Recovery after childbirth
Speakers · Petra Kojan, Slavica Žeger, Mirna Sentić and Anamaria Marelja Ušljebrka
Moderator · Nikolina Polić
Public HUMŽiS webinar · 29 September 2023 · 2:01:00 · Audio: Croatian
The first days after birth, recovery after a caesarean and the return to movement. The webinar also covers nutrition, breastfeeding, emotional changes and support.
About the recording
Several changes happen at once in the first weeks after birth, from bleeding and cramps to establishing breastfeeding and returning to everyday activities. Petra Kojan distinguishes recovery after a vaginal birth from recovery after a caesarean, when healing from surgery adds to these changes. Slavica Žeger discusses breathing, pelvic floor muscles and the gradual return to movement.
Mirna Sentić gives examples of meals and snacks for the postpartum period. Anamaria Marelja Ušljebrka distinguishes the short-lived baby blues from postpartum depression and discusses support from family, friends and professionals. The speakers close by answering questions from the audience.
Watch the webinar
Watch the webinar on recovery after childbirth
Sections of the recording
Physiological changes and clinical care after childbirth · 1:53
Physical recovery after childbirth · 18:30
Nutrition after childbirth · 54:38
Maternal mental health · 1:26:56
Questions and answers · 1:52:03
Related webinar
Sexual health after childbirth (2025)
References and additional reading
Raising the importance of postnatal care
World Health Organization
Editorial additional reading
Source note: From 1:28:33, the webinar refers to WHO’s warning that postnatal care is often neglected. This WHO page explains the importance of monitoring the health of mothers and newborns in the first weeks.
WHO recommendations on maternal and newborn care for a positive postnatal experience
World Health Organization · 2022
Editorial additional reading
Source note: Additional guidance on routine postnatal care for mothers and newborns. It covers monitoring health and supporting families in the first weeks.
Watching the recording
The recording is public on YouTube, with Croatian audio. It was published there on 3 December 2023.
Croatian captions are available.