Dieser Beitrag wurde geschrieben von Lucie Krell

New Parents: Important Information About the Period After Birth – Bonding, Postpartum Recovery & Bureaucracy

Lucie Krell

Relaxation educator, mother, and currently training to become a postpartum doula

The first weeks after giving birth: A special time

Many couples long for a pregnancy for a long time and imagine what the birth and everyday family life will be like. But what is the period immediately after giving birth actually like? What does "postpartum care" mean, and what changes does a woman’s body go through? This article answers all these questions.

Table of contents

  • The first weeks after birth: A special time
  • Transition from birth to the 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 during the postpartum period: Everything is new
  • 5 tips for a restful postpartum period
  • Postpartum care:
    Support from a postpartum caregiver
  • Conclusion: Starting family life well prepared

Transition from birth to the postpartum period

Birth is not completely finished until the placenta has been expelled after the newborn. At the same time, the so-called postpartum period begins, lasting 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 provides the mother with support and accompanies her through the physical and 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 developed during pregnancy.

Physical changes in the mother during the postpartum period

Hormonal changes

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

  • Afterpains that make the uterus contract more quickly

  • Reducing the risk of postoperative bleeding

  • Breastfeeding, by promoting milk production and milk flow

Breastfeeding has an important influence on postpartum recovery and supports the parent-child relationship. Even the first breastfeeding session with breast milk, during which the baby receives valuable colostrum, makes an important contribution to strengthening the infant’s immune system.

The Newborn: The First Moments After Birth

After birth, the baby is normally placed directly on the mother’s body. This skin-to-skin contact is essential for maintaining warmth and bonding. During this time, the umbilical cord can stop pulsating so that as many iron reserves as possible can still be transferred, and it is only then cut.

Medical examinations

  • APGAR test¹: Assessment of the newborn’s overall condition
  • U1 examination: Assessment of body length, weight, and head circumference
  • Vitamin K administration: Prevention of cerebral hemorrhages

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

Parent-child bond: The foundation for a healthy relationship

Whether at home or in the clinic, the most important thing during this phase is close contact between parents and baby. Skin-to-skin contact and breastfeeding not only strengthen the parent-child bond but also support 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 to interpret their child’s signals. This process takes time and patience. But remember: it is a process of getting to know each other that takes time. It is a natural crisis that represents a major change in your lives—one that you all need time to get used to, and during which you may seek as much support
as you need. Don’t hesitate to make use of support!

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

Challenges During 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 too. The mother, in particular, goes through many physical and emotional changes.

Baby blues and postpartum depression

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

5 Tips for a Restful Postpartum Period

  • Visits should be relieving, not become an obligation.

  • Cuddling with skin-to-skin contact strengthens bonding.

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

  • Take time to grow together as a family.

  • Address your needs in good time.

Postpartum care: Support from a maternity nurse

Single parents can make use of a maternal caregiver. This person provides support with household chores, the care of siblings, and organizing everyday life. Under certain circumstances, health insurance covers the costs.

If you’d like to learn more about postpartum essentials, take a look at our blog post “Baby essentials: What do you need?”

Here’s the blog post

Which administrative 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 take care of 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 requested from the registry office in the city where the child was born. To register, the birth notification from the hospital or midwife and the parents’ identity documents are required. If the parents are not married, an acknowledgment of paternity is also required.

Register your child with the health insurance provider

Within the first few weeks after birth, the child must be registered with a health insurance provider. If both parents have statutory health insurance, the registration is usually completed through one parent’s family insurance. If one parent has private health insurance, different rules may apply.

Apply for child benefit

Child benefit is financial support from the government 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 parents with financial support during parental leave. It is applied for through 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 may take several weeks.

Additional administrative 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 for him to be recognized as the legal father. This can be done at the registry office, youth welfare office, or with a notary.

Declaration of custody

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

Early registration for kindergarten or daycare

Even though it is not mandatory, registering your child at a daycare center or nursery early is advisable. Especially in cities, waiting lists are often long. Anyone who wants to arrange childcare for their child by a specific date should apply for a place well in advance.

With this checklist, parents can keep track of the important administrative tasks after the birth. This ensures that all applications are submitted on time and that all forms of support, 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, adjustment, and learning. With the right essentials, support, and patience , parents can consciously experience and enjoy this special phase . What matters most to you? Share your thoughts, make a list, and communicate your needs—this will help you get off to a relaxed start to family life!

Wishing you lots of happiness 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 trainer but is also currently completing training to become a postpartum caregiver. Through relaxation techniques, mindfulness, mental training, and cognitive behavioral methods, she supports children and parents in managing stress.

Mehr Informationen über Lucie Krell findest du hier.

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