Dec. 29--Bringing home a newborn from the hospital is a major event.
Along with learning a new routine for the baby's care, new mothers need to take care of themselves so they can be better mothers to their little bundles of joy.
Dr. Darrin Strickland, a Brunswick-based obstetrician-gynecologist, says that preparation begins even before the baby comes home.
New parents need to make sure that the nursery is ready and supplies, including diapers, formula and a car seat have been purchased.
New mothers, in particular, must cope with both physical and emotional changes during the first few weeks of their newborn's life.
"Stairs may be difficult," said Strickland.
And new mothers who have had Cesarean sections will need transportation because they are unable to drive while taking pain medication.
"You will also adjust to functioning with lack of sleep," he said. "(And) there are also new responsibilities in dealing with the needs of the baby."
Those include lifting the infant, which may be particularly difficult for moms who are recovering from Cesarean sections.
Emotional issues are also a part of the mix.
"Approximately 50 percent of new mothers get post partum blues because of all the new stresses and sleep deprivation during the first weeks," Strickland said. "Ten percent will develop post partum depression and require medication."
Both the physical and emotional symptoms can be lessened, Strickland says, with good family support to help care for the baby and routine household needs.
"Having a good support system is very important," he said.
And, new mothers need to get plenty of rest.
"Mom needs to try to take naps when the baby sleeps," he said. "Allowing others to help with the child and household care will give the new mom time to catch up on much needed rest."
Nutritional requirements also change, especially for breast-feeding mothers. Strickland encourages all new mothers to eat a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables, and emphasizes that a healthy eating plan is particularly important for mothers who have chosen to nurse their babies.
"Also, continue prenatal vitamins while breast-feeding," he added.
Most women lead busy lives, and many new mothers may resume normal activities more quickly than recommended.
Strickland says physical activity is encouraged, because it helps speed recovery and decreases the risk of blood clots, particularly for women who have had Cesarean sections.
"Exercise should be gradually increased as tolerated," he said. "(But) no heavy lifting or sit-ups if you have had a Cesarean section."
Work, church and club meetings should also be put on hold for a while, and even if the new mother must get out and about, Strickland says that new parents should limit their newborn's exposure to a lot of people.
An infant's immune system isn't fully developed until it is three months old, so limit contact with people who may be sick is important.
"Moms can return to work and social obligations as obligated, but care should be taken," Strickland said. "Most moms take six weeks off from work and major obligations."
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