Thinking Ahead: Planning Postpartum Emergency Care for Mom & Baby
Postpartum becomes a catalyst for women to get sick.
The "fourth trimester," which is the time after giving birth, is a time of big changes and weakening. When you're a new mom trying to bond with your baby and recuperate after giving birth, it's easy to overlook how crucial it is to be ready for anything.
Postpartum care normally includes food, rest, and emotional support, but it's just as crucial to be ready for both medical and non-medical emergencies. A well-thought-out postpartum emergency care plan may help new parents remain calm and confident in unexpected situations, which will keep both the mother and the baby safe.
This blog will speak about why postpartum emergency care is necessary, the most common problems you should be ready for, and how to be ready for anything that comes up.
Why It's Vitally Crucial to Get Emergency Treatment After Giving Birth
Your hormones alter a lot after you give birth, and your body and mind get used to it. Many parents are exhausted, moody because of hormones, nervous, or sad. On the other hand, newborns are quite fragile and require constant care and attention.
Even with the best intentions and support, things may go wrong out of the blue:
-After giving delivery, bleeding
-Very serious mental disorders, such as postpartum psychosis
-Issues in feeding infants
-Health issues or infections
A plan reduces panic, helps you decide what to do first, and might even save your life in an emergency.
1. Postpartum Hemorrhage (PPH)
Postpartum hemorrhage happens when there is too much bleeding after giving birth. It's one of the key reasons why moms die all around the world.
Things that show something is awry are:
-Bleeding heavily that won't stop
-Feeling lightheaded or dizzy
-Heart rate that is too fast
2. Very Bad Mood Disorders
"Baby blues" are common, but more serious issues like postpartum depression or psychosis may also emerge.
Things to watch out for:
-Very depressed or without hope
-Being apart from the baby or family
-Paranoia or hallucinations (in psychosis)
3. Issues with Feeding Newborns
Some frequent problems are:
-Bad latch during breastfeeding
-Too little milk
-Colic or difficulties digesting in newborns
4. Infections
After giving birth, both the mother and the baby might have infections.
What to look for:
-Fever or chills
-Pain at the site of the incision (C-section)
-Bad-smelling discharge
-Baby's not eating well or being fussy
How to Plan for Emergency Care After Delivering Birth
1. Make a Pack for Emergencies After Delivering Birth
A well-stocked postpartum emergency kit may help you meet your immediate requirements until aid arrives. You need the following things:
-Sanitary pads that are very absorbent and clean
-Thermometer (for both the baby and the mom)
-Hand sanitizer with gloves
-A first aid kit
-Numbers to call in an emergency (obstetrician, pediatrician, ambulance)
-A list of clinics and hospitals close to you
-Diapers, formula, and wipes for babies
2. Create a File That Has Your Birth and Medical History in It
Make sure you have a file ready that has:
-Records of the health of the mother and infant
-Allergies and blood type
-Details on the delivery, such if it was a C-section or anything went wrong
-Vaccination records
This will make treatment happen faster in an emergency.
3. Teach Family and Caregivers
Make sure that your family and caregivers:
-Be careful of the signs that anything is wrong after giving delivery
-Can identify if the baby has strange symptoms
-Know who to call if anything goes wrong
-Learn how to conduct basic first aid
A pregnant woman who is sick is lying on the hospital bed.
Emotional First Aid Is a Part of Emergency Care That People Often Forget About
Not all crises that happen after giving birth are physical. Mental health emergency might be just as critical.
Encourage a mother to communicate to her kid early on when:
-Feels that she can't connect with her child or is too far away from him or her
-Feels a lot of fear or melancholy
-Shows major changes in how you feel
Be ready with phone numbers for mental health hotlines and specialists.
Support organizations, such as postpartum peer groups, may also help you remain strong when things become rough.
Building Your Support Network After Having a Baby
An emergency care plan should include a robust support network:
-Medical Help:
Have the phone numbers of your obstetrician, pediatrician, and a hotline that is open 24/7.
-Family and Friends:
Write down the names of family members or close friends who can assist you with caring for yourself, doing chores, or traveling to the hospital with you if you need it.
-Community Resources:
Look into nearby mother-baby clinics or postpartum support groups that provide health check-ups or counseling in case of an emergency.
When to Call for Medical Help Right Away
Know the indicators that you need to consult a doctor right away:
-Bleeding so much that it fills more than one pad in an hour
-A lot of discomfort or swelling in the stomach
-Fever above 100.4°F (38°C)
-Having problems breathing or pain in the chest
-Mood swings or uncertainty that come out of nowhere
-The baby is having problems breathing, is extremely irritable, or isn't feeding properly
Knowing this helps keep both mother and baby safe and cuts down on treatment delays.
A woman holding her kid with affection.
Technology and Emergency Care After Having a Baby
Smartphones and apps are becoming more and more important for keeping new mothers safe:
-Tracking Applications:
Keep track of when your kid eats, gets a new diaper, and reaches important developmental milestones.
-Telehealth Consultations:
You can talk to doctors from a distance when you don't need to see them right away.
-Add emergency numbers to your phone so you can reach them quickly.
Technology makes it easier to handle emergencies and gives you peace of mind.
How Important It Is to Be Mentally Ready
-If you're mentally ready, you might be able to stay calm in an emergency.
-Think of a lot of different things that could happen and practice how you would deal with each one.
-To stay calm, practice being aware of your thoughts and feelings.
