Birth

Question 1

Preparing for birth

Answer 1

Birth plan
Perineal massage - 34+ plus
Red raspberry leaf tea - 36+

Question 2

Postpartum hormone changes

Answer 2

Some women experience postpartum affective instability, incl. rapidly fluctuating mood, tearfulness, irritability and anxiety:
* This is due to hormonal changes postpartum - huge drop in progesterone and increase in prolactin (prepares for lactation) and oxytocin (contracts the womb back to its size and stimulates lactation, can also increase anxiety).
* Symptoms peak on the fourth or fifth day after delivery and can last for many days (‘baby blues’).
* Symptoms do not interfere with the mother’s ability to function and care for her child.

Question 3

Postpartum care

Answer 3

If baby blues symptoms persist for longer than two weeks
and become more intense, to include:
* Difficulty in bonding with the baby.
* Withdrawing from the family.
* Feeling of hopelessness.
* Excessive crying.
* Severe anxiety.
* Thoughts of harming self or the baby.

Refer the client (these are red flags). Beyond this referral,
homeopathy, acupuncture or herbalism can be helpful

Question 4

Postpartum Care: Other investigations

Answer 4

• Postpartum thyroiditis (4-9%) - can mimic symptoms of anaemia and postpartum depression.
• Anaemia screening - can cause similar depressive symptoms.
• Mum MOT’ pelvic floor examination, diastasis
  recti, screening for bladder, bowel or sexual dysfunction.