Post-delivery hygiene basics for new mothers

Postnatal hygiene is essential to prevent infections and speed up the healing process of your body to the pre-pregnancy state. Postnatal hygiene is also especially important for the health of the child

Here are some useful postnatal hygiene basics to follow for new mothers:

Keep the Baby Warm

It is essential to keep the baby well-covered and close to your body during your initial days at a child and mother hospital in Vijayawada. Breastfeeding is one of the best ways to provide warmth and comfort to both you and the baby. It reflects a sense of belonging and helps form a bond between the mother and the newborn.

Wash your hands well

One effective way of ensuring postnatal hygiene is to know how to wash your hands with lather and rinse hands under running water. Wash your hands before you eat, after you wash the infant's clothes, and after making a trip to the toilet.

Reduce the infection

Each time you defecate or urinate, use a squirt bottle filled with water to douse off on your anus (perineum). After washing the affected area, remember always to pat dry. This step is important and can help in reducing pain and infection. To know different ways of getting this done, consult the best gynecologist in Vijayawada.

Achieve the appropriate bathing frequency

In the initial few days, it is advisable to bathe the baby not more than twice a week, although sponge baths daily will be perfectly fine for the baby’s skin. As the skin of a newborn baby is sensitive and dry, it is best to use plain water and wool or even a soft cloth for bathing. Avoid soaps, shampoos, and oils in the initial 1-2 months. Take care of your own hygiene as well since the baby will be close to you throughout the day.

Maintain breast hygiene

Maintaining the hygiene of your breasts is essential as any infection on your body can also spread to the baby. As a part of postnatal hygiene, you should rinse the breast with water and avoid spreading the infection to the baby. Keep the nurse at your mother and child hospital in Vijayawada informed beforehand about the items you’ll be needing to maintain hygiene. 

Keep the perinea clean 

Appropriate perinea care is important to prevent infection from the episiotomy and bladder. Ensure you keep the perinea clean from dried blood. Use sanitary pads to reduce the infection, and avoid tampons.

Do not procrastinate on diaper changes

Wearing a diaper means there will be a minimal passage of air to the skin covered under the nappy. To avoid foul smell, infection, and dry skin, it is best to change nappies regularly and not leave soiled nappies on for long. Between the nappy changes, make use of plain water and cotton to clean the baby. Ensure to keep some no nappy time in-between changes.

Keep the nails trimmed

Your fingernails and toenails should be trimmed regularly so that you or the baby do not accidentally get scratched. Keep your baby’s nails short and ensure the baby does not scratch and injure you during breastfeeding, a massage or between nappy changes. 

To know more about any specific precautions to take during postnatal care, consult a gynecologist in Vijayawada today.

About This Author

Shaheen Shaikh http://www.adrclinic.co.uk Joined: April 29th, 2018