The postpartum period, or puerperium, lasts 6–8 weeks after childbirth. It is a time when a woman’s body returns to its pre-pregnancy state and is marked by numerous physical and emotional changes. During this period, women are extremely vulnerable and require appropriate support—something that is often overlooked in modern society.
In the past, families lived in multigenerational households, so new mothers received help and support from their mothers, grandmothers, or neighbors, who would take over daily tasks and assist with the baby. Today, mothers are often left without help, support, or experience, and must manage many responsibilities alone.
This is why comprehensive and continuous psychological, social, and emotional support from the baby’s father and family (informal support), as well as from healthcare professionals such as community nurses, breastfeeding consultants, breastfeeding support groups, and other specialists (formal support), is crucial. Both types of support greatly impact emotional well-being and help reduce stress.
The Role of the Father
The father’s role during the postpartum period is extremely important in supporting the mother, bonding with the baby, and preventing mental health issues in both parents.
Emotional support through presence, patience, and non-judgmental listening as the mother experiences physical and emotional changes is one of the father’s key roles. The father can also recognize and address signs of postpartum depression or anxiety in the mother. Bonding with the baby may involve carrying, bathing, changing, cuddling, and putting the baby to sleep. Fathers can also care for older children, do grocery shopping, prepare meals, and help maintain a clean home. A significant role of the father is to protect the mother from unsupportive individuals (family, friends), ensure peace, and communicate with the nurse or pediatrician in agreement with the mother.
Building a partnership in caring for the child—where both parents are equal, share their feelings, and support each other—is essential.
Sometimes, bonding between father and child does not happen immediately. Fathers may not initially know how to interact with the baby, and it is a process that requires time and patience. Skin-to-skin contact, singing, talking to the baby, observing, and imitation can all be helpful.
The Role of Community Nurses and Other Professionals
The community nurse is usually the first healthcare worker to visit the mother and newborn, acting as a link between the healthcare system and the family. Many programs for expectant mothers are available today (parenting classes, individual counseling, breastfeeding support groups), and it is recommended that pregnant women contact their local community nurse during pregnancy. The nurse should also be informed when the mother and baby are discharged from the maternity ward. Most health centers list information about their community nurses and service areas on their websites.
The first nurse visit usually occurs within 48–72 hours after discharge. Mothers report feeling more secure thanks to the advice and support they receive.
The community nurse will check the mother’s vital signs, monitor lochia and wounds (from a C-section or episiotomy), identify signs of “baby blues” or postpartum depression through emotional conversation, help the mother find a comfortable breastfeeding position, and educate her on lactation physiology and achieving a deep latch. The nurse will also examine the breasts and nipples (for cracks, milk stasis, or mastitis) and support the mother’s decision to initiate and maintain breastfeeding.
If the baby is formula-fed, the nurse will explain proper feeding techniques, formula preparation, and hygiene of equipment and environment. She will advise on proper nutrition, healthy weight loss through gradual dietary changes, managing constipation, bloating, hemorrhoids, recovery after a C-section, gestational diabetes, physical activity, and rest. She will also discuss family planning and refer the mother for a postnatal gynecological check-up.
The nurse will assess the baby’s health, monitor weight gain, look for signs of jaundice and provide care instructions, demonstrate diapering and hygiene practices (such as dry cleaning or bathing), educate on monitoring waste elimination, umbilical cord care, and early development stimulation (“baby handling”). She will refer the baby to a doctor if pathological symptoms occur and will advise parents on meeting the baby’s needs for sleep, physical contact, emotional security, and establishing a healthy daily routine (feeding, diapering, bonding, sleeping).
Other professionals involved in postpartum care include pediatricians, gynecologists, physiotherapists, psychologists, and psychotherapists.
The pediatrician monitors the baby’s growth and development through regular check-ups and provides guidance on nutrition and infectious disease prevention through vaccinations.
The gynecologist monitors the mother’s postpartum recovery and identifies any complications or illnesses for timely treatment.
A nutritionist can help mothers choose and prepare meals that provide enough energy, restore balance after childbirth, and prevent exhaustion and anemia. They can also suggest practical eating habits when time, fatigue, and stress limit cooking.
The physiotherapist educates mothers on preventing back and neck pain and restoring pelvic floor and abdominal muscle strength.
A psychologist or psychotherapist plays a key role if the mother experiences anxiety or depression. Unfortunately, many women do not seek help due to ongoing stigma around mental health issues.
The Vrapče Psychiatric Clinic has launched a program called Postnatal to support maternal mental health for women who have recently given birth and mothers of children up to two years old. The aim of the program is early prevention, early recognition of mental health challenges, and treatment—particularly for symptoms of anxiety and depression during this sensitive time.
The program includes psychoeducational groups, individual and group psychotherapy, relaxation techniques, social skills training, and pharmacological treatment. It is run by psychiatrists, nurses, social educators, social workers, psychologists, and occupational therapists.
Topics covered include the mother-child relationship in the early years, emotional challenges of early parenting, child emotional development, the importance of support from family and the wider community, changes in family dynamics after childbirth, healthy lifestyle education, and education on anxiety and depressive symptoms.
Another form of formal support during the postpartum period is breastfeeding support groups. These self-help groups offer a supportive environment that gives mothers a sense of safety and community. This type of support can significantly affect the duration of breastfeeding, benefiting both mother and child.
Summary
During the postpartum period, the mother recovers from childbirth, forms a bond with her baby, learns how to care for and breastfeed, and responds to the baby’s needs. At the same time, life rhythms shift, hormones fluctuate, and the mother may feel insecure, tired, or even sad. Studies show that many women experience “baby blues,” and a smaller number suffer from postpartum depression.
Lack of timely support increases the risk of emotional issues like anxiety and postpartum depression. According to the World Health Organization, an integrated approach that includes education, psychological support, and a social support network can significantly reduce the risk of postpartum mental health disorders and improve the quality of life for mothers and their children.
Author of the text: Jasna Pisuljak, bacc.med.techn., IBCLC
Community Nurse, Health Center Zagreb – West