Why Postnatal Care Is Just as Important as Birth

zelf Care doesn’t stop at delivery

Unspoken fears, depression or stress

“At home, I suddenly felt alone. Everyone thought it was over – but for me, it was just beginning.”

That’s what Clarisse, mother of a newborn daughter, shared after leaving the hospital. Her body had not yet recovered, her baby cried often, and there was no one to ask if that was normal.

She felt guilty for not being happy. She had made it through the birth, right? But no one told her how heavy those first days can be — physically, emotionally, and mentally.

Giving birth is a milestone – but not the end

In many health programs, the focus is on pregnancy and delivery. But what comes after is often forgotten.

For many mothers in Congo, this means:

• being alone with a crying baby

• dealing with bleeding, fever or pain

• uncertainty about breastfeeding or infections

And all of this in a culture where talking about mental health is still taboo.

That’s why Mbote Maman provides postnatal care

We believe that healing begins after birth. That’s why our care doesn’t stop when the baby is born. We go home with the mother.

Our postnatal care includes:

🟠 Home visits during the first week

🟠 Medical follow-up for both mother and child

🟠 Guidance on breastfeeding, bonding, nutrition and rest

🟠 Attention to mental and emotional signals

🟠 Practical help with hygiene and basic care

“Sometimes one visit makes the difference between surviving and recovering.” – Midwife Angèle

For women like Clarisse

Three days after giving birth, Clarisse was visited by a Mbote Maman midwife. She received explanations, reassurance, and help with her breast infection. But perhaps even more important: she received recognition.

She was allowed to say it was hard. And that’s where healing begins.

Support our postnatal care

Too many women fall through the cracks after childbirth. We want to prevent that – but we need resources.

With your contribution, we can:

• carry out more home visits

• provide transport and care packages

• continue to support mothers where others stop

Doneer