Kapan Ibu Setelah Melahirkan Boleh Mengerjakan Pekerjaan Rumah?

For some people it might sound strange, but this question often crosses the minds of many Moms out there, and perhaps those reading this article. To begin this discussion, it is good to take a moment to look at how important the recovery period is, which ideally Moms should undergo before returning to normal activities, whether working or doing housework.

In the context of a normal birth, the body exerts a lot of energy during this process. This is why feelings of weakness and fatigue appear and are felt by Moms, so the body needs quite a bit of time to recover and be ready for activity.

This period is known as the postpartum period, or the recovery period after childbirth until all body organs return to a prime state for metabolism. How fast this recovery is also depends on the type of delivery, the health condition of Moms during pregnancy, and the level of physical activity before undergoing the pregnancy phase.

Furthermore, let's understand the ideal recovery period, before looking at when Mom's body is fit enough to return to activities and do housework again.

Recovery Period and General Activities

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In short, the answer to when a mother who has just given birth can do housework is after the sixth week. With the right process, by the sixth week after giving birth, Mom's body should be fit again and ready for normal activities, alongside breastfeeding the little one.

Ideally, from the first week to the sixth week, the process is as follows:

• In the first week, Moms are advised to focus on resting and recovering. Activities are already quite energy-draining, such as breastfeeding and taking care of the little one. The body will still feel weak, but will gradually regain its strength.
• From the second to the third week, Moms can start doing light activities such as morning walks and doing stretching movements. These light activities will help Moms regain the necessary energy and help the body recover faster.
• From the fourth to the sixth week, the intensity of physical activities can be increased. Some light housework can already be done, but Moms must remain careful about the signals given by the body.
• In the sixth week, the physique should ideally be fresh and fit again with enough energy. In addition to breastfeeding and caring for the little one, Moms can already do various household chores while considering what the body feels.

Differences in Recovery between Normal and Caesarean

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If looking at the delivery process that occurs, the recovery will be divided into two main types. First, recovery from normal delivery, and second, postpartum recovery after a caesarean section.

1. Recovery after Normal Delivery

Recovery after a normal delivery tends to be faster than when having a caesarean. So, when Moms undergo this procedure, Moms will return to a fit and fresh condition sooner.

Even though this is the case, Moms still need to pay attention to conditions and signals from the body. Light activities are allowed, but heavy activities such as lifting heavy weights or mopping floors are not recommended in the early weeks after childbirth.

2. Recovery after Caesarean

Now, the caesarean procedure has become a procedure widely used in this modern era. Although popular, this procedure requires a longer time for recovery. So Moms must rest and avoid various activities that involve intense physical movement.

Housework should not be done for about 4 to 6 weeks if recovery proceeds ideally. It is best for Moms to consult with a doctor to truly know when a mother who has just given birth can return to doing housework, to get the right recommendations according to Mom's condition.

Housework and Mom's Condition

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If the second point explained the difference in postpartum recovery between normal delivery and caesarean and its relation to the right time to return to doing housework, in this third section the right time will be seen from the perspective of Mom's condition.

When Moms give birth with complications, such as infection, bleeding, or other things, then the required recovery will clearly be longer. For Mom's sake, all forms of housework should be handed over to others during the recovery period so the body truly focuses on regenerating itself. Moms are advised to visit the doctor regularly for treatment of this condition so that recovery can be effective.

More energy will be needed when Moms want to do housework and take care of and breastfeed the little one at the same time. Large energy intake, routine and regular exercise, and a well-maintained mental condition will be the key. Moms need optimal rest time so the body can remain active in doing all this work. But remember, when the body has given a sign to rest, do not ignore it.

Then what should be done when fatigue arises during postpartum activities?

Rest immediately when the body is tired. Forcing yourself never ends well in this condition, because Moms still have to prioritize health and stability for the little one. Enough rest time is key so the body remains fresh and can do activities normally.

5 Safe Tips for Doing Housework after Childbirth

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Recovering the body's condition must remain Mom's priority, in order to provide the best breast milk for the little one and the attention they need. For that, there are at least five tips that Moms can use so they can do housework safely without the risk of affecting the body's condition.

• First, start with light work first. Avoid heavy activities that can make the body too tired, or muscles contract too intensely.
• Second, ensure Moms get regular and quality rest time. Finishing housework is important, but getting ideal rest time is a priority.
• Third, don't hesitate to ask for help; if conditions do not permit, don't hesitate to ask for help from those closest to you or use available services to do housework.
• Fourth, use aids that lighten the work. The aids referred to are dishwashers, then robot vacuum cleaners, and so on, which can help housework be finished with less effort.
• Fifth, always listen to the signals from Mom's body. If there is pain, soreness, or other forms of discomfort while doing housework, stop and rest immediately. If it doesn't go away, don't hesitate to visit a doctor for a consultation.

Knowing when a mother who has just given birth can do housework, as explained above, hopefully provides useful insight for Moms. Remember, no need to hesitate to ask for help from those closest to you, because Moms also have other things that should actually be prioritized, namely caring for and breastfeeding the little one. If housework can be assisted with existing equipment, Moms can also get support for taking care of the little one from baby care products from Hegen. Solid quality and an ergonomic design make Hegen products suitable to be used to accompany every growth phase of the little one. Prioritize the right things, and always provide the best for the little one with Hegen!

Referensi: 

• Prenagen. Pantangan-Pantangan Pasca Melahirkan. https://www.prenagen.com/id/pantangan-pantangan-pasca-melahirkan.
• Glints. Kapan Waktu yang Tepat untuk Kembali Kerja setelah Melahirkan?. https://glints.com/id/lowongan/kembali-kerja-cuti-melahirkan/.
• HaiBunda. Waktu Ideal untuk Kembali Bekerja Usai Persalinan. https://www.haibunda.com/kehamilan/20190412164320-49-37984/waktu-ideal-untuk-kembali-bekerja-usai-persalinan.
• Siloam Hospitals. Pedoman Perawatan Setelah Melahirkan Caesar maupun Normal. https://www.siloamhospitals.com/informasi-siloam/artikel/perawatan-setelah-melahirkan.
• Kanal Pengetahuan. PENTINGNYA PERAWATAN SELAMA MASA NIFAS. https://kanalpengetahuan.fk.ugm.ac.id/pentingnya-perawatan-selama-masa-nifas/.
• Health Partners. Hal yang Perlu Diketahui Setelah Melahirkan dan Proses Pemulihan Pascapersalinan. https://www.healthpartners.com/blog/what-to-expect-after-giving-birth/.
• Halodoc. Yang Perlu Diperhatikan Setelah Melahirkan Normal. https://www.halodoc.com/artikel/yang-perlu-diperhatikan-setelah-melahirkan-normal.
• Alodokter. 5 Tips Perawatan Tubuh setelah Melahirkan. https://www.alodokter.com/Kembali-Fokus-ke-Perawatan-Tubuh-Setelah-Melahirkan.