The Puerperium: Psychological Aspects
The puerperium is the time after the birth when the changes in the body caused by pregnancy and childbirth subside. From the detachment of the placenta to the regression of the uterus and the recovery of the entire body or until the first period occurs again, we speak of the puerperium or childbed.
But it’s not just about physical and physiological aspects. Psychological changes are also of great importance during this time.
It is a phase of physical and psychological adjustment for women who have to get used to a new phase of life after the birth of their child. Everything changes, but often too little attention is paid to the psychological aspects and we don’t know enough about them.
However, they are so important that some speak of the “psychological puerperium”. This describes the entire psycho-emotional process after childbirth, in which a woman has to rediscover herself and adapt to her new emotional situation with her baby.
The puerperium: what does this time mean for the new mother?
A child changes the whole life, the daily routine and of course the mother’s body. The physical changes are the mirror of the altered hormone production, which provides particular emotional sensitivity. This can show up, for example, in unexpected mood swings or intense emotional outbursts of anger, sadness, happiness, etc.
These psychological aspects that come with childbirth are not a problem, but rather a necessity. Because the mother needs all of her senses to be at their best in order to get to know and understand her baby and to recognize his emotions and needs.
In the period after the birth and up to the first year of life, the child depends particularly on its mother. This can be very stressful for the mother, especially at the beginning when the body still has to recover from the hardships of childbirth.
A baby has many needs and needs to be cared for 24 hours a day, which means that the new mom often has to put her own needs aside, especially when it comes to eating and sleeping.
Adjusting to the baby and getting to know it deeply takes time. The mother has to learn to understand her child’s crying, she has to know when they need food and when and how they can best sleep. All of this is initially a challenge.
During this time, the bond between mother and child is particularly important, but this also takes time and concentration.
In addition, normal everyday life continues: housework, receiving visits, looking after siblings or going back to work … That is why many women experiment with sadness, which is also known as “baby blues”, or feel psychologically overwhelmed.
Every woman finds herself in a different social and family situation; each woman also has various emotional tools at their disposal to face all of the tasks. The puerperium and the psychological aspects mentioned do not have a specific length of time. But in general, this adjustment phase can take one to two years.
The puerperium: how can the psychological aspects be controlled?
The support and understanding from the partner and the family are essential to balance and properly deal with the situation. We also have a few tips for you so that you can also enjoy the puerperium.
- Find out enough information and prepare yourself before your child is born. It is important that you imagine your new life and anticipate certain everyday situations (for example, think about who will cook, who will look after any existing siblings in the first few days, what problems often arise during this time, how the breastfeeding process works, etc. .).
- Accept all help from friends and family. The puerperium is not the time to prove to yourself or to others that you can do everything on your own. Support is important during this time and can help you cope better with the first few weeks.
- The golden rule in the puerperium: ” Baby sleeps, mom sleeps.” Use every moment to relax yourself too! Your partner or family can help you around the house and receive visits so you have time to sleep!
- Express your feelings, react calmly. Talk to your partner so they can understand you better. Or maintain contact with people who are currently in the same situation and who would like to exchange experiences with you.
- If necessary, you should get professional help. While all women experience large emotional fluctuations during the puerperium, in some cases professional support is important to avoid postpartum depression.
Every change puts us to the emotional test. But don’t forget that motherhood is the best way to develop, mature, and renew yourself personally. Treat yourself to rest, emotional support and enough information to be able to enjoy this phase of life as well.
