The transition to parenting, along with new roles and responsibilities, is accompanied by hormonal and physiological changes. In this process, support and understanding from the parent-child point of view is very important. Dr. Dariye Karakoc, head of the Midwifery Department of the Faculty of Health Sciences of the Konya Chamber of Commerce (KTO) at Karatay University, shared information on the value of gold in pre- and post-natal processes. "Every Mother is Perfect" Dr. Assistant Professor Hediye Karakoç, Head of the Midwifery Department at KTO Karatay University Faculty of Health Sciences, emphasized that pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period are interconnected. She stated, "While pregnancy and childbirth processes can be managed, challenges arise during the postpartum period due to issues with follow-up and home visits. Regardless of our profession or age, our past experiences enrich us with wisdom, but becoming a mother and taking on the responsibility of a new baby is a significant transition. At this stage, mothers often wonder, 'Can I do this? Am I doing well? Am I a successful mother?' because every mother wants to be perfect, and the support of spouses is crucial during these emotions. Mothers who do not receive adequate support may experience sadness and depression." "Do not Question but Motivate the Mother During Postpartum Visits” Karakoç, who believes that those around the mother understand her to some extent but not enough, stated, "At the end of childbirth, we should motivate mothers with phrases like 'you're a perfect mother, you take good care of your baby'. We shouldn't upset mothers with questions like, "Does she have milk, sleeps at night, how many kilograms she was born, normal or caesarean?" What the baby needs most in this process is mother's milk and her smell. What the mother needs is rest and motivation. It should be possible for the baby and mother to spend time together, and the mother should be supported in everyday matters and the housework. "Getting Education and Counseling During Pregnancy is Crucial" Karakoç, emphasizing the importance of receiving education during pregnancy, stated, "Topics such as how to breastfeed the baby, how to care for them, and what challenges parents may face are covered in prenatal education classes and birth preparation sessions. It's essential to take prenatal education to avoid breastfeeding problems during the postpartum period. Rather than just saying 'I know how to breastfeed,' it's crucial to learn the correct techniques." Furthermore, it is of great importance for partners to participate in these education sessions together. The spouse is the woman's most important supporter. When the partner is not familiar with the process, they cannot provide proper support. "Prenatal Care Encompasses the One Hundred Days Before Pregnancy" Emphasizing the importance of preparations before a healthy pregnancy, Karakoç stated, "The first three months of pregnancy are the stage in which the baby's organs are formed. During this time, it is even more important to protect the mother from infections, medications that adversely affect the development of the baby and harmful habits. If the mother does not prepare for pregnancy in a healthy way and finds out she is pregnant at weeks 7 and 8, she goes through this period without knowing the process of organ formation. Pre-pregnancy care covers the hundred days before pregnancy. During this process, the mother must prepare her body both physiologically and psychologically for a healthy pregnancy. For example, the use of folic acid is very important and a very important support to prevent the spinal effect. In the process, an ultrasound should be performed, blood values examined. If preparation is made in advance, a healthy pregnancy process will take place."
