Postpartum Glossary

Navigating postpartum can be overwhelming, especially with so many terms and medical jargon. This glossary provides clear, concise definitions to help you better understand the postpartum experience.

A

Afterbirth – The placenta and membranes expelled from the uterus after the baby is born.
Apgar Score – A quick assessment of a newborn’s health immediately after birth, measuring appearance, pulse, grimace, activity, and respiration.
Attachment – The emotional bond between a baby and their caregiver, essential for healthy development.

B

Baby Blues – Mild mood swings, weepiness, and anxiety that many mothers experience in the first two weeks after birth.
Blocked Duct – A clogged milk duct in the breast, causing pain and swelling, which can lead to mastitis if untreated.
Bonding – The process of forming a strong emotional connection between parent and baby.
Breast Engorgement – Painful swelling of the breasts due to increased milk production.
Breastfeeding Jaundice – Jaundice in newborns caused by insufficient breast milk intake, leading to a buildup of bilirubin.
Babywearing – Carrying a baby using a sling or carrier, promoting closeness and convenience.

C

Cesarean Section (C-Section) – A surgical procedure to deliver a baby through an incision in the abdomen and uterus.
Cluster Feeding – A period when a baby feeds frequently, often in the evenings, to increase milk supply.
Colic – Frequent, prolonged crying in an otherwise healthy baby, often occurring in the first three months.
Colostrum – The first milk produced after birth, rich in antibodies and nutrients for newborn immunity.
Cradle Cap – A harmless skin condition causing flaky, yellowish patches on a baby’s scalp.

D

Diastasis Recti – The separation of abdominal muscles during pregnancy, which can persist postpartum.
Doulas – Non-medical professionals who provide emotional and physical support during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum.
Delayed Cord Clamping – The practice of waiting before clamping the umbilical cord to allow extra blood transfer to the baby.
Dysphoric Milk Ejection Reflex (D-MER) – A condition where breastfeeding triggers sudden negative emotions due to hormonal changes.

E

Episiotomy – A surgical cut made in the perineum during vaginal delivery to aid birth.
Engorgement – Overfilled, painful breasts due to excessive milk buildup.
Exclusive Pumping – The practice of expressing breast milk for feeding rather than nursing directly.
Elimination Communication (EC) – A diaper-free approach to infant potty training based on recognizing baby’s cues.

F

Fourth Trimester – The first three months postpartum, when a baby adjusts to life outside the womb and a mother recovers from childbirth.
Formula Feeding – Feeding a baby with formula instead of or in addition to breast milk.

H

Hemorrhoids – Swollen veins in the rectal area, common postpartum due to pushing during labor.
Hormonal Imbalance – Fluctuations in hormone levels after childbirth that can affect mood, energy, and recovery.

L

Lactation Consultant – A trained professional who helps mothers with breastfeeding challenges.
Let-Down Reflex – The involuntary release of breast milk triggered by baby’s suckling or other stimuli.
Lochia – Postpartum vaginal bleeding and discharge that lasts several weeks.

M

Mastitis – A painful breast infection that causes swelling, redness, and flu-like symptoms.
Meconium – A baby’s first stool, thick and tar-like, passed in the first few days of life.
Milk Supply Regulation – The process of breast milk production adjusting to meet the baby’s needs.

N

Nipple Confusion – When a baby has difficulty switching between breast and bottle feeding.
Night Sweats – Excessive sweating postpartum due to hormonal changes.

P

Pelvic Floor Therapy – Physical therapy to strengthen pelvic muscles after childbirth.
Perineal Tears – Tears in the perineum during vaginal birth, ranging in severity.
Postpartum Anxiety (PPA) – Intense anxiety and worry affecting new mothers.
Postpartum Depression (PPD) – A serious mood disorder affecting mothers after birth, causing sadness, fatigue, and anxiety.
Postpartum Hemorrhage (PPH) – Excessive bleeding after birth, requiring medical attention.
Postpartum Psychosis – A rare but severe mental health condition that can cause hallucinations and delusions in new mothers.
Prolapse – When pelvic organs shift due to weakened muscles, often affecting the bladder or uterus.

R

Rooming-In – Keeping the baby in the hospital room with the mother after birth rather than in a nursery.

S

Skin-to-Skin Contact – Holding a baby against the bare chest to promote bonding and regulate the baby’s temperature and heart rate.
Sleep Deprivation – Extreme exhaustion due to disrupted sleep patterns postpartum.
Sleep Regression – Periods when a baby’s sleep patterns change, often causing more night wakings.

T

Tear Degrees (1st to 4th) – The severity of vaginal tears during birth, with 4th-degree being the most severe.
Tongue Tie – A condition where a baby’s tongue movement is restricted, potentially affecting breastfeeding.
Tummy Time – Placing a baby on their stomach while awake to strengthen neck and core muscles.

U

Uterine Involution – The process of the uterus shrinking back to its pre-pregnancy size.
Urinary Incontinence – Loss of bladder control, common postpartum due to weakened pelvic muscles.

V

VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean) – A vaginal birth after a previous C-section.
Verbal Development – The early sounds and cooing leading to a baby’s first words.

W

Weaning – The gradual transition from breastfeeding to bottle feeding or solid foods.
Witch Hazel Pads – Used postpartum to soothe perineal pain and hemorrhoids.

This glossary is a guide to help you navigate the postpartum period with confidence. Always consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice.