Caring for Yourself after Giving Birth
While childbirth is physically and emotionally draining, the heightened joy of holding your newborn makes it worthwhile. However, even after conquering the wearisome pregnancy period and excruciating labor pangs, the journey is not over yet.
Remember, an expectant woman’s body undergoes several transformations throughout the pregnancy. Apart from physical changes, insomnia, backaches, fatigue, depression, morning sickness, and other symptoms add to the list.
The postpartum period or initial six weeks after childbirth are crucial in recovery and adjustment to a new life with your baby. It does not matter whether you gave birth naturally or through C-section. Take advantage of the moment to rest and recover by incorporating these healing tips.
Before you dive in, remember that our professionals are always here to help
Embrace the Newness of Parenthood
Some mothers feel overwhelmed days and weeks after giving birth. There is nothing unusual experiencing diverse emotions, from happiness and love to sadness, anger, and frustration. Give yourself time to fine-tune and learn the ropes of being a new parent. If struggling with postpartum depression, anxiety, or other mood disorders, do not hesitate to seek professional assistance. Remember that these conditions are common and treatable if diagnosed on time.
The most encouraging thing is that proper counseling can work magic in turning things around. With the convenience of online therapy, you can benefit from an expert approach in the comfort of your home.
Recruit a Helping Hand
Seeking extra help is essential in the first few weeks, whether you are an experienced mother or not. Consider hiring a postpartum doula if necessary. A qualified doula offers breastfeeding support, baby care, light housework, laundry, and grocery shopping services.
If you have willing family or friends, don’t fear asking them to take care of some household chores. This enables mothers to bond with their babies and heal well in the long run.
Nourish with Nutritious Foods
Your body needs plenty of nutritious foods during the postpartum period to heal and recover. Buy a variety of healthy fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein for quick recovery. Avoid sugary snacks and processed foods as they add no value to your healing process. In addition, drink plenty of fluids and water to flush toxins out of your system.
For mothers struggling with insufficient breast milk, feeding on demand may improve milk production, however always remember to do what feels best for you (even if that includes a different way to feed). Experts recommend a diet of lactogenic foods such as oatmeal, brewer’s yeast, garlic, almonds, and green leafy vegetables.
Create a Healing Environment
The environment you create for yourself and your baby postpartum is crucial in healing. Start by eliminating stressors and take each day at a time. Then, make your bedroom a calming haven by getting rid of clutter and other distractions. If possible, add plenty of supporting pillows on your bed and apply a heating pad to soothe tired muscles. Consider having a few houseplants as they improve air quality and promote relaxation.
Light workouts also help in alleviating postpartum depression, enhance energy levels, and toning your body. Two or three weeks after birth, you can take a brisk walk outdoors or do uncomplicated stretching exercises like yoga. The idea is to start slow and add more intensity to your activities later. Most importantly, listen to your body and rest when needed.
Rest Enough
Every baby has a different time plan compared to adults. On average, newborns wake every three to four hours and require changing, feeding, or comforting. Unfortunately, the routine happens any time of the day, taking a toll on the new mother. It is nearly impossible for
lactating mothers to sleep and rest sufficiently in the first four weeks in such a scenario. Nonetheless, grab any opportunity to rest and restore lost energy when the baby sleeps.
What’s more, save time and energy by placing the baby crib in your room or close to the bed. After a couple of weeks, introduce the bottle with a transitional formula to extend the amount of time you sleep. The approach also allows other people to feed the baby as you enjoy longer uninterrupted sleep. When not sleeping, keep away from taxing tasks, lifting, or climbing stairs. Instead, reserve ample time to relax and do things that make you happy, like reading, listening to music, or watching a movie.
Take Care of your Delivery Zone
During a natural birth, the perineum (area between your vagina and anus) can become torn or stretched. Often, this leads to intense pain and discomfort when passing urine or stool. Soak a cloth in warm water and apply it to the perineum for a few minutes to relieve discomfort.
Salt baths also help soothe the area and reduce inflammation. Additionally, keep the area clean and gently pat it dry after each bath or shower. Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly to the perineum to prevent itchiness and irritation. If the pain persists, consult your healthcare pain-relieving medication.
Keep Baby Care Simple
As a new mother, you may want to do everything for your baby. However, during the postpartum period, take things slow. Instead, use the time to bond with your baby and not work yourself off trying to keep up with a demanding schedule.
In the process, perform only basic baby care such as feeding, changing diapers, and bathing. Let others help with other tasks such as laundry, cleaning, and shopping and relax to recover.
Limit Visitors
You may have to reserve socializing until you and your baby feel more rested and adjusted. Keep in mind that the newborn is still getting accustomed to a new environment and not ready to meet new people.
Moreover, strangers' excessive stimulation can disrupt their sleep or feeding patterns. Postponing visits also reduce your exposure to germs and keep your energy levels up.
Bottom Line
Most new mothers eagerly hope to get back to the pre-pregnancy self real fast. However, that is not always the case. Rather, most new mothers suffer from pelvic pain, hemorrhoids, and fatigue, depending on the type of delivery. Others experience a significant drop in their energy levels and moods attributed to the sudden change in hormones. The secret is to take things easy and seek postpartum depression counseling if necessary. With time and after a full recovery, you will feel more confident in your new role.
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