She should get up and walk as soon as possible. Before the mother leaves the hospital, a complete blood cell count is performed to make sure she's not anemic. Such antibodies can endanger future pregnancies. Often, family support is the best treatment. Depression that is combined with lack of interest in the baby, suicidal or violent thoughts, hallucinations, or bizarre behavior is considered abnormal, and treatment usually is needed.
Serious depression is more likely to occur in women who had a mental illness before pregnancy.
At Home A mother and baby commonly leave the hospital within 24 hours after delivery if both are healthy. In fact, many doctors discharge a new mother as early as 6 hours after delivery if she has no complications and if anesthesia wasn't used. Even though major problems are rare, the doctor, hospital staff, or health care plan usually sets up a home visit or close follow-up program. A new mother may take showers or baths, but she should refrain from vaginal douching for at least 2 weeks after delivery. Washing the area around the vagina with warm water two or three times daily helps reduce tenderness.