Post Delivery Care

After giving birth, a mother’s body continues to undergo changes. As the uterus shrinks, some may experience painful contractions. Eating nutritious meals, getting enough sleep, having the support of loved ones and drinking more fluids are some recommendations to help your body heal. With proper nutrition and physical activity, most women are able to effectively lower their weight within 6 months of pregnancy.

Changes in hormone levels, body physique and sleeping patterns may affect a woman’s mood after delivery. Depression after giving birth may be a sign of postnatal depression. This can develop during the first 6 months after birth, and can last over a year if left untreated. Symptoms of post-partum depression include:

In the first few days after giving birth, you and your baby will get to know each other and slowly get the hang of breastfeeding. We recommend that you learn more about it during pregnancy so that you can breastfeed with greater confidence.

What is breastfeeding?

Breastfeeding, also known as nursing, is the act of feeding your child with milk from your breasts. The World Health Organisation recommends that children are fed with breastmilk within the first hour of birth. It is also recommended that babies be exclusively breastfed for the first 6 months of life. This means that aside from breastmilk, no foods or liquids, including water, will be given to the child.

What are the benefits of breastfeeding?

Breastfeeding offers benefits for both you and your newborn:

Benefits for baby

• Allows baby to receive proper nutrition
• Gives antibodies needed to fight viruses and bacteria
• Reduces risks for health problems like diarrhoea, constipation, gastroenteritis, respiratory illnesses, ear infections, and bacterial meningitis

Benefits for mother

• Lowers risks for diseases
• Lowers risks for postpartum depression
• Helps you to lose weight
• Helps your uterus return to previous size

What are the breastfeeding classes and services available?

While breastfeeding is a natural process, it is also a skill you can improve through knowledge and practice. You can attend breastfeeding classes to prepare for your breastfeeding journey. During a breastfeeding class, you will learn about topics such as breastfeeding positions, how to make the baby latch correctly, frequency of feeding, and how to maintain your milk supply.

Breastfeeding classes are usually offered as part of antenatal class of hospitals. You may also obtain knowledge from classes offered by breastfeeding support groups or seek the expertise of a lactation consultant.

At the Gleneagles Hospital ParentCraft Centre, we have a team of dedicated and trained personnel to help provide advice on antenatal, confinement and postnatal care. To enquire about our ParentCraft Services, please call +65 6470 5852 during Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm.

After a natural or caesarean delivery, a woman’s body requires time to heal before having sexual intercourse. Talk to your doctor to know when it is safe for intercourse after giving birth. While a new mother will be able to enjoy sex after pregnancy, issues like fatigue, bleeding, pain, and changes in mood and hormone levels may affect the return to normal intercourse. It is common for a new mother to feel that she is not emotionally or physically ready for sex after pregnancy, and it is important for her to give herself time and to communicate her feelings to her partner.

Getting back to a normal routine requires good hydration, adequate rest, a healthy diet and regular exercise. With patience and proper planning, sexual intercourse after pregnancy can be a pleasurable experience again. If you have any concerns, consult your obstetrician and gynaecologist to understand more.

In both Western and Eastern practices, new mothers are recommended to obtain adequate rest and to consume nutritious food during the postpartum period. Good nutrition not only builds up the mother’s physical condition, but is also important for breastfeeding. Talk to your obstetrician to understand your personal dietary limitations and the recommended foods for optimal recovery.

Vaccination provides protection against illnesses, that may lead to serious complications, by encouraging the body’s immune system to produce antibodies against the disease.

In Singapore, newborn babies are administered vaccines for tuberculosis and hepatitis B. Your doctor may advise you on the subsequent regular immunisations for your baby. The National Immunisation Registry (NIR) monitors and ensures that your child receives immunisation at the appropriate ages from birth up to age 18. Discuss with your paediatrician on the vaccination schedule to understand more.

Gleneagles Hospital’s neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) provides specialised and advanced medical care to infants in a safe and nurturing environment. Our team of experienced medical professionals are here to ensure that your child receives dedicated treatment and care.

Neonatal services include:

• Neonatal intensive and special care
• Newborn screening
• Neonatal neurodevelopmental follow-up for premature infants