The period of pregnancy can take a toll on a woman’s health. The pressure is sustained up till the child has been successfully born. After that comes the postpartum period.
During this time, the woman would adjust to her role as a caregiver for the child. It is also this time that she would want to take care of herself and regain some of the things affected by pregnancy.
After-birth care comprises of a lot of things that are geared towards helping a woman adjust into her new role and getting her health back in shape.
This is necessary for at least 6 weeks before she can move on with her life like before. It is during this time that she would try to get back in shape and restore some normalcy into her life, which was disrupted by pregnancy.
It can be a bit difficult navigating between taking care of the baby and taking care of yourself, especially if you are a first-time mother and have nobody around you to help. That is why today, we will be looking at ways a woman can take care of herself after childbirth.
1. Get plenty of rest
Rest is very essential after you have just delivered a child. The labour process can physically exhaust you beyond words that you would need to take plenty of rest just to get yourself.
At this point, it may be necessary to have someone around, such as a family member, or hire a nanny you can trust to look after the baby while you get some rest, even if it’s for a few hours a day.
By ‘rest’ here, we do not just mean relaxation but actual sleep. Get the maximum amount of sleep you need every day so that you can be active enough to look after the baby and take care of them when you are awake.
2. Eat well
Your diet after childbirth should consist of nutrient-rich foods. Keep in mind that you are not just eating for yourself alone but also for your baby as well since you would still breastfeed them.
Make sure you eat a lot of fruits and vegetables. Avoid processed foods and other unhealthy foods, especially the kind that would make you add weight.
3. Exercise
If you are looking to shed some weight and get your body to look the way it was before childbirth, then you need to exercise. It would also help keep you fit and agile.
You do not have to go to the gym to get that done. You can do exercises like lateral lunges, bridges, and so on in the comfort of your home. You can even take Yoga classes just to learn some stretches that would help keep you fit.
One exercise you should do in particular is Kegel exercise, which helps to tighten your pelvic floor muscles.
While you work out, avoid doing anything extremely strenuous or difficult. Do not attempt to do more than you can handle at this point.
4. Stay hydrated
Staying hydrated is very important, especially at this point. Regularly drinking water would also make it easier for you to breastfeed your child.
Drinking water often is vital for your body after childbirth, so stay hydrated always.
5. Breastfeed your baby
Breastfeeding is not only good for the baby but for you as well. Since your breasts are producing milk now, if they do not find a way to flow out, they could begin to feel sore, which could cause you discomfort.
Make sure you regularly feed your baby. And if you are producing more milk than your baby needs at a particular time, you can get an express pump to help get some of the milk out, which you can store later for the baby.
6. Maintain good personal hygiene
Another important way to care for your body after childbirth is by maintaining very good personal hygiene.
One great way is to wash your hands regularly. Washing your hands might seem like a small thing, but ensure that you wash your hands often.
Wash them after you visit the bathroom, when you come home from an outing, change your baby’s diaper, and before feeding your baby.
Also, take your bath often, brush your teeth, and do your laundry.
When you have a good hygiene your can prevent your body from contracting diseases after childbirth.
7. Stay in touch With Your Doctor
Staying in touch with your doctor is an important thing to do after childbirth. It helps ensure that everything is going fine, and healing as expected.
Your OB/GYN can also check in with you to find out about your mental health and offer guidance.
If you had C-section, ensure that your appointment to remove your stitches is not missed, because leaving them in for too long can make scars look worse.
Finally, let your doctor know if you experience any symptoms that concern you, like fever, pain or tenderness around an incision.
Conclusion
If are a new mom and you often wonder how to take of your body after childbirth, then adhering to the above health tips for postpartum. Rest, eat well, exercise, stay hydrated and maintain good hygiene.
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