After Delivery - Postnatal - The Puerpirium

Mother's Health (cont.)
(Colostrum, the milky fluid in the breast before birth, is released in the first couple of days). There will be considerable weight loss in the first couple of weeks, but then the weight loss slows.

Wound healing and infection
Whether the wound is from a Caesarean or vaginal delivery, it tends to heal rapidly as the mother is young. If infection occurs (about 5%), it is usually the patient's own bugs taking advantage of the healing skin. The body delays healing, so that it can deal with the infection. It is important therefore to control any infection sooner rather than later. This is often by local means (keeping the area clean, washing), but will sometimes require antibiotics. Bruising can also cause some extra pain. Arnica may help the body to absorb the bruise and quicken healing. Bladder infections are also common; you should contact your doctor if you have symptoms (wanting to go often, pain passing urine). Breast infection (mastitis) occurs when the bugs on mother's skin get in through the nipple and infects the gland. Antibiotics are usually necessary to help with this problem.

Breast-feeding
There is abundant evidence that breast-feeding is beneficial for both the mother and baby. (continued next page)