Postpartum Mothers In Need Of Respite Care

Mothers who have recently given birth often need respite care in the first few days or weeks after the birth, especially if the birth was a difficult one, if there were medical problems with the...

Mothers who have recently given birth often need respite care in the first few days or weeks after the birth, especially if the birth was a difficult one, if there were medical problems with the birth or if the mom or baby had medical issues upon discharge.

Respite care for postpartum moms allows the new mom to take a break from motherhood in order to take care of herself. Her body has been stressed from the pregnancy and birth and she can use the respite time to relax and to focus on her own well being.

The postpartum mom may also need help with lactation and other support issues that arise for a new mom. Respite for the new mom may mean a neighbor coming over to care for siblings while the new mom learns from a lactation consultant the fine art of nursing her newborn.

The mom is usually the caregiver in the family, caring for the children, her husband, the housework, the meals and laundry. When her body is recovering from childbirth especially if she had a c-section birth she may need help with these task for the first few days home from the hospital. In-home respite care services cover light housework, meal preparation, and sibling care. Sometimes all she needs is someone to come over to watch the young children so she can take a nap.

When a mom or baby is ill upon discharge from the hospital a visiting nurse may be scheduled to check in on the baby or the new mom. The nurse may be there to weigh the baby, or check on nursing progress. She may be able to take blood pressure, or administer medication.

Postpartum moms are dealing with a new baby, hormones that are out of whack and a body that is healing from giving birth that may include stitches, soreness, and fatigue. The new mom is also dealing with bodily changes and a new milk supply coming in that can be uncomfortable. These are all good reasons for accepting respite care so that the mom can get used to these changes slowly or so that she can rest.

Respite care for postpartum moms can come in the form of volunteers from a local church bringing meals for the new mom, or the neighbor who comes over to watch the kids so the mom can take a much needed nap. When there is a medical problem respite care can help with medical needs of both baby and mom.

Respite care can help make the transition easier for the mom and also benefit all of the members of the family because all of the members are adjusting to the new baby.

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