From Luxury to Necessity: The Urgent Need for Postpartum Care

Bringing a new life into the world is a monumental event, filled with joy, excitement, and a fair share of terror. However, the period after childbirth, known as the postpartum period, is often overlooked in terms of the care and support new mothers and birthing people receive. It’s time we shift our perspective and recognize that postpartum care is not a luxury, but a necessity.

The Reality of Postpartum Recovery

The postpartum period, typically defined as the period of time after childbirth, can look different for different people and span anywhere from 6 weeks up to a year. It is a critical time for both the birthing person and the newborn. During this time, mothers undergo significant physical, emotional, and hormonal changes. Despite the common misconception that the hardest part is over once the baby is born, the reality is that postpartum recovery can be just as demanding as pregnancy itself.

Physical Recovery

After childbirth, a birthing person’s body needs time to heal. This includes recovery from vaginal or cesarean delivery, managing postpartum bleeding, and dealing with issues like perineal pain, breast engorgement, hormone re-balance and uterine contractions. Without proper care, these physical challenges can lead to complications and prolonged recovery times.

Emotional Well-being

The emotional toll of childbirth is often underestimated. Many new mothers experience “baby blues,” characterized by mood swings, anxiety, and irritability. For some, this can develop into postpartum depression which can affect 1 in 7 birthing people and can even effect the birthing partner. (There are other postpartum mood & anxiety disorders that can affect the family, as well!) Emotional support and mental health care are crucial during this period to ensure the well-being of both the mother and the baby.

The Role of Support Systems

In many cultures, postpartum care is deeply ingrained in societal norms, with extended family and community members providing support. However, in modern American societies, especially in urban settings, this support system is often lacking. New mothers may find themselves isolated, overwhelmed, and without the necessary resources to navigate this challenging time.

Why Postpartum Care Should Be a Necessity

Health Benefits

Comprehensive postpartum care can significantly improve health outcomes for both mothers and babies. Regular check-ups, access to mental health services, and support for breastfeeding can prevent complications and promote faster recovery. By prioritizing postpartum care, we can reduce the risk of postpartum depression, infections, and other health issues.

Economic Impact

Investing in postpartum care can also have economic benefits. Healthier birthing folks are more likely to return to work sooner and be productive members of society. (But if we’re being honest here, do we really care about this other than we need to work to pay the bills?) Additionally, preventing complications through proper care can reduce healthcare costs in the long run.

Social Equity

Making postpartum care a necessity is also a matter of social equity. All mothers & birthing people, regardless of their socioeconomic status, should have access to the care and support they need. By providing universal postpartum care, we can ensure that every mother has the opportunity to recover and thrive after childbirth. Right now, this feels like a pipe dream-doesn’t it? It doesn’t mean we shouldn’t fight for it!

Steps to Make Postpartum Care Accessible

Policy Changes

Our government and healthcare system needs to recognize the importance of postpartum care and implement policies that provide comprehensive support for new families. This includes extending maternity leave, offering free or subsidized postpartum services, and ensuring access to mental health care. (And can we make it so that doulas still earn a living without having to beg to be paid, while we are at it?)

Community Support

Communities can play a vital role in supporting new families. Creating support groups, offering educational programs, and fostering a culture of empathy and understanding can make a significant difference in the postpartum experience.

Raising Awareness

Education is key to changing perceptions about postpartum care. By raising awareness about the challenges new families face and the importance of postpartum support, we can shift societal attitudes and prioritize the well-being of mothers, fathers and babies.

Conclusion

Postpartum care is not a luxury; it is a necessity that deserves our attention and investment. By recognizing the critical importance of this period and providing the necessary support, we can ensure that new families have the resources they need to recover, thrive, and provide the best possible care for their newborns. It’s time to make postpartum care a priority for the health and well-being of our society. Because healthy families translate to healthy communities. Since our government may not care about that, it’s more important than ever that we DO! Find out more about the postpartum support options available through Michigan Family Doula here. #doulanearme #michiganfamilydoulaservices