What postpartum care should be provided to the mother?

After childbirth, a woman’s body is relatively weak, requiring attention to multiple aspects and appropriate postpartum care. What does proper postpartum care for new mothers entail?

What Does Postpartum Care for New Mothers Entail?

Postpartum care involves monitoring wound healing—including cesarean incisions, episiotomy wounds, and perineal lacerations—as well as assessing breast health. If signs of infection appear—such as redness, swelling, induration, or fever—the mother should receive appropriate treatment for mastitis. Lochia must also be closely observed. Prolonged duration or excessive volume of lochia warrants investigation for potential causes, including retained placental tissue, residual fetal membranes, gestational trophoblastic disease, or cervical lesions such as cervical polyps.

New mothers may consume nourishing soups to promote lactation, such as millet soup, Chinese yam (Dioscorea opposita) soup, or crucian carp soup. Chinese yam, in particular, is traditionally used in Chinese medicine to strengthen the spleen, stomach, kidneys, and essence. Many postpartum women experience reduced appetite or indigestion; Chinese yam can help alleviate these symptoms, thereby improving nutritional status and supporting optimal breastfeeding. Additionally, it enhances maternal resistance and immunity, reducing susceptibility to illness.

In daily life, new mothers should prioritize adequate rest and avoid prolonged physical exertion. Hair washing should be avoided during the early postpartum period to prevent chills and associated discomfort. Special attention should also be paid to perineal hygiene—regular cleansing of the genital area helps reduce the risk of vaginal infection. We hope this information is helpful to you!