Even after your pregnancy, it is important to take care of your physical and mental health. Postnatal care is important to ensure that you are recovering from giving birth and to make sure your new baby is developing well. Remember, having a small issue seen to early often results in it not becoming a big issue. There are postnatal services available so talk to your doctor to find out how and where to access them.
The baby will need to be immunized so make sure you have a clear schedule on when that is required and where the service is available.
Be sure to stay in contact with your doctor or midwife and follow the steps below to maintain a healthy post-birth lifestyle.
- Take one Vitamin A capsule shortly after delivery, and another Vitamin A capsule two days after birth. There should be at least 24 hours between capsules.
- Have regular check-ups with your doctor – at least 3 times – to make sure you are recovering well from the birth.
- The first week
- The second week, and
- The sixth week
- Maintain a balanced diet and consume more than you had during the pregnancy. You need your strength to produce breast milk for your baby.
- Get plenty of rest, sleep as much as you can and stay hydrated.
- Take an iron capsule every day for 40 days after giving birth.
- Keep your calcium intake at healthy levels after pregnancy.
- There may be some vaginal scarring and soreness from the birth, make sure to stay clean and sanitary to prevent infection and additional irritation.