Midwives are not only in charge of teaching maternity education courses and attending deliveries, but their advice extends to the quarantine period after giving birth. Also known as puerperium, in this stage of 6 to 8 weeks, mothers face a multitude of physiological changes due to the return of menstruation or the preparation of the body for lactation. Obstetrics professionals continue to ensure the well-being of the newborn and the sexual and reproductive health of the mother throughout her life.
The figure of the midwife plays an irreplaceable role based on emotional support for the mother and advice to families on the care that the baby needs in its first weeks of life. Hospital stays tend to be shorter and shorter and it is difficult to resolve all doubts regarding hygiene or feeding the baby and the recovery of the pregnant woman. In return, the protocols of the public health system establish two check-ups with the midwife during the puerperium, 7 and 40 days after delivery, respectively.
One week after giving birth, the midwife is in charge of assessing the physical and emotional consequences of the mother after childbirth. Checking the status of the episiotomy, the cut in the lower part of the pelvic floor to help the baby come out, is essential to avoid possible infections. The obstetrician will give the mother the necessary guidelines to maintain proper hygiene and will recommend a medication that is compatible with lactation in case of infection. In the case of a caesarean section, the midwife will remove the scar stitches during this review.
Regarding lactation, the midwife will explore the woman’s breasts to detect possible problems, such as cracked nipples or accumulations of milk inside. It is convenient that mothers, especially in the case of first-time mothers, take the baby to this first consultation to verify that the grip and position when breastfeeding is correct.
On the emotional level, women who have just become mothers are at risk of falling into postpartum depression due to hormonal changes. In this regard, the midwife will remain alert in case she has to refer the mother to a psychologist.
At the end of the forty postpartum period, the obstetrician performs a Pap smear on the mother to rule out possible infections in the vaginal tissue. During this consultation, possible physical or psychological concerns about resuming sexual relations are discussed with the midwife, such as the fear of damaging the perineal scar or the pain that it generates during penetrative practices.
The midwife will make a general assessment of the state of the mother and the baby and will resolve any questions that have to do with upbringing, such as issues related to food, hygiene, sleep or the care of the umbilical area in the baby.
