What questions would you ask a new mother?

Answer 1

New mothers can be divided into two groups: women who have had children before but have a new baby now, and women who have just had their first babies. Each group faces unique, and similar, problems. Often, healthcare workers focus more on first-time mothers, and under-estimate the stresses that mothers with other children face.

The kinds of questions would be two-fold: the needs of the mother and the needs of the new infant. Often, it is easiest to begin by discussing the baby's needs first.

Healthcare workers should identify whether the mother has any concerns about taking care of her new baby.

1. Do you have any questions about your baby's health at this time?
2. What are your concerns as you prepare to take your infant home?
3. Are you comfortable with the instructions you've been given so far? (Assuming nurses have done patient education.)
4. What preparations have you made for where the baby will sleep? (This is an important time to educate moms about the dangers of sleeping with their infants in an adult's bed.)
5. Have you bought a crib? changing table? portable playpen?
6. Have you bought diapers? formula? bottles? etc.
7. Who will be helping you in the first few weeks?
8. Who is in your support system?
9. What plans have you made for getting rest? for taking care of 'you'?
10. Are you aware that many women experience "baby blues"? Sometimes the feelings of sadness can be worse for some women, than other women; many women experience some degree of postpartum depression (explain what that is).
11. Women do not need to suffer through depression in silence. There is no stigma to call for help when you begin to feel sad. You do not need to wait to ask for help or just to talk to someone.
12. Are you aware of community resources? (Give a list of places or agencies with phone numbers)

The questions and information can be adjusted depending on what the mother identifies as her concerns or needs.

For mothers with other children, inquire about who will help watch the other children. Remind the mom that she does not need to be "Super Mom" and that grandparents, friends, or neighbors can offer support.

Remind mothers with other children that postpartum depression can occur after any birth. Inquire whether she had depression after any of her other children; postpartum depression tends to re-occur if there's a prior history. Make sure the mom has a list of contact persons / agencies with phone numbers. Suggest that she return for a follow-up visit sooner than 6-weeks if there's a prior history.

Remind mothers with other children that moms must take care of themselves and build in time each day to relax and have a few minutes of quiet for herself.

Always remind moms that they can call (1) the hospital maternity ward (2) the physician (3) the community "well baby clinic if they have a problem that cannot wait until the next appointment with the physician.

Remind them that if they are in crisis, especially in the evening or at night, it is perfectly okay to call (or go to): (1) any after-hours clinic or urgent care (2) any Emergency Room (3) any Mental Health Center (4) or the local 911 line.

Note: This space cannot fully discuss all of the questions or instructions that "new mothers" need and deserve from their healthcare providers.