Bonding

This is developing a feeling of affection, is important

for parents and their baby
The first hour after birth is possibly the most
sensitive bonding time
The newborn will watch, hear, and respond to all
body movements, voice and touch
Because bonding is so important, many hospitals
have changed their rules regarding premature or ill
infants, allowing parents to visit the special nursery
and feed, touch, talk, and sing to their babies. See
the chart on the following page about other benefits

Benefits of Bonding

To Infant
Increased chance of survival
Better weight gain
Less crying, more smiles and laughter
Fewer Infections
Possibly higher IQ
Better language development
To Parents
Less incidence of child abuse
Faster recovery from delivery
Longer breast-feeding
More self-confidence as a parent
Less depression after delvery

Postpartum Care

This is the care the mother receives 6 to 8 weeks following her babys
birth.
During this period, the mothers body returns to its pre-pregnancy state.
The first hour after birth is a critical time for restoring body stability.
Vital signs ( pulse, respiration, and other body functions) will be
measured every few minutes just as they would following a surgery.
Doctors also want to make sure the uterus contracts properly.
Most mothers want to some of the extra weight from pregnancy. On
average, a woman loses 11 pounds during birth and another 7 pounds
within the first few weeks after birth. The remaining weight must be lost
by diet and exercise.
A nursing mother should not diet to lose weight!! Her body needs many
nutrients and much energy to create breast milk that will sustain her
baby.

Postpartum Care

REST is also important for new parents, mothers

especially. Moms should sleep when baby sleeps because they will often awake during the night for
feedings.
Some time savers: Ask a friend to help, pack away
unnecessary items that add to household upkeep,
prepare and freeze meals prior to baby coming, use
disposable dishes/utensils for a short time.

POSTPARTUM MOOD DISORDERS

Mood disorders peak during the POSTPARTUM period. The exact
reason for this is unknown, but scientists believe it may be due to:
An inherited tendency for mood disorders
Dramatic changes in the body chemistry after giving birth that affects
the brain
Stress caused by caring for a new baby while recovering from
pregnancy and deliver.

Postpartum Mood Disorders

All women are at risk, however the following are at higher

risk:
Being a teen or over 35 years old
Family history of mood disorders or thyroid problems
Mood swings during menstrual cycle - also called PMS
Migraine headaches when taking hormones (Including birth
control)
Fertility problems
Severe family stress
Lack of support from family and friends
Previous postpartum mood disorder.
These mood disorders range from mild to severe and each
has its out symptoms

Postpartum Mood Disorders

BABY BLUES:

Mild postpartum mood disorder that goes away on its

own

Incidence

40-85% of all deliveries

Symptoms

Irritability; anxious spells; sleep and

Appetite problems; weeping; feeling tired

Appearance and Duration

Peaks between 3 and 5 days postpartum

Often resolves itself within a few days

 POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION (PPD)

Less frequent, but serious form of depression that may occur
after giving birth
Incidence
10-15% of all deliveries (26-32% of teen deliveries)
Symptoms
Restlessness; exhaustion; inability to concentrate; memory loss;
uncontrollable crying; trouble making decisions; lack of interest in
pleasurable activities; appetite and sleep problems; overconcern
or lack of concern of interest in baby; fear of harming self or
baby; guilt
Appearance and Duration
Occurs within the first 6 weeks postpartum. If untreated, may
last a year or longer.Often happens again in future deliveries.

 POSTPARTUM PSYCHOSIS (PPP)

Rare and extremely sever mental illness that may result

after giving birth

Incidence

0.1 % of all deliveries (1 in 1, 000)

Symptoms

Severe mental illness; includes delusions that often focus on

the infant dying; sees the infant as either perfect or
defective; desires to kill self or infant

Appearance and Duration

Occurs between 1 and 3 months postpartum with a second

peak at 18-24 months postpartum.
Continues until treated