Postpartum health for mothers
Body and weight after childbirth
It is common to gain weight during pregnancy. Afterward, your body needs to recover from the heavy load that pregnancy entailed. Research shows that if you have not lost the weight you gained after one year, the risk of being overweight increases. Healthy eating and physical activity reduce the risks. In our guide, you get advice on good eating habits to feel good.
Mental illness after childbirth
After labor, you as a parent can get mental symptoms that appear a few days after the baby is born. It is completely normal and everyone can experience it. More common, and more serious, is so-called postpartum depression. Here you can read more and take part in our experts' advice on various forms of mental illness after childbirth.
When it didn't quite turn out the way you thought it would…
Communication and participation are key during childbirth. Between you and your partner, between your care provider and you, and between your partner and your care provider. It can be easier said than done to communicate in the heat of the moment and at the epicenter of the pain.
Baby blues – temporary sadness after childbirth
After childbirth, it’s common for the mother to experience mood swings. Approximately 50-70% of all new mothers experience what is commonly referred to as the baby blues or maternity blues.
Postpartum depression
Anxiety and depression after childbirth are common. Approximately one in every ten women suffers from depression after pregnancy and after giving birth.
Postpartum blues, baby blues, maternity blues, or 3-day tears?
It is finally time to take that step into the baby bubble that everyone talks about... but why do I feel anxious, irritable, or sad? You may have heard of postpartum blues, baby blues, maternity blues, or 3-day tears - different names for the same thing.
Relationships and sex after childbirth
Some get started with cohabitation quickly, but for many, it can take time and there are many other ways to have intimacy if you don't want to have sex right away. Don't stress and listen to each other.
Contraception containing hormones
There are hormonal contraceptive methods that contain either two hormones: estrogen and progestogen; or only one: progestogen. Contraception that uses hormones works by preventing ovulation and making the cervical mucus too difficult for the sperm to get through. Here you can read more about different contraceptives that use hormones.
Hormone-free contraception
A copper IUD is a hormone-free contraceptive that is inserted into the uterus. It creates an environment that prevents sperm from surviving and provides strong protection against pregnancy. Other contraceptives without hormones are condoms, pessaries, and femidom. They prevent sperm from entering the uterus and are called barrier methods. Read more here about other forms of hormone-free contraception.
Relationships during the years with a small baby - ten key things to remember
The first five years with toddlers are often tough - this is the reality for families with toddlers. It's a tough time for relationships and can sometimes lead to divorce or separation. Here are ten things to remember that will help you through the challenging years with a small baby so you emerge with your relationship intact.
Sex after birth - closeness, and togetherness
There are lots of reasons why sex might feel strange after giving birth. You might not have completely healed, your breasts might be leaking, you're exhausted and your baby might wake up at any time. But you're also longing for adult closeness. You need to find a shared balance and away to be close that feels good, while still taking into account your new situation.
Recovery after childbirth
Childbirth was probably the most physically demanding thing you have been through in life and recovery is a must. The body's rehabilitation after childbirth starts immediately and takes place step by step. There are a lot of things you can do to help your body recover faster. Here you get tips and advice on how to take care of yourself in the best way after labor.