What is postnatal?

Postnatal refers to the period after a baby is born. It is also commonly known as the postpartum period. During postnatal, a mother's body goes through several changes as it returns to its pre-pregnancy state. These changes include:

1. Physical recovery: The mother's body undergoes a healing process following childbirth. This involves the shrinking of the uterus, the healing of any tears or incisions made during delivery, and the transition of breast milk production.

2. Hormonal changes: After childbirth, hormones such as estrogen and progesterone decrease rapidly, while prolactin and oxytocin increase. These hormonal changes can cause mood swings and other emotional disruptions.

3. Infant care: The mother must learn how to care for her newborn baby during the postnatal period. This includes feeding, bathing, and changing the baby, as well as adjusting to breastfeeding if this is the chosen method of feeding.

4. Fatigue: Postnatal fatigue is common, as the mother's body heals and adjusts to caring for a newborn. This can lead to sleep deprivation, which can affect the mother's mood and ability to care for her baby.

5. Mental health: It is common for mothers to experience postpartum depression, anxiety, or other mood disorders during the postnatal period. These conditions should be addressed by a healthcare professional, as they can affect the mother's ability to care for herself and her baby.