Prenatal care, or care during pregnancy from conception till birth, is necessary to ensure the health of both the mother and child. In recent years, people have begun to recognize the importance of prenatal healthcare and seek it out more seriously. They take assistance from medical health professionals and others to make sure that both the mother and the child are at optimum health levels at the time of birth. However, it is not advisable to stop care immediately after birth. Care to the mother and the child after birth is also necessary for ensuring their health remains in optimum levels. It is possible; however, that postpartum care might be a facet of healthcare that tends to be overlooked.
A postpartum checkup is a medical checkup after having a baby to make sure that the mother is recovering well from labour and birth. They’re an important part of your overall pregnancy care. Postpartum care is essential because new moms are at risk of serious and sometimes life-threatening health complications in the days and weeks after giving birth. Too many new moms have or even die from health problems that may be prevented by getting postpartum care. Though postpartum checkups are important for any new mom, they are especially important for women who have a loss, including miscarriage, neonatal death and stillbirths. Another facet of postpartum care to keep in mind is diet.
A good diet after delivery helps you regain your much-needed energy levels but also pass on the nutrients to your baby. Though it will be tempting to focus on getting rid of the extra weight you might have gained from pregnancy, it is important to keep your and your child’s nutritional needs in mind. During the postpartum period, your diet should ideally incorporate healthy sources of:
• Protein
• Fruit
• Vegetables
• Fibre-rich carbs
• Fats like avocados, nuts, and seeds
Keep in mind that caloric intake and appropriate macronutrient ranges vary depending on your activity levels, body size, and more. If you have health conditions like diabetes, you might need to follow a different dietary pattern to optimize blood sugar control. Some foods that you can incorporate into your diet after delivery include:
• Salmon. Salmon is a nutritional powerhouse which is loaded with a type of fat called DHA. Studies suggest that DHA may have a role in preventing postpartum depression. DHA is also crucial to the development of the baby’s nervous system. Though all breast milk contains DHA, the levels are higher in the milk of women who get more DHA from their diets. However, it is recommended to limit salmon intake to an average of 12 ounces, or the equivalent of two main servings, per week.
• Low-fat Dairy Products. Dairy products are an important part of healthy breastfeeding. Milk contains bone-strengthening vitamin D, proteins and calcium. If you are breastfeeding, your milk is loaded with calcium to help the baby’s bones develop, so it is important to eat enough calcium to meet your own needs. Try to include at least three cups of dairy in your diet each day.
• Water. Breastfeeding mothers are at risk for dehydration. Stay well-hydrated to keep your energy levels and milk production up. Try to limit caffeinated drinks to 2-3 cups a day, or switch to decaf as caffeine can enter your breast milk and cause your baby to become irritable and sleep poorly.
• Leafy Greens. Leafy green vegetables like spinach, Swiss chard and broccoli are filled with vitamin A. They are also a good non-dairy source of calcium and contain vitamin C and iron. Green vegetables also contain heart-healthy antioxidants and are low in calories.
• Lean Beef. A lack of iron can lower energy levels. Lean beef is an iron-rich food. Moreover, nursing mothers need to consume extra protein and vitamin B-12. Lean beef is an excellent source for both.
Professional medical care is necessary for postpartum care. Get postpartum care from the best gynaecologists in Wakrah with Naseem al Rabeeh. Our doctors are seeded from the best in Qatar. If you are more comfortable with Arabic, our female Arab gynaecologists in Doha are here to provide you with accessible and comfortable care. Head in for a consultation at one of our clinics and make sure you and your child remain healthy.
