The first 48 hours

Dr RG Holla shows you how to ease your way into recovery, post birth

- Dr RG Holla

During pregnancy, our minds are often completely wrapped up in the childbirth process—how painful will it be, how soon will I recover, how far is life going to change. For most mums, giving birth can be terrifying and wonderful in equal measure—the love at first sight, the culmination of nine months of extensive prep, and anticipation of what lies ahead. However, before you leave the hospital and some serious mommy duty beckons, take the first two days to cherish your foray into this new life, as a family. Here’s how you can make the most of the first 48 hours post birth, and ease your way into mommyhood….

DAY ONE

SKIN-TO-SKIN

Once your baby is born, it brings about a large number of transitions for her—coming out of the warm and comfortable safety of the womb into a world full of sights, sounds, smells, and infections. As soon as she comes out, her body starts getting colonised with bacteria and viruses from the surrounding environment, and these become a normal part of the body’s ecosystem. Early skin-to-skin contact with is crucial as it provides her with a host of good bacteria from the mum’s body, which are important and protect from major infections. It also gives her comfort and warmth, mimicking the environment in the womb, and facilitates bonding. However, it is completely okay if you need sometime to yourself, to recover from such an overwhelming journey that childbirth is. There is no need to feel guilty about it, and whether it takes five minutes or hours till you’re ready to meet your li’l one, you are an amazing mama and it is never too late for snuggles!

BREAST IS BEST