How to Support a Mom During the Immediate Postpartum Period

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Your first reaction after the baby's born is to run over and watch everything the nurses are doing. It's exciting, challenging, and scary all in the same moment. You were probably an excellent labor coach, but your work isn't done after the baby is born. Mom will still need you. The following steps explain how to support Mom during this immediate postpartum period (usually the first 24 hours).

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

Step1

Stay with her while the placenta is delivered. Mom still needs your support during this phase. If possible, have the nurse transition the baby near the bed so that you can be close to Mom and the baby at the same time.

Step2

Talk to her while any repair work (stitches) is done. During this phase, moms often need to be reminded to breathe and relax just like they did in labor, until the anesthesia takes effect. You can coach her through by reminding her that she did a wonderful job giving birth, or perhaps let her hold her new baby.

Step3

Help her initiate breastfeeding. You may not know much about breastfeeding, but helping her sit up in bed, get comfortable using pillows, and handing her the baby will be a big help.

Step4

Make sure she eats a good, nutritious meal. Most doctors will not allow women to eat during labor. This means that she could have gone 24 hours without eating anything. After birth, she will need to eat something nutritious and high in fiber and protein, so that her energy and balance are restored.

Step5

Help her get in and out of the bed. She will be sore whether she's had a vaginal or cesarean birth. Stay close to her when she needs to get either in or out of bed and assist her.

Step6

Offer to help bathe her. Moms usually want a bath within the first 6 hours or so. It usually helps her feel better both emotionally and physically to get clean. Since she will be sore, it's really nice to have someone there to help scrub her back.

Step7

Offer emotional support. If she had a different birth outcome than what she had planned, she may want to talk about it. Encourage her to share her thoughts and feelings with you. All emotions during this immediate postpartum period are normal.