POSTPARTUM MATERNAL AND CHILD CARE
The length of the
POSTPARTUM period is traditionally six weeks. This is the length
of time required for the mother's uterus and other reproductive tissues to return to their former condition. It may take this number of weeks for the woman to return to her previous emotional state and her previous level of vigor as well, although this may depend on factors such as whether the birth was vaginal or surgical, the length of labor, and the level of
postpartum assistance from family and friends. Some women may experience an emotional letdown, or postpartum depression, in the weeks after childbirth. For the most part, however, a well-rested woman enjoys these early weeks after delivery. The length of hospitalization is being reduced as prenatal care and postpartum programs are enhanced.
During the first weeks of life, the baby adjusts to conditions outside the mother's body. The neonatal period, which
extends from birth to 28 days of life, is the time when the baby's feeding (either breast or bottle) and sleep patterns are established. At 28 days of life, the newborn enters the period of infancy, which extends throughout the first year.