New Moms (0-2 Years)

The postpartum period (first 6 weeks) is critical for maternal recovery. Key aspects include:

• Physical Recovery: Healing from delivery, managing pain, restoring strength through gentle movement
• Lochia Management: Normal vaginal bleeding lasting 4-6 weeks; use pads and monitor for excessive bleeding
• Perineal Care: If tearing or episiotomy occurred, keep area clean and dry. Sitz baths and pelvic floor exercises support healing
• Rest & Sleep: Sleep when baby sleeps; aim for 7-8 hours daily. Sleep deprivation increases mood disorder risk
• Nutrition: Eat nutrient-rich foods, stay hydrated (especially if breastfeeding), and include iron-rich foods for anemia recovery

WHO recommends postnatal visits at 24-48 hours, 7-14 days, and 6 weeks postpartum.

WHO and UNICEF recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months, then introduce complementary foods while continuing breastfeeding until 2 years.

Breastfeeding Benefits:

• Reduces infant infections, diarrhea, and respiratory illnesses
• Decreases risk of SIDS and childhood obesity
• Supports brain development and cognitive function
• Reduces maternal breast and ovarian cancer risk

Getting Started:

• Start within first hour after birth (skin-to-skin contact)
• Feed on demand (8-12 times daily initially)
• Ensure proper latch to prevent pain and improve milk transfer
• Seek lactation support for concerns with supply or latch
• If formula feeding, follow safe preparation and hygiene guidelines

Resources: UNICEF Breastfeeding Info

Understanding typical infant development helps you identify delays and support healthy growth.

0-3 Months: Follows faces, makes cooing sounds, lifts head briefly, responds to voices

3-6 Months: Rolls over, reaches for objects, babbles, recognizes caregivers, smiles socially

6-12 Months: Sits up, begins crawling, says "mama/dada", waves bye-bye, understands simple words

12-24 Months: Walks independently, says 10+ words, points to show interest, plays simple games like peek-a-boo

Regular developmental screening catches delays early. Consult your pediatrician if you have concerns.

Postpartum mood disorders are common and treatable. UNICEF and WHO emphasize mental health screening.

Baby Blues (first 2 weeks): Mild mood changes, crying, anxiety - usually resolves without treatment

Postpartum Depression (PPD): Persistent sadness, hopelessness, fatigue, difficulty bonding. Affects 10-15% of new mothers.

Postpartum Anxiety: Racing thoughts, panic attacks, excessive worry about baby's health

Postpartum OCD: Intrusive thoughts, compulsive behaviors

Seek help if you experience: Thoughts of harming yourself or baby, inability to care for baby, severe anxiety or panic, persistent sadness lasting >2 weeks

Treatment options include therapy, support groups, and medications (many safe during breastfeeding).

Newborns sleep 16-17 hours daily in short bursts. Understanding safe sleep practices reduces SIDS risk.

Safe Sleep Guidelines:

• Place baby on back for all sleeps
• Use a firm sleep surface (crib, bassinet, play yard)
• Room-share without bed-sharing for at least 6 months (ideally 1 year)
• Avoid soft objects, loose bedding, bumpers, and pillows
• Offer pacifier at nap time and bedtime after 1 month
• Avoid overheating - keep room at comfortable temperature
• Consider white noise to soothe baby

Soothing Techniques: Swaddling, gentle rocking, shushing sounds, sucking

Vaccinations protect infants from serious, potentially life-threatening diseases. WHO recommends:

• First dose of hepatitis B vaccine within 24 hours of birth
• BCG vaccine (tuberculosis protection)
• Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (DPT) series
• Polio vaccine (IPV)
• Rotavirus vaccine (prevents severe diarrhea)
• Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR)

Regular Health Checks: Weight, length, head circumference monitoring; developmental screening; vision and hearing tests

Secure attachment forms through responsive caregiving. Hold, comfort, and respond to your baby's needs.

• Skin-to-skin contact promotes bonding and regulates baby's body temperature
• Make eye contact and talk to your baby
• Respond promptly to cries - you cannot spoil a newborn
• Create predictable routines for feeding, sleeping, and play
• Involve partner and family in caregiving
• Don't worry if bonding doesn't happen instantly - it develops over time