so-called Early postpartum period should be perceived by every mother with her baby. This begins on the first day after birth and lasts ten days.

Why is the postpartum period recommended?

The first time after birth is especially important for you and your child to establish a firm attachment to build. The postpartum period offers the perfect atmosphere to feel and enjoy the close intimacy between you both. And your partner now also has plenty of opportunity to get to know every centimeter of your little explorer, every facet of his little personality.

In addition, childbirth is always a physical and often also an emotional challenge. The postpartum period is therefore also used for Relaxation and Regeneration . Additionally, adhering to the postpartum bed promotes the Postnatal recovery and the healing of the Birth injuries . Additionally, babies and moms often need a little time in the first few weeks after birth to adjust to the new situation. Breastfeeding Developing a routine. Sometimes it also leads to Milk stasis or other breastfeeding issues . It is good to have enough time and rest during the postpartum period to practice breastfeeding.

And not least, the postpartum also helps to support one's own Family constellation to be found. A new family member sometimes quite mixes things up. Those who spend the time after birth very relaxed in bed can better coordinate the future distribution of roles or watch as it develops on its own.

How do I spend the postpartum period?

Sissi recommends lots of skin-to-skin contact with the baby during the postpartum period to promote the Bond between parents and baby to strengthen. For optimal recovery, you should also make sure that you much peace and sleep get. When you are breastfeeding, you are awake every two to three hours in the first few weeks. That can be quite exhausting! Therefore, it makes sense to consistently seek sleep whenever your baby sleeps. This way, you can enjoy the beautiful, but quickly also stressful Baby everyday better equipped.

In this context, Sissi advises that you take the postpartum period literally and especially at the beginning most of the day in bed you should spend. Reschedule longer walks to a later time and try to limit yourself to short distances within the apartment to promote recovery. Part of the rest also includes a balanced diet , from which you and your little explorer also benefit. The best are healthy and strengthening meals, such as hearty broths, which are not too heavy on the stomach at the same time.

It's also nice when you already during the postpartum period Rituals develop, which you continue to incorporate into your daily baby routine. For example, a offers itself. daily baby massage and – as soon as the postpartum period is coming to an end and you are already on your feet again for longer – regular wearing in the baby carrier. In the first few weeks, the baby carrier is a great way for your partner to be close to your baby.

We also want to strongly encourage you to put some things on the back burner during the postpartum period. This includes, for example, household chores or your smartphone, just like watching TV and similar activities. You don't need to worry about looking nice for your visitors. In fact, you don't have to please your visitors in every way during the postpartum period. Instead, you can finally accept the kind offers of help from family and friends without guilt. You'll see: this will make not only you happy, but also them. And you'll have more time to enjoy the togetherness with your baby.

If you consider all these recommendations and are well taken care of, this automatically helps prevent the so-called . Feeling down and lack of motivation are often consequences of too little sleep and rest.

What role does my midwife play during the postpartum period?

LILLYDOO Midwife Sissi is well aware of the special role of midwives in the postpartum period. After all, she herself is almost daily providing postpartum care to her women and knows firsthand that midwives can be a great support during the postpartum weeks. In the first ten days, midwives visit the new mother and her baby daily. What many do not know: The statutory health insurance covers not only these first ten visits but also 16 additional midwife visits within the first eight weeks after birth, if you want this help. Additionally, the costs of up to eight visits are covered if you experience breastfeeding problems afterwards – even when you .

The tasks of a midwife during the postpartum period are diverse. She naturally monitors the mother's physical and emotional well-being, the postpartum processes, wound healing, and the . For the baby, she checks the overall development and growth. This includes weighing the baby, inspecting the diaper contents, and observing feeding behavior.

But there is also a task that is just as important: providing emotional support to the parents, especially the mother. She is often less emotionally balanced due to the many hormones, and during the first child, so many new impressions and tasks can sometimes be overwhelming. Overwhelm and the associated baby blues can be quickly recognized by experienced midwives, who can take action if necessary. If the mother even develops they know best when it is time to seek help. Midwives also support you in practicing breastfeeding and addressing breastfeeding problems. These can easily unsettle young mothers, which is why having an expert by their side can not only provide valuable tips but also quickly restore confidence.

In the following video, our midwife Sissi will tell you how a postpartum visit by a midwife takes place:

Your midwife can certainly show you some initial exercises for postpartum gymnastics at an appropriate time. These support the recovery process and boost your energy. If you want to take a postpartum recovery course after birth, it’s best to look for a suitable course even before delivery.

How do I prepare myself (and my environment) for the postpartum period?

Sissi advises you to discuss how to organize the postpartum period before the birth. You can answer the following questions with your partner:

• Who takes care of the household? During the postpartum period, there are simply more important things than vacuuming and laundry. However, keep in mind that it doesn't make much sense to shift all household chores onto your partner. After all, he should also have enough time for cuddling, right? Therefore, it is often advisable to hire a postpartum nurse or a household help during the postpartum period. Arrange this well in advance, that is, a few weeks before the estimated due date. Be aware that statutory health insurance companies only partially cover the costs for household help: if your partner or other close family members support you, you will have to bear the costs yourself. However, if your partner does not take vacation for the entire postpartum period, at least the days when you do not have family support at home will be paid.

• Wann und wie oft findet ein Besuch statt? It is understandable that all close friends and relatives want to meet the new family member. But during the postpartum period, the focus is on your baby, you, your partner, and possibly siblings. Sissi's rule of thumb is therefore: only one visit per day. And it is welcome to be helpful, for example by bringing food.

• What can be prepared? So that you don't have to stand at the stove for too long during the postpartum period, it makes sense to cook meals in advance and freeze them. This way, you can indulge in your favorite food with little effort. It is also convenient if some things take care of themselves, such as restocking diapers. With a LILLYDOO subscription Diapers & Co. come directly to your home effortlessly, and you have one less thing to worry about during your postpartum period.

By the way: You can receive more expert tips about the postpartum period, everyday baby life, and parenthood with our regularly in your email inbox, along with a free #momlife guide for browsing and reference.

And here is another one Exclusive tip from our midwife Sissi : Obtain a belly belt before giving birth and wear it regularly during the postpartum period. Such a belt helps the abdominal muscles return to their original position more quickly, supports the regression, and provides—a especially after cesarean sections—a good, stabilizing feeling.

We hope this article has answered your most urgent questions about the postpartum period. If you want to know even more, your midwife will surely be happy to assist you with advice and support. Feel free to also send us your questions.

We wish you a restful, unique postpartum!