Postnatal Care for Mothers and Babies
Did you know that the first six weeks after birth are some of the most critical for both mothers and babies? During this time, both mother and child need extra care to avoid complications. In Uganda, many families don’t pay enough attention to this period, thinking that everything is fine once the baby is born. But at Bountiful Bonds, we understand just how important these weeks are, and we want to help families make the most of them.
Why It’s Important: For mothers, the body goes through significant changes after giving birth. There’s healing from childbirth, adjusting to breastfeeding, and sometimes even dealing with mood swings. For babies, their immune systems are still developing, so they are vulnerable to infections. That’s why it’s essential to get proper care during this time, including regular checkups.
Many Ugandan mothers may not know that complications like infections or postpartum depression can happen weeks after delivery. In fact, according to the Ministry of Health, up to 15% of women in Uganda suffer from postpartum depression, which often goes untreated.
Expert Insight: According to Dr. Sabrina Kitaka, a leading Ugandan pediatrician, “The first six weeks are critical because we need to ensure that both the mother and baby are recovering well. It’s not just about the baby’s health but also the mother’s mental and physical well-being” (quoted during a panel discussion at the Uganda Pediatric Association Conference in 2022).
Call to Action: At Bountiful Bonds, we work to extend the care hospitals give to homes, ensuring both the mother and baby are healthy and safe. We urge all new mothers to take advantage of postnatal care services to avoid unnecessary complications. By getting the right support early, families can enjoy this precious time without worry.
