How do I Teach a Postpartum Care Plan for New Mothers?

While undeniably exciting, welcoming a new baby into the family can be highly stressful for new moms. The physical and emotional ramifications of having a child can, in many instances, pose a challenge. By working with new mothers to help educate them on how to tend to their own needs as well as the needs of their new arrival, health care providers can help smooth this potentially challenging transition and make the process of welcoming a new member into the family a little less stressful.

Instructions

• 1

  Form a bond with the new mother. Giving child rearing and personal care advice is a potentially sensitive topic. To increase the likelihood that any advice given comes off as polite and well-intentioned rather than preachy and overbearing, those giving advice should begin by developing a relationship with the new mom through conversation and regular post-natal communication.

• 2

  Engage the patient in hands-on baby care lessons. Gauge the mom's childcare knowledge by observing her with the infant. If she seems uncomfortable completing a baby care task, offer your assistance. Avoid hovering over the mom or offering advice when it is unsolicited or appears to be unwanted, as doing so could damage the relationship you have formed with the mom.

• 3

  Work with the patient to create a baby care schedule. Upon returning home, the new mom will likely struggle with getting her tiny tot onto a regular sleeping and eating schedule. Help her accomplish this difficult task by suggesting a feeding schedule for the infant, such as encouraging her to feed the child every three hours.

• 4

  Provide the patient with basic information about postpartum depression, including what to do if she feels like she is suffering from the disorder. While not all new moms suffer from this medical condition, those who do can experience great difficulty. Present the new mom with verbal as well as written instructions outlining how to combat this problem, and ensure that she is aware of helpful resources offered by you, the hospital or support groups.

• 5

  Set up a post-natal doctor's appointment for the new mother. Many new moms become so wrapped up in the process of caring for their infants that they forget about their own needs. To decrease the likelihood that the mom neglects herself, help her schedule a check-up appointment prior to leaving the hospital.

• 6

  Encourage the mother to ask questions regarding childcare or other postpartum concerns. Make it clear to the mom that you are there to help and that any questions she has are welcome. When she does ask questions, focus on answering them clearly and non-judgmentally. If you appear put off by questions the mother asks, she may be more hesitant to seek help when she needs it.