Psycho-emotional

• It promotes the mother-baby bond.

Biological

• It helps the uterus to contract, reducing the risk of post-partum haemorrhage
• It helps you to return to your normal weight, after the birth.
• It protects against breast and ovarian cancer.
• It reduces the incidence of osteoporosis.
• It reduces the risk of suffering from anaemia and metabolic diseases such as diabetes.

Convenience

• Breast milk is always ready and does not need any handling or packaging. 
• Financial: it does not entail any additional cost. 

Nutritional

• it contains the adequate amount of nutrients in the form of protein, fat and carbohydrates, in a more digestible form than formula milk. This prevents digestive problems (constipation, gastroenteritis, etc).

Immunological

• Breast milk contains immunoglobulins that help your baby to build defences against potential infections.
• It reduces the possibility of future allergies, it protects against cot death, ear infections, anaemia and childhood eczema.

Long-term benefits

• It plays a protective role against diseases such as diabetes, obesity, cavities and dental malocclusion, blood pressure, autoimmune diseases and respiratory infections, among others.

• Breastfeeding for six months saves more than 100 kg of CO2 per baby, in other words, it is a very important way to contribute towards looking after the environment.

If you want the essential information to get breastfeeding off to a good start, the best breastfeeding positions, what the baby does when he/she is hungry, how to solve certain difficulties or the main signs of alarm, download our Guide for Families After the Birth where you will find detailed information about breastfeeding.

And more information on these websites and online resources about breastfeeding:

• Directory of International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs) in Spain
• Alba Lactancia Materna
• Catalan Federation of Breastfeeding Support Groups
• Spanish Federation of Pro-Breastfeeding Associations
• La Leche League of Catalonia
• APILAM Blog con recopilación de recursos sobre amamantamiento materno
• Guide for Breastfeeding Mothers (AEPED)
• Mobile application of breastfeeding doubts and resources: LactApp

During the post-partum weeks you will have vaginal bleeding, also known as lochia. The first few days it will be red and it is normal to also expel some small clots. After the third or fourth day, it will turn brown or pink. It usually lasts 3 to 4 weeks, the amount gradually reduces and it can also continue until the beginning of menstruation.

During this period, the uterus contracts to return to its normal size, and this can cause discomfort in the lower abdomen, similar to mild contractions. Breastfeeding speeds up this process and reduces the vaginal bleeding.

We recommend cleaning the wound (if you have one) on the perineum daily, with neutral soap. Try to keep the area dry. Any stitches will be reabsorbed after a few days.

We advise against having a bath, swimming in the pool or in the sea, using tampons or having sexual intercourse while there is vaginal bleeding. If you do have sexual relations, use a condom to reduce the risk of infection and as contraception.

Try to maintain a healthy routine, follow a wholesome and varied diet, and avoid foods that can cause constipation. During the weeks following the birth hair loss usually increases. This is normal and will regulate during the first months post-partum.

If you are discharged early, the first appointment will be at home within 24/48 hours of the birth, when midwives from the local ASSIR will do the relevant checks, both on you and your baby.

In general two puerperium visits with the ASSIR midwife are recommended, one within 5-10 days after being discharged, and the other 40 days later when if everything is well the puerperium period will be considered closed. It will also be decided whether you will require any further appointments.

Reasons to come to the Emergency Department or to consult your team of professionals:

• If the lochia smell very bad.

• If you have a temperature of more than 38ºC.

• If you feel intense pain in your abdomen or your scar that does not subside with pain relief.

• If you feel intense pain in the area of the episiotomy or the surgical wound with inflammation, reddening or seeping (if liquid comes out).

• If your haemorrhoids are painful or inflamed.

• If you have breast pain, usually accompanied by a reddened zone.

• If it is painful to pass urine.

• If you feel constantly dizzy or have palpitations.

• If you are leaking urine or faeces.

• If you have heavy bleeding, more than a period.

• If you have pain or inflammation in your leg with reddening and a sensation of heat.

• If you have an intense or persistent headache, especially if it is accompanied by visual alterations, nausea or vomiting.

• If you feel sad, don’t want to be with your baby, don’t want to look after yourself, are crying often and don’t want to leave the house to see anyone.

Basic examination

The paediatrician performs a full examination on all new-borns. The health of the baby and all his/her needs are examined.

Neonatal screening or early disease detection

Also known as the heel prick test, it is designed to detect certain congenital diseases early, such as hypothyroidism, cystic fibrosis and some metabolic disorders. It is performed in the hospital within 24 and 72 hours of birth, via a superficial prick in the new-born’s heel. If the mother has been discharged early, the ASSIR midwife will do the test at home.

New-born hearing screening

This test is designed to detect any sign of hypoacusis or deafness in the new-born. It is a very simple, quick and painless procedure and can even be done while the baby is asleep.

Paediatric follow-up

before going home, we will give you your baby’s personal child health record, which contains the main growth data (weight, length, head circumference, etc), the psychomotor skills development data and the vaccination calendar. This record will be periodically updated in the paediatric appointments that are recommended after birth.

Your baby could be admitted to the neonatal unit for diverse reasons. Depending on the reason, he/she might be admitted some hours after birth or in the first days of life.

The neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) is open to parents 24 hours a day so that you can be with your baby whenever you want. Family-centred care is prioritised here, we promote the kangaroo method and we prioritise breastfeeding. In the NICU there are armchairs for skin-to-skin contact and breastfeeding.

The unit can cater for all medical specialisations, paediatric surgery and neurosurgery, and your baby will receive personalised care from a paediatrician during admission. We know that having a child admitted to the NICU is a complicated time and we try to give you as much support as possible to face and normalise the situation. 

Our unit is pioneering at incorporating specialists in Mental Health to provide individualised support to families and other relatives of the baby.