Dieser Beitrag wurde geschrieben von Lucie Krell

New Parents: Important Information About the Time After Birth – Bonding, Postpartum, and Paperwork

Lucie Krell

Relaxation educator, mother, and currently training to become a maternal caregiver

The First Weeks After Birth: A Special Time

Many couples long for a pregnancy and imagine what the birth and daily family life will be 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 period
  • Physical changes in the mother during 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: Starting family life well prepared

Transition phase from birth to postpartum

A birth is only fully complete once 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 returns to its normal size and position after about six weeks. This phase serves to reverse the physical changes that occurred during pregnancy.

Physical changes in 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 aftereffects that make the uterus contract faster

  • The reduction of the risk of rebleeding

  • The breastfeeding period, as it promotes milk let-down and milk flow

Breastfeeding has an important impact on postpartum recovery and supports the parent-child relationship. Even the first breastfeeding with breast milk, where 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 continue to pulse to transfer as many iron reserves as possible before it is cut.

Medical Examinations

  • APGAR test¹: Assessment of the newborn's overall condition
  • U1 examination: Measurement 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 during this phase is the close connection 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 participate in bonding.

The natural crisis

The transition is challenging. Parents first need to learn how to interpret their child's signals. This process requires time and patience. But keep in mind: it is a process of getting to know each other that takes time. It is a natural crisis that represents a turning point in your lives, one that you all need to get used to and where you can seek as much support
as you need. Don’t hesitate to ask for help!

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 new for the parents as well. 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 mood 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 promotes bonding.

  • Friends and family can help with household chores or 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 caregiver. She supports with household tasks, the upbringing of siblings, and organizing daily life. Under certain circumstances, the health insurance covers the costs.

If you want to learn more about postpartum essentials, take a look at our blog post "Baby Starter Kit: What Do You Need?".

Go to the blog post here

Which official procedures do parents need to complete after the birth?

After the birth of a child, parents have several important administrative tasks to complete in order to handle various financial and legal matters. Here are the four most important steps that new parents should take:

Apply for a birth certificate at the registry office

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

Report child to 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 one parent's family insurance. If one parent has private insurance, different rules may apply.

Apply for child benefits

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

Apply for parental allowance

Parental allowance provides financial support to parents during 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 paternity in order to be 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

Although it is not mandatory, registering early for a daycare center or nursery is advisable. Especially in cities, there are often long waiting lists. If you want to place your child at a specific time, you should arrange a spot early.

With this checklist, parents can 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? Share your thoughts, make a list, and communicate your needs – this is how a relaxed start to family life succeeds!

Wishing you lots of 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 care nurse. Through relaxation techniques, mindfulness, mental training, and behavioral therapy methods, she supports children and parents in managing stress.

Mehr Informationen über Lucie Krell findest du hier.

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