ABU DHABI // To keep post-partum depression and possible infections from developing into more serious issues, a home-nursing service has been launched to support new mothers after delivery.

“The first 10 days after birth can be a wonderful experience but, for some, it’s a very demanding and overwhelming time,” said Skye Brown, who heads Bayti Baby at Bayti Home Healthcare, a home-nursing service.

A mother, she said, “needs the support regardless if it’s her first time. Someone telling her, ‘you are doing really well’, someone to say, ‘congratulations, your baby is beautiful’ – it really cheers them up”.

Ms Brown is a midwife and said occasionally new mothers can experience problems after giving birth.

“We are knowledgeable and are aware of the risks to the mother after birth, such as infection,” she said. “We ensure that mothers do not show signs of [infection], especially post-surgery or if the mother had complications with delivering the placenta.

“Another risk is developing a blood clot in the legs or lungs. This has been shown to be one of the biggest cases of death in the post-partum period if unnoticed.

“Another risk is having a haemorrhage. It is normal to bleed for up to two weeks after giving birth but some women do not know how much is too much.”

Ms Brown also said that if mothers were not breastfeeding properly, their babies were at risk of losing too much weight.

Dr Meltem Tank, a specialist in gynaecology and obstetrics at the Swedish Medical Centre, said the main infections were of the breast tissue or uterus, also known as “childbed fever”.

“This used to be fatal, and although the numbers have declined, this does not mean it cannot happen,” she said. “It is essential to keep an eye out for it and a midwife is a professional who knows which signs to look out for and what to do.”

aalkhoori@thenational.ae