Since becoming a postpartum companion, I have heard many very personal stories, birth stories, hospital stories. One reoccurring theme I encounter is how the mother’s birth experience to be described as “fine”, only to feel very alone and unsupported during their hospital stay. These stories, sometimes reflecting painful experiences, make pointedly clear the importance of mother care directly after birth.
The staffing situation at most hospitals, unfortunately, leaves much to be desired. There are often not enough personell to support a mother at this vulnerable time. With the birth experience still very fresh, navigating sensitive skin tissues or a fresh wound from an operative birth, rapidly changing breasts and insecurity of how to care for the new precious baby, new mothers easily experience feelings of being overwhelmed.