Dieser Beitrag wurde geschrieben von Lucie Krell

New parents: Important information about the time after birth – bonding, postpartum period & bureaucracy

Lucie Krell

Relaxation educator, mother, and currently in training to become a maternal nurse

The first weeks after birth: A special time

Many couples long for a pregnancy for a long time and imagine what the birth and the daily family life will look like. But what does the time immediately after birth actually look like? What does "postpartum care" mean and what changes does a woman's body go through? All these questions are answered in this article.

Table of Contents

  • The first weeks after birth: A special time
  • Transition phase from birth to postpartum
  • Physical changes of the mother in the postpartum period
  • The newborn: The first moments after birth
  • Parent-child bonding: The foundation for a healthy relationship
  • Challenges in the postpartum period: Everything is new
  • 5 tips for a restful postpartum period
  • Postpartum care:
    Support from a maternity nurse
  • Conclusion: Start family life well prepared

Transition phase from birth to postpartum

A birth is only fully complete when the placenta has been expelled after the newborn. At the same time, the so-called postpartum period begins, which lasts about eight weeks. It is divided into the early postpartum period (up to 10 days after delivery) and the late postpartum period. During this time, the midwife supports the mother and accompanies the physical as well as emotional changes after birth.

The uterus contracts immediately after birth and regains its normal size and position after about six weeks. This phase serves to reverse the physical changes that occurred during pregnancy.

Physical changes of the mother in the postpartum period

Hormonal changes

After childbirth, many hormones produced by the placenta, such as progesterone, decrease. At the same time, oxytocin, the so-called cuddle hormone, is released in greater amounts. This hormone supports:

  • The afterpains that make the uterus contract faster

  • The reduction of the risk of rebleeding

  • The lactation period, by promoting milk let-down and milk flow

Breastfeeding has an important influence on postpartum recovery and supports the parent-child relationship. Even the first breastfeeding with the mother's milk, in which the baby receives the valuable colostrum, is a valuable contribution to strengthening the infant's immune system.

The newborn: The first moments after birth

After the birth, the baby is usually placed directly on the mother's body. This skin contact is essential for warmth and bonding. Meanwhile, the umbilical cord can pulsate to allow as many iron reserves as possible to be transferred and is only then cut.

Medical examinations

  • APGAR test¹: assessment of the overall condition of the newborn
  • U1 examination: check of body length, weight, and head circumference
  • Vitamin K administration: prevention of brain hemorrhages

Depending on the place of birth , mother and child are either discharged home after a few hours or transferred to the postpartum ward. After a cesarean section , longer medical monitoring takes place.

Parent-child bonding: The foundation for a healthy relationship

Whether at home or in the clinic – the most important thing in this phase is the intensive closeness between parents and baby. Skin contact and breastfeeding not only strengthen the parent-child relationship but also the well-being of the newborn. The second parent should also actively participate in bonding.

The natural crisis

The transition is challenging. Parents must first learn to interpret the signals of their child. This process requires time and patience. But be aware: it is a process of getting to know each other, which takes time. It is a natural crisis that represents a upheaval in your life, to which you all must first get used to and where you may seek as much support
as you need. Do not hesitate to seek support!

Because: "It takes a whole village to raise a child." (African proverb)

Challenges in the postpartum period: Everything is new

The first year of life is full of new experiences for the baby, but everything is also new for the parents. Especially the mother goes through many physical and emotional changes.

Baby blues and postpartum depression

Due to hormonal fluctuations,
mood swings can occur in the first days after birth. This so-called baby blues is normal. However, if persistent low spirits occur, it is important to talk to a midwife or a doctor about it to rule out a postpartum depression.

5 tips for a restful postpartum period

  • Visits should be relieving and not become an obligation.

  • Cuddling with skin contact promotes bonding.

  • Friends and family can help with household chores or with food.

  • Take time to grow together as a family.

  • Address your needs in a timely manner.

Postpartum care: Support from a maternity nurse

Single parents can make use of a maternal nurse. She supports in the household, in the upbringing of sibling children, and in the organization of everyday life. Under certain circumstances, the health insurance covers the costs.

If you want to know more about postpartum equipment, take a look at our blog post "Baby Starter Kit: What do you need?".

Here is the link to the blog post

Which official procedures must parents complete after the birth?

After the birth of a child, there are some important official procedures for the parents to take care of various financial and legal matters. Here are the four most important steps that new parents should complete:

Apply for a birth certificate at the registry office

The birth certificate is the first official document of the child. It is applied for at the registry office of the city of birth. For the registration, the birth confirmation from the clinic or midwife as well as the identification cards of the parents are required. If the parents are not married, the paternity acknowledgment is also requested.

Register child with the health insurance company

Within the first weeks after birth, the child must be registered with a health insurance company. If both parents are publicly insured, the registration usually takes place through the family insurance of one parent. If one parent is privately insured, different regulations may apply.

Apply for child benefit

The child benefit is a financial support from the state and can be applied for directly after birth. The application is submitted to the family benefits office of the Federal Employment Agency.

Apply for parental allowance

The parental allowance financially supports parents during the parental leave. It is applied for at the responsible parental allowance office and is based on the parents' income before the birth. The application should be submitted as early as possible, as processing can take several weeks.

Additional official procedures for unmarried parents

If the parents are not married, two more formalities must be completed:

Acknowledgment of paternity

The father must officially acknowledge paternity so that he is considered legally as the father. This can be done at the registry office, youth welfare office, or notary.

Custody declaration

If both parents wish to have joint custody, they must submit a corresponding declaration to the youth welfare office.

Early registration in the daycare or nursery

Even though it is not mandatory, registering in a daycare center or nursery early is advisable. Especially in cities, there are often long waiting lists. Those who want to place their child at a specific time should take care of a spot early.

With this checklist, parents keep track of the important official procedures after the birth. This ensures that all applications are submitted on time and all support benefits such as maternity leave, parental allowance, and child benefit are applied for promptly.

Conclusion: Start family life well prepared

The postpartum period is a time of change, settling in, and learning. With the right initial equipment, support, and patience, parents can consciously experience and enjoy this special phase. What is especially important to you? Exchange ideas, make a list, and communicate your needs – this is how a relaxed start to family life succeeds!

Good luck and joy as new parents!

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Sources:

¹ https://flexikon.doccheck.com/de/Apgar-Score

Lucie Krell
Lucie Krell is not only a mother and relaxation educator, but is currently also completing training as a maternity nurse. Through relaxation techniques, mindfulness, mental training, and behavioral therapy methods, she supports children and parents in coping with stress.

Mehr Informationen über Lucie Krell findest du hier.

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