Postpartum Care and Recovery

During the postpartum period, women need to take good care of their bodies, especially in terms of diet. Balanced nutrition is beneficial for physical recovery, and the diet should be light. Adequate rest is also crucial during this period. Catching a cold during the postpartum period can affect recovery and may lead to various adverse manifestations. It is important to keep warm and avoid getting chilled. Let's explore the dangers of catching a cold during the postpartum period.

Dangers of Catching a Cold During Postpartum

After childbirth, women often experience deficiency of qi and blood, low immunity, and lack of vital energy, making them susceptible to external pathogens. This can lead to stagnation, manifesting as symptoms such as cough and fever, and possibly complicated by puerperal infection, abnormal lochia, or abdominal pain. Since the baby is still breastfeeding and not yet ready for solid food, most of its nutrition comes from breast milk. If the mother catches a cold, it can potentially be transmitted to the baby through breast milk, affecting the baby's health. Therefore, it is essential to keep warm during the postpartum period to avoid complications from external pathogens and promote recovery.

What is the Postpartum Period?

Medically, the postpartum period refers to the puerperium, which is the time from the end of childbirth to the restoration of the mother's body to its prenatal state. It typically takes about six weeks for the placental wound to heal completely. This period is commonly known as the "confinement" period in folk culture. Confinement is one of the most important aspects of Chinese health culture, representing a process of comprehensive recuperation and restoration for postpartum mothers. Failure to properly and scientifically care for and repair the female reproductive system, endocrine system, and psychological well-being during this period can lead to a series of serious sequelae.

Precautions

1. Ensure Adequate Rest: Childbirth can be extremely physically and emotionally exhausting for mothers. Therefore, the first priority after childbirth should be to allow the mother to rest and sleep comfortably. Family members should refrain from disturbing her. After a good sleep, she should consume nutritious and easy-to-digest foods and drink plenty of water. High-nutrient, high-calorie, and easy-to-digest foods should be consumed during the confinement period and lactation to facilitate rapid recovery and ensure sufficient milk supply.

2. Early Ambulation: Generally, mothers who have undergone normal vaginal childbirth should start ambulating the second day after delivery. However, they should avoid getting chilled and direct cold air. Simple exercises or postpartum gymnastics can be performed under the guidance of medical staff to aid in recovery and maintain a good body shape. After one week of childbirth, mothers can perform light household tasks such as wiping tables and sweeping, but these activities should not be prolonged or involve heavy physical labor, as they can trigger uterine bleeding and prolapse.