Mark's research on post natal depression was really interesting, and I was
surprised there was that much on the subject- but less surprised that
Australia is ahead in researching "moms". My health care delivery
(not baby delivery) class had a topic/readings on differences in the various
health systems and we had an australian radiologist speak to us. The
changes/decreases in hospital stays were indeed cost driven, with
"drive-in" deliveries being discussed across the US. Australian research
was one of the key factors evidently in changes to this policy. As close
as I can recall, and I would love to hear from the Aussies, the post
partum complications and uterine changes with women going home
were measured and it was found that a stay of less than 3-4 days was
linked with/increased (?) complications- and that is how the "status
quo" changed in AU. Seems now we in the US have a minimum 2 day
(normal), 3 (?) (C-section) minimum as a federal guideline.
Physically speaking, the body can lose up to 10% muscle in 3-5 days bed rest
and that may be where all the "women should be active after the birth of the
baby" came from. Although, the 40 days of family sounds cool for learning to
love being a mom/dad with a good support network. (is mandatory "date night"
built in- grin)
> Sonja wrote-
> In The Netherlands it used to be the custum that you stayed in the
> hospital for 10 days after delivery. When you returned home you got
> nursing aid to assist you for another week. But during the last few
> years the 'return to nature' movement has been cutting into that
> tradition deeply. Now a days in The Netherlands you are supposed to have
> your baby at home (something I luckily managed to avoid), then get up
> and start caring for the little one as soon as possible. You may slack
> on the household for a bit since assistance in the household is given
> for about 8 days. If you ask me that is way to short. I was really glad
> to have a somewhat longer rest period before I got full responsibillity
> over my household back again. It still is tough but with the aid of
> family it is somewhat managable. It does help that Tom is such an angel.
> I really got lucky on that part. But I do wonder if the Indian custom
> isn't much better. Would be interesting to compare the number of women
> falling into a depression after giving birth in relation to the custom
> regarding the duration of the recovery period.
Dee
