Childbirth marks the beginning of a new journey for a mother. After the birthing process, the body needs time to adapt and recover. This period is known as the postpartum period , which lasts approximately 40 days (6 weeks) after delivery.
During the postpartum period, the body undergoes various changes, from uterine contraction, wound healing, and hormonal adjustments. Therefore, proper care is crucial for the mother to recover well and be ready to take on the new activities of caring for her baby.
In this article, you'll find a comprehensive guide to maternal care during the postpartum period, covering everything from diet and activities to personal hygiene, to traditional treatments that have long been part of Indonesian culture.
What is the Postpartum Period?
The postpartum period is the period after childbirth, during which the mother's reproductive organs and body return to their pre-pregnancy state. It generally lasts about 40 days , although the recovery process varies from mother to mother.
During this time, mothers usually experience several changes, such as:
- Lochia (postpartum bleeding)
- The uterus gradually shrinks
- Hormonal changes
- Breast milk production begins to increase
- The body still feels tired after the delivery process
Because of the many changes that occur simultaneously, mothers need support from their families and comprehensive care.
The Importance of Postpartum Care
Postpartum care not only aims to help the body recover, but also to ensure the mother's comfort during the first few days with her baby.
Good care can help:
- Supports the body's recovery process after childbirth.
- Maintaining cleanliness of the feminine area.
- Helping mothers stay fit while caring for their babies.
- Supporting breast milk production through a healthy lifestyle.
- Provides comfort during recovery.
1. Consume a Balanced Nutritional Diet
The body requires more energy after giving birth, especially for breastfeeding mothers.
Some important nutrients include:
- Protein from fish, chicken, eggs, and lean meat.
- Green vegetables.
- Fresh fruits.
- Complex carbohydrates.
- Milk or other sources of calcium.
- Enough water every day.
Eating nutritious foods helps meet energy needs and supports the natural recovery process.
2. Get enough rest
Although caring for a baby often reduces sleep time, mothers are still encouraged to rest whenever possible.
Some simple tips:
- Sleep when the baby sleeps.
- Take turns with your partner or family in looking after the baby.
- Avoid strenuous activity in the first few weeks.
Getting enough rest helps the body speed up the recovery process.
3. Maintain Personal Hygiene
Cleanliness is an important aspect during the postpartum period.
Some things to note:
- Change postpartum sanitary napkins regularly.
- Wash your hands before and after changing the sanitary napkin.
- Clean the feminine area according to the recommendations of health workers.
- Wear comfortable and sweat-absorbent clothing.
Good hygiene helps maintain comfort during recovery.
4. Start Moving Gradually
After getting permission from a health worker, mothers can start doing light activities such as taking a leisurely walk around the house.
Light activity can help:
- Improves blood circulation.
- Reduces stiffness in the body.
- Helps the body become active again gradually.
Avoid lifting heavy weights until your body has completely recovered.
5. Pay attention to mental health
In addition to physical changes, mothers also experience emotional changes due to hormonal fluctuations and adaptation to new roles.
Ask your partner or family for help if you feel:
- Crying easily.
- Very tired.
- Difficulty sleeping even though the baby is sleeping.
- Feeling overwhelmed.
Support from those closest to you plays an important role during the recovery period.
6. Traditional Treatments That Are Still Widely Chosen
In Indonesia, various postnatal care traditions have been carried out from generation to generation.
Some of these include:
- Drink herbal medicine for childbirth.
- Using a tape on the stomach area.
- Using pilis .
- Param or balm for the body.
- Postpartum massage by experienced personnel.
For some mothers, this traditional treatment regimen complements a healthy lifestyle during the postpartum period. However, its use should be tailored to each individual's individual circumstances and should follow product instructions and the advice of a healthcare professional.
Getting to Know the Selapan Tradition
In Javanese society, there's a term called selapan , which refers to the period around 35 days after a baby's birth. In practice, many families continue to provide maternal care for approximately 40 days to aid the recovery process.
During this period, mothers usually undergo various forms of traditional care combined with a nutritious diet, adequate rest, and maintaining personal hygiene.
Choosing Herbal Products for Postpartum
If you want to use postpartum herbal medicine, pay attention to the following things:
- Choose products from trusted manufacturers.
- Make sure you have a valid distribution permit.
- Follow the consumption instructions on the packaging.
- Consult a healthcare professional if you have certain medical conditions or are taking medication.
Properly selected products can become part of your postpartum care routine.
Complete your postpartum care with a series of postpartum herbal remedies.
In addition to maintaining diet, rest, and personal hygiene, some mothers choose to supplement their recovery period with a series of traditional postpartum herbal medicines.
Jamu Bersalin Lengkap Selapan Air Mancur presents a care package designed to accompany the postpartum period according to tradition, consisting of various products that are used gradually during the recovery period.
Learn more about Jamu Bersalin Lengkap Selapan Fountain through the product page and use according to the instructions on the packaging.
