Mother’s sensitisation after childbirth

Childbirth is a very strong experience and affects not only the mother’s thoughts about her baby but also about her as a mother and a woman. Baby’s birth should always be discussed with one of the midwives at the maternity hospital and if necessary, continue with a maternity clinic professional, a close family member or friend or with a peer. Especially, it the birth was difficult or the thoughts about labour and delivery have an effect on the mother’s capacity in her everyday life, the issue should be talked about at, for instance a maternity clinic. Conversing should continue as long as the mother feels the need to talk.

• Every mother requires a support network after her baby’s birth.
• Especially after the birth of the firstborn, the mother’s capacity is reduced by adaptation to the new situation and mother’s role, caring for the baby and learning breastfeeding.
• Every mother has her individual way of experiencing the changes following childbirth, but even so it is clear that in a new demanding situation, every mother’s capability is much affected by the level of safety and trust she experiences.
• Because the mother is busy taking care of the baby most of the time, a family member or a friend can look after the baby, among other things, for a while and thus give the mother a moment for her basic needs, such as a rest, a walk, an unhurried meal or a shower.
• If there is not a sufficient support network, the parents can ask for help from mother and child clinic workers, but also from a private or cooperative sector care providers who are trained support persons.

When the mother is overstressed or needs help, the important thing is to take care of only the most urgent matters and leave everything else for the time being. First of all the mother’s basic needs should be ensured; sleep, sufficient and varied diet, daily exercise. Help outside the family circle, for instance from the mother and child clinic, should be asked at an early stage if the situation is getting overwhelming.