A pregnancy that is affected by hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN) is categorized as a high-risk pregnancy. In this case, the fetus is at risk of developing anemia in-utero, requiring specialized medical intervention, with potential complications such as cardiac arrest and in rare cases, even fetal death.
During and after delivery, the baby and mother required specialized care in order to avoid any additional complications. HDFN-affected babies are often born prematurely. After delivery, the infant will likely need to spend time in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). The newborn is likely to have jaundice and anemia, which will require immediate, specialized care and treatment.
Learn more about HDFN treatment and care
But what about the mother, who has likely dealt with added stress and anxiety of the potential loss of her baby or complications due to HDFN? Following the birth of her HDFN-affected baby – often by cesarean – she may also then be confronted with visiting her newborn in intensive care. Here, we look at the best postpartum support for a new mother following an HDFN pregnancy.
What is HDFN?
Hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN) is an immune-mediated red blood cell (RBC) disorder that occurs when a baby’s RBCs break down quickly, which is called hemolysis. HDFN is caused by a mismatch between a mother’s and her baby’s blood type (A, B, AB, or O) or Rhesus (Rh) factor (Rh-positive or Rh-negative) during pregnancy. Numerous antibodies to RBC antigens can be linked to HDFN, such as those from the ABO and Rh blood group systems.
Postpartum care
The postpartum period refers to the 12 weeks following delivery and is sometimes called the fourth trimester. At the best of times, recovery from pregnancy and childbirth requires physical rest and time to recuperate. This is often difficult to balance with the associated lack of sleep, hormonal changes, pain, physical recovery, learning curve of feeding a newborn and adjusting to life as a mother.
Following a high-risk pregnancy, such as one affected by HDFN, the postpartum period coincides with caring for a baby affected with HDFN – often premature and being treated in the NICU. For the new mother this involves keeping track of medical care, asking the right questions, spending time with her baby, feeding or participating in the feeding process. Without the right support, this can be overwhelming.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends a comprehensive assessment of physical, social and psychological well-being in order to prepare and optimize a postpartum care plan.
Support for new mothers
HDFN pregnancies are often associated with high level of anxiety related to the potentially life-threatening complications for the fetus. In additional to hormonal changes, new mothers to newborns with HDFN are likely to feel a mix of emotions, such as relief, emotional fatigue, guilt and ongoing anxiety. Feelings of isolation while struggling with the physical and emotional load can lead to postpartum depression. As well as receiving continuing care and support from the healthcare team, it is important to ask for help from friends and family.
Self-care advice for all new mothers includes drinking lots of water, sleeping when your baby sleeps, eating healthily with plenty of fiber, starting to move around as soon as possible post-delivery and being prepared for the emotional ups and downs.
Practical help from friends and family may include bringing in clean clothes or food or providing childcare if you have more than one child. Regular visitors can help with morale and provide emotional support, nutritious snacks and news of the outside world.
