POSTPARTUM ADVICE

MEDICATION: Please continue multivitamins. This is primarily to address need for Vitamin D and folic acid. More than 18 mg of iron in a vitamin is not usually necessary and can be upsetting to the baby if you are nursing.

EXERCISE: Begin your exercise slowly. Walking is a great early program and adding resistance exercises and toning exercises gradually. The recommended target heart rate = 220 - age x .75

SMOKING: If you were able to cut back or quit during pregnancy it will still be difficult not to start again. If at all possible don’t start; if you do please do not smoke in your home and cover yourself with something easy to remove because the baby is exposed to a lot of irritants and cancer causing chemicals even in your clothing and on your skin.

ALCOHOL: Recommend avoiding alcohol several hours prior to breast-feeding.

SEX: You may resume sexual intercourse at 6 weeks postpartum. Be forewarned that your libido or interest in sex may be severely curtailed while dealing with an infant. This is normal!!!

BIRTH CONTROL: You can get pregnant immediately, even if you are breast-feeding! Hopefully you have already had a plan in place for birth control but let’s make sure this is taken care of at or BEFORE your postpartum exam at 6-8 weeks.

INJURY PREVENTION: You are a parent and desperately important. Please remember safety belts, safety helmets, and smoke detectors.

DENTAL CARE: Pregnancy is hard on women’s teeth so this is a reminder of the importance of regular tooth brushing, flossing, and dental visits.

BABY BLUES VS. POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION: It is normal to feel blue and a little let down after all the excitement of pregnancy and delivery. It takes a lot of time and extraordinary effort to adapt to new roles and hormones are still adjusting to the non-pregnant state. It is very important to discuss these feelings with your family and with your care providers. Please let us know if these emotions begin to overwhelm you or if you feel unable to enjoy your baby; we can help!

“PARENTS AS TEACHERS” and the FAMILY RESOURCE CENTER: “P.A.T.” is a wonderful program (available only to first time parents in Sheboygan county) and we want everyone possible to participate. All families are able to participate in all the other programs available at the Plymouth and Sheboygan FRC sites. You should get these mailings and if not please call 892-6706.