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 maternal care provider

The first weeks after birth: A special time

Many couples eagerly await a pregnancy for a long time and imagine what the birth and their life together as a family will be like. But what is the time immediately after 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 maternal care specialist
  • Conclusion: Start family life well prepared

Transition from birth to the postpartum period

Birth is not complete until the placenta has been delivered 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 supports the mother and guides 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 allows the physical changes that occurred during pregnancy to reverse.

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:

  • The afterpains that make the uterus contract more quickly

  • Reducing the risk of postoperative bleeding

  • Lactation, by promoting milk production and milk flow

Breastfeeding has an important influence on recovery after birth and supports the parent-child relationship. The first breastfeeding session, when the baby receives valuable colostrum from breast milk, is already a valuable contribution to strengthening the infant’s immune system.

The Newborn: The First Moments After Birth

After birth, the baby is usually placed directly on the mother’s body. This skin-to-skin contact is essential for keeping the baby warm and for bonding. Meanwhile, the umbilical cord can continue to pulsate, allowing as much of the baby’s iron reserves as possible to be transferred, and is only then cut.

Medical examinations

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

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

Parent-child bond: The foundation for a healthy relationship

Whether at home or in the hospital, 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 newborn’s well-being. The other parent should also actively participate in bonding.

The Natural Crisis

The transition is challenging. Parents first have to learn to interpret their child’s cues. This process takes time and patience. But remember: it’s a process of getting to know each other, and that takes time. It’s a natural crisis that marks a major change in your lives, one that you all need time to adjust to, and during which you’re welcome to seek as much support
as you need. Don’t hesitate to ask for 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 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 in the first few days after giving birth.
This so-called baby blues is normal. However, if persistent low mood occurs, it is important to speak with a midwife or a doctor to rule out postpartum depression .

5 tips for a restful postpartum recovery period

  • Visits should be restorative and not become an obligation.

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

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

  • Take time to grow closer as a family.

  • Communicate your needs in good time.

Postpartum care: Support from a maternity nurse

Single parents can receive support from a maternity caregiver. They provide help with household tasks, raising 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?".

Go to the blog post here

What administrative procedures do parents need to complete after the birth?

After the birth of a child, parents need to take care of several important administrative matters to sort out various financial and legal affairs. Here are the four most important steps 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, the birth notification from the hospital or midwife and the parents’ IDs are required. If the parents are not married, an acknowledgment of paternity is also required.

Register a 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 usually takes place 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 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 administrative steps 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 considered the father legally . This can be done at the registry office, youth welfare office, or by a notary.

Parental custody declaration

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

Early registration at a daycare or nursery

Even if it is not required, it is a good idea to register early with a daycare center or nursery. There are often long waiting lists, especially in cities. If you want your child to start at a particular time, you should apply for a place early.

This checklist helps parents keep track of the important administrative tasks after the birth. This ensures that all applications are submitted on time and that 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 essentials, support, and patience , parents can experience and enjoy this special phase mindfully. What matters most to you? Talk it over, make a list, and communicate your needs - that’s how to make for 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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