A New Beginning

Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale.........................38 Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale Questionnaire.................................................................................. 39 Postpartum Support International..................................40

CHAPTER 1 Physical Changes

Postpartum Changes Beyond the First Day................18 Uterus............................................................................................... 18 Involution and After-Birth Pains.................................18 Vaginal Discharge (Lochia)..............................................18 Showering..................................................................................... 19 Perineum....................................................................................... 19 Bladder...........................................................................................20 Hemorrhoids..............................................................................20 Fluid Shifts and Swelling..................................................20 Bowel Elimination..................................................................21 Breast Engorgement..........................................................22 Muscle and Joint Discomfort.......................................23 Skin Changes.............................................................................24 Eye Hemorrhages..................................................................24 Varicose Veins...........................................................................24 Hair Loss........................................................................................24 Bed Rest .......................................................................................25 Urinary Catheter......................................................................25 Deep Breathing.......................................................................25 FAQs about Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infection...............................................................26 Cesarean Pain..................................................................................27 Managing Your Pain............................................................27 Getting Out of Bed for the First Time...................28 While Out of Bed, You Are at Risk for Falling.....29 Gas...................................................................................................... 29 Your Cesarean Incision.......................................................30 Showering....................................................................................30 Perineum......................................................................................30 Emotional Highs and Lows......................................................31 Emotional Changes..............................................................32 Postpartum Blues.................................................................32 12 Tips for Dealing with the Baby Blues.........................33 Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders...........................34 Symptoms of Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders [PMADs].....................................................35 Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders: Is This Normal?................................................................................36 PMADs are Treatable...........................................................36 Partners Can Experience Postpartum Depression Too.........................................36 Postpartum Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).......................................................37 Postpartum Psychosis.......................................................37 Speak Up!......................................................................................37 CHAPTER 2 Cesarean Care CHAPTER 3 Emotional Changes

CHAPTER 4 Mom’s Discharge

TABLE OF CONTENTS

You’re Planning to Go Home..................................................41 Your Hospital Discharge...........................................................42 Discharge Planning Starts When You Arrive.....42 Before You Leave the Hospital....................................42 Baby’s Discharge....................................................................42 Important Questions to Ask About Your Discharge........................................................42 Expected Physical and Emotional Changes at Home...............................................................................................43 Cesarean Incision...................................................................43 Activity........................................................................................... 44 Discomfort & Pain.................................................................44 Family Planning & Resuming Sex............................44 Emotions & Mood Swings..............................................44 What You May Expect Over the Next Few Weeks.............................................................................45 My Plan for Help at Home the First Few Weeks......46 Help Your Family Transition..........................................46 Eat Healthy to Keep Up Your Energy...............................49 Set Realistic Expectations and Be Flexible..................49 Heart Disease...................................................................................50 Positive Lifestyle Changes..............................................50 Gestational Diabetes............................................................51 High Blood Pressure.............................................................51 Delivered Before 37 Weeks.............................................51 Postpartum Preeclampsia..............................................51 Warning Signs of Postpartum Preeclampsia.............52

CHAPTER 5 Warning Signs for Mother & Baby

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OB Inpatient Warning Signs..................................................53 POST-BIRTH Warning Signs...................................................55 When to Call 911 & When to Call Your Baby’s Health Care Provider...................................................57

CHAPTER 6 Your Baby’s Hospitalization

Your Baby’s Care.............................................................................59 Hospital Routines..........................................................................60 Baby’s Clinical Care Team...............................................60 Baby’s Clinical Care Routines......................................60 Choosing Your Baby’s Health Care Provider............................................................61 Newborn Identification and Security...............................61 Newborn Identification......................................................61 Hospital Security Measures............................................61 Preventing Infections.................................................................62 Hand-Washing is Important.........................................62