Why Postnatal Care Matters
From the moment of birth through the first six weeks and beyond, what is often called the “fourth trimester”, postnatal care plays a foundational role in recovery, adaptation and long-term health. According to established guidance by the World Health Organization (WHO), all mothers and newborns require support in the first 24 hours and subsequent contacts on day 3 (48-72 hrs), between days 7-14, and at six weeks.
Key benefits include:
- Physical recovery: After childbirth the mother’s body is healing, from uterine involution and wound healing (e.g., caesarean or episiotomy), to hormonal shifts and adjustments of lactation.
- Emotional & psychological support: Sleep-loss, changes in identity, fluctuating hormones and the demands of a newborn combine to create a vulnerable time. Proper postnatal care offers monitoring, intervention or referral for mood disorders, anxiety or post-partum depression.
- Breastfeeding guidance & infant health: Early initiation of breastfeeding, support for latching, and monitoring of the baby’s growth and feeding are integral components.
- Education and empowerment: New mothers often need advice on hygiene, nutrition, activity levels, wound care, perineal care and recognising warning signs, care that goes beyond standard discharge instructions.
- Prevention of complications: The postnatal period carries increased risk for maternal and neonatal complications unless managed well.
In short: prioritising the early weeks after birth is not optional, it underpins long-term wellbeing for both mother and baby.
How a Midwife Supports New Mothers
When an experienced midwife takes the lead in postnatal care, the mother receives a tailored, holistic, evidence-based support system. Here’s how this works:
1. Physical assessment & healing
The midwife monitors recovery from delivery (vaginal or caesarean) by checking for correct uterine involution, lochia progression, wound healing, breast health and signs of infection. They also assess the baby’s feeding, weight gain, jaundice risk and general condition. This ensures early detection of issues rather than waiting for them to escalate.
2. Personalised care plan
Based on the mother’s unique delivery experience, health status, lifestyle and newborn’s needs, the midwife creates a bespoke plan. It covers timing and progression of activity, nutrition, rest, wound and perineal care, breastfeeding support, self-care strategies and when to escalate concerns. This helps transform the theoretical into a practical road map.
3. Nutrition, rest & recovery guidance
As new mothers often underestimate their own needs, midwives provide structured advice on appropriate nutrition (protein, iron, fluids), hydration, rest and gradual return to physical activity. A strong nutritional backbone supports healing and lactation.
4. Breastfeeding & infant-care assistance
From positioning and latch to milk-supply troubleshooting, midwives offer hands-on support and education. They also coach on safe newborn practices, sleep environment, cues, circumcision/un-circumcision care, bathing and hygiene. This leads to greater confidence in new mothers.
5. Emotional and psychological support
Screening for “baby-blues,” post-partum depression and adjustment difficulties is part of modern midwifery care. The midwife provides a safe space for discussion, reassurance, and coordinates referral if more specialist mental health input is required. This is key to new mum care at home in Dubai.
6. Seamless follow-up and coordination
Midwives liaise with obstetricians, paediatricians, lactation consultants and other allied professionals when needed. They ensure continuity of care, tracking progress and adjustment of the plan as mother and baby evolve. As part of a full-service model, they become the anchor of support.
Why Choose The Brit Nurse for Your Postnatal Support
At The Brit Nurse we specialise in delivering high-quality, compassionate postnatal support by qualified midwives who understand the unique demands of motherhood and the modern family. Whether you are seeking a maternity nurse in Dubai, a structured postnatal nurse home visit in Dubai, or comprehensive new mum care at home in Dubai, our team delivers with professionalism and warmth.
We believe every new mother deserves:
- A tailored plan that respects her birth story, health background and lifestyle.
- A midwife who actively partners with you, not just instructs you, to rebuild strength, confidence and joy in motherhood.
- Clear, jargon-free education so you feel empowered every step of the way.
- Coordination with medical, nutritional and emotional specialists so nothing is left to chance.
- Smooth transition from hospital to home life, without you having to navigate it alone.
By engaging The Brit Nurse, you invest in more than just support, you invest in your own thriving as a mother, and in the wellbeing of your baby.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What exactly does a midwife do during a postnatal visit?
A midwife begins with a comprehensive assessment of both mother and baby, reviewing physical recovery, mood and wellbeing, feeding and newborn cues. They then create or refine a care plan, teach practical skills (breastfeeding, hygiene, wound care), provide emotional support and schedule follow-up. They act as both educator and caregiver.
2. When should postnatal care begin and how long should it continue?
Best practice guidance from WHO indicates that postnatal care should start within the first 24 hours after birth, with further contacts on day 3 (48-72 hrs), between days 7-14, and at about six weeks. However, ongoing support beyond six weeks is often beneficial depending on the individual needs of mother and baby.
3. How does the midwife address breastfeeding challenges?
The midwife observes breastfeeding sessions, helps with hold and latch techniques, assesses for pain, milk supply and baby’s weight gain. They provide corrective guidance where needed, connect you with lactation consultants if necessary, and monitor progress until feeding is well-established.
4. Is nutrition really important in postnatal care?
Absolutely. Postnatal care emphasises proper nutrition, hydration and rest as essential foundations for recovery, healing and lactation. A balanced diet, sufficient fluids and good hydration status support wound healing, iron replenishment, energy levels and milk production.
5. What if I feel emotionally overwhelmed after childbirth?
Mood changes, tearfulness and the “baby-blues” are common. But if you feel persistent sadness, anxiety, loss of interest, or detachment from your baby, it’s important to seek help. A midwife will screen for such issues, provide support, offer coping strategies and coordinate referral to a mental health professional when appropriate.
6. Why is postnatal care different from standard hospital discharge instructions?
Hospital discharge often covers immediate wound checks, baby vaccination scheduling and basic instructions. Postnatal care extends far beyond: it monitors healing over time, adapts to evolving mother-baby needs, supports breastfeeding and emotional health proactively, and offers education in the real-life setting of your family.
Conclusion
In the journey of motherhood, the days and weeks following birth are as important as the labour itself. A dedicated midwife plays a key role in bridging that transition, providing physical recovery support, emotional care, education and coordination of broader health services. When you choose The Brit Nurse for your maternity nurse in Dubai, postnatal nurse home visit in Dubai, new mum care at home in Dubai or home maternity care in Dubai, you are choosing a partner who is committed to your recovery, your baby’s wellbeing and your confidence as a mother. Postnatal care is not an optional extra, it is essential for a healthy, strong and thriving start for you and your newborn.