Kavya
“Childbirth is more admirable than conquest, more amazing than self-defence, and as courageous as either one.” — Gloria Steinem.
The postpartum phase starts after your baby is delivered and ends when your body is nearly back to pre-pregnancy condition. This period typically lasts 6 to 8 weeks. Many changes occur during the postpartum period, both emotionally and physically. You’re also figuring out how to deal with all of the changes that come with becoming a new mother.
Postnatal care or PNC
During the postpartum period, you and your partner will also learn how to care for your newborn and how to function as a new family unit. It’s common to feel like your body isn’t healing as quickly as you’d like. Keep in mind that the more you can rest your body and allow it to fully recover, the better off you will be. It is sufficient if you can only eat, sleep, and care for your baby.
Pay close attention to your body during the first six weeks. You’ll be exhausted and preoccupied with your baby, but try to notice changes in your own body. This is critical as you heal.
Look for the following products for you and your baby:
According to research, chemicals found in everyday objects such as baby toys and baby products, as well as many health and body care products, are a root cause of hormone dysfunction and oestrogen dominance, two factors that can interfere with fertility. They also endanger developing brains and bodies. These chemicals can end up in your breast milk if you are breastfeeding, and what you are using will end up on your baby because your baby is all over your body in the first year. Choose natural products that will help rather than harm your hormones.
For breastfeeding support:
It is common for women to have sore nipples and breasts during the first few days of breastfeeding. If the soreness persists for more than a few days, the baby may not be latching properly. Change positions or seek advice from a lactation specialist (breastfeeding specialist). Do this before your nipples form painful cracks that will prevent you from breastfeeding.
Here are a few examples:
- Breast pumps can be either manual or electric.
- Bracelets
- Creams for nipple care
- A feeding pillow as well as covers
- Bags or containers for storing breast milk
Support for Postpartum Skin Care:
Pregnancy can cause many modifications to your skin. The majority of them vanish after delivery, but there may be some loose skin left behind. Because the skin is composed of collagen and elastin, it expands as we put on weight. The skin may have difficulty returning to its original shape after being stretched. Loose skin can be absolutely exhausting for women who want their bodies to return to their pre-pregnancy state. However, keep in mind that this can take some time.
One of the most important aspects of postpartum skin care is cleansing, toning, and moisturising (CTS). Wash your face several times a day to remove excess oil. Following a CTS routine twice daily can produce excellent results. Applying oils rich in Vitamin E and cocoa butter to stretch marks can help them fade. Please keep in mind that stretch marks will not disappear entirely, but they will fade.
Gentle Hormonal Support:
Understand that many women (70-80 percent) experience sadness in the first few weeks after having a baby. It is caused by hormonal changes and is commonly referred to as the “baby blues.” It’s nothing to be embarrassed about. Indeed, confiding in a friend or family member can often help you feel better. If you experience these feelings for more than a few weeks or are unable to function as a result of them, you may be suffering from postpartum depression. Postpartum depression is a more severe condition than baby blues. You should contact your doctor if you are experiencing severe sadness or hopelessness. The liver stores oestrogen and metabolises it via three distinct pathways, one of which is more protective than the others. Estrogen detoxification can be difficult. Just be aware that your liver plays an important role in hormone balance. Make sure you’re getting enough protein, taking a high-quality B-complex vitamin, and eating cruciferous vegetables on a daily basis.
Massage has been shown in studies to reduce the production of the stress hormone cortisol as well as balance the neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin, which are intricately linked to depression, while acupuncture has been shown in studies to help balance hormones and even increase milk supply. Both are also extremely relaxing, and may even allow you to sneak in a well-deserved nap.
Product Kits and Clothing Assistance:
It is reasonable to hypothesize that when your baby is born, you will require a plethora of items and special items. In fact, you can get by on very little. Being arranged and having a few necessities on hand will aid you when your baby arrives. If your family prefers not to shop before your baby’s birth, prepare an online shopping cart with what you’ll need. You can also make a shopping list after you’ve gone shopping and examined the goods to find the ones you like. But it’s not just about the baby; it’s also important to shop for the mother.
You will have some vaginal bleeding and discharge after birth, whether you have a vaginal birth or a c-section. This is known as lochia. Maternity pads, mesh underwear, tuck pads, soft loose-fitting clothing and all that.
Here are some extremely important tips:
1. Continue to take your prenatal, omega-3, and probiotic supplements on a daily basis. Remember that it took a LOT of micronutrients to 3-D print that tiny human, and if you let that habit go, you can quickly become depleted, which can lead to thyroid and other hormone issues that can exacerbate postpartum mood issues.
2. Consume enough calories! If you are breastfeeding, you will require 300 to 500 additional calories per day, so make nutritionally rich foods a priority during the first 12 weeks after giving birth. Most mothers want to lose their pregnancy weight, but if you are breastfeeding, extreme dieting and rapid weight loss can be harmful to you and your baby. It may take several months to lose the weight you gained while pregnant. You can achieve this goal by avoiding high-fat snacks. Concentrate on a diet rich in fresh vegetables and fruits that is well-balanced with proteins and carbohydrates. Exercise also aids in the burning of calories as well as the toning of muscles and limbs.
3. Take a break. Every new parent quickly discovers that babies and adults have different clocks. A typical newborn wakes up every 3 hours and requires feeding, changing, and comforting. You and your partner may become exhausted, especially if this is your first child. For several months, you may not get a full eight hours of sleep. During the first few weeks, you should delegate all duties other than feeding your child and caring for yourself to someone else. When the baby sleeps, you should sleep as well. This may only be a few minutes of rest a few times a day, but these minutes add up.
4. Seek assistance! And, if you aren’t getting the care you require from your provider, see or ask for help from someone else!
