First Weeks With The Baby

First weeks

The first weeks after the birth (childbed) are characterized by getting to know and sniffing each other. During this time, it is particularly important for the new mother to recover from the stresses of pregnancy and childbirth. In addition to the woman's partner, the midwife is an important reference person during this time.

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• Regeneration time
• Highs and lows are normal
• The new family member has moved in
• Midwives as an important contact person
• How are the costs going to be covered?

Regeneration time

The female body has to recover from the changes of pregnancy and the stresses of childbirth in the puerperium. How long the puerperium lasts varies from woman to woman, on average it is six to eight weeks. During this time, numerous regression processes and healing processes take place. For example, the uterus recedes, birth wounds heal, and the hormone level changes. More on the topic: Postpartum: Aftercare & Care

The mother and child usually spend the first days of childbirth in hospital. Some hospitals offer so-called family rooms so that the woman's partner can also be with his family around the clock. Parents and children on the maternity ward are mainly looked after by midwives. More on the topic: hospital birth

Even with a home birth or an outpatient birth, there is a right to midwifery care, which then takes place through home visits.

In any case, it should be ensured during the postpartum period that the new parents can take a break from everyday life. The undisturbed getting to know the new family member should be in the foreground. Allowing yourself enough rest and relaxation is important in order to be able to process the extraordinary events appropriately and to regain strength and energy.

Highs and lows are normal

Support from your partner or family is particularly important during the postnatal period. Sometimes it's not just the friends that outweigh the offspring - ups and downs are part of it. The woman is going through a major hormonal change. This can unexpectedly lead to negative feelings and even depressive moods (“baby blues”). But that is quite normal - because the hormones' slide show is now, so to speak, downhill. When everything has settled down, these irritations usually go away by themselves. More on the subject: Baby Blues

In addition to physical recovery, the puerperium also offers the opportunity to mentally process the birth experience; the exchange with the partner can be helpful here. Since most fathers are now present in the delivery room during the birth, they too have experienced their own perspective on the birth. In the first few weeks, not only the mother should have enough time and rest to get used to the new life and to put aside the everyday duties. The new father should also take a step back when it comes to work and leisure activities.

The new family member has moved in

At the latest when mother and child are at home, a new era begins for the parents: getting to know the baby, finding out everything about its needs and suddenly watching over this new and very special person - all of this makes the time of the puerperium an incomparable one Life experience.

Parents can use the puerperium as a particularly sheltered time to slowly discover themselves as mother and father. The partnership can also be redefined during this time.

The way parents organize their childbirth period is very different, and there are no hard and fast rules. Some prefer - when they arrive at the family home - to isolate themselves from the outside and to get used to each other first. Others can no longer wait to receive friends and family at home and celebrate the offspring in large groups.

Midwives as an important contact person

The midwife is the most important medical contact person for the new parents after the birth. She observes the baby's initial development and controls the woman's regression and healing processes. Midwives also help with breastfeeding and nursing the infant. You have numerous tips and tricks in store for uncertainties and questions.

Fathers should take the opportunity whenever possible and attend the midwife's home visits. They too can get valuable tips for changing diapers and caring for the baby, for safe holding, carrying and bathing, etc. Last but not least, you can talk to the midwife about your experiences during the birth.

How are the costs going to be covered?

Mothers of newborn babies are financially entitled to follow-up care from a midwife. Midwifery care in the hospital for the first few days after the birth is covered by health insurance.

The costs for home visits by a contract midwife in the first five days after the birth are also covered by the health insurance, for caesarean sections, premature birth and multiple birth in the first six days. If there are symptoms after this time, such as breastfeeding not working or the uterus does not regress, the health insurance company will cover the costs for a maximum of seven further home visits up to eight weeks after the birth.

Midwives who do not have a contract with the health insurance company must be paid privately. However, there is a right to reimbursement of up to 80 percent of the contract rate (this is usually not the same as the amount that is on the fee note). You can find more information about the costs and the range of services offered by midwives at www.hebammen.at or from the relevant social security agency.