Dieser Beitrag wurde geschrieben von Lucie Krell

Newly become parents: Important information about the time after birth – bonding, postpartum period & paperwork

Lucie Krell

Relaxation instructor, mother, and currently 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 how the birth and everyday family life will look. But what does the time immediately after birth actually look like? What does "postnatal 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 period
  • Physical changes of the mother during the postpartum period
  • The newborn: The first moments after birth
  • Parent-child bond: 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: Starting family life well prepared

Transition phase from birth to postpartum period

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 bodily as well as emotional changes after birth.

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

Physical changes of the mother during 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 womb contract more quickly

  • The reduction of the risk of rebleeding

  • The nursing period, as it promotes the onset of milk production and the flow of milk

Nursing has an important influence on the recovery process and supports the parent-child bond. Even the first nursing with mother's milk, where the baby receives the valuable colostrum, is a valuable contribution to strengthening the immune system of the infant.

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 pulse to allow as many iron reserves as possible to be passed on and is only then cut.

Medical Examinations

  • APGAR test¹: Assessment of the newborn's overall condition
  • U1 examination: Checking 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 bond: The foundation for a healthy relationship

Whether at home or in the clinic – the most important thing during this phase is the close closeness between parents and baby. Skin contact and breastfeeding not only strengthen the parent-child bond but also the well-being of the newborn. The other parent should also actively take part in bonding.

The natural crisis

The changeover is challenging. Parents first need to learn to interpret their child's signals. 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 turning point 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!

For: "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 new for the parents as well. Especially the mother goes through many bodily and emotional changes.

Baby blues and postpartum depression

Due to hormonal changes, mood swings can occur in the first days after birth.
Emotional fluctuations are normal. However, if persistent sadness occurs, it is important to talk to a midwife or a doctor to rule out postpartum depression.

5 Tips for a Restful Postpartum Period

  • Visits should be relieving and not become an obligation.

  • Cuddling with skin contact fosters bonding.

  • Friends and family can help with housework or food.

  • Take time to grow together as a family.

  • Speak up about your needs in good time.

Postnatal care: Support by a maternal nurse

Single parents can make use of a mother’s helper. She assists with household chores, with the upbringing of siblings, and in organizing daily 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, parents have several important official errands to take care of in order to settle 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 acknowledgment of paternity is also requested.

Report child to the health insurance company

Within the first weeks after birth, the child must be registered with a health insurance fund. If both parents are covered by statutory insurance, the registration usually takes place through the family insurance of one parent. If one parent has private insurance, different rules may apply.

Apply for child benefit

The child benefit is a monetary support from the government and can be applied for immediately after the birth. The application is submitted to the family office of the Federal Employment Agency.

Apply for parental allowance

The parental allowance provides financial support to 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 additional formalities must be completed:

Acknowledgment of paternity

The father must officially acknowledge the fatherhood so that he is legally recognized 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 at a daycare center or nursery early on is sensible. Especially in towns, there are often long waiting lists. Those who want to place their child at a certain time should take care of securing a spot early.

With this checklist, parents keep track of the important official appointments after the birth. This ensures that all applications are submitted on time and all support benefits such as maternity protection, 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? Share your thoughts, make a list, and communicate your needs – this is how a relaxed start to family life succeeds!

Wishing you much 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 instructor but is currently also training to become a maternal nurse. Through relaxation techniques, mindfulness, mental training, and behavioural therapy methods, she supports children and parents in managing stress.

Mehr Informationen über Lucie Krell findest du hier.

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