The first six weeks after childbirth can be referred to as the postpartum period. This is the period of adjustment and healing for mothers. The exact Postpartum meaning in Nepali is sutkeri which defines the period after childbirth. The first few months of having a newborn at home can be quite overwhelming and you might feel like all of your time is focused on caring for your newborn baby.
It is necessary to take care of your baby as well as take care of yourself. Since a baby has to be fed often and changed diapers often, you may experience sleepless nights which can be frustrating and tiresome. Caring for a newborn baby gets easier with each passing day.
Here's what you can do to make your postpartum period easier.
Your baby may wake up every two to three hours for feeding. To cope with tiredness, get enough rest and sleep whenever your baby sleeps, also let others care for your baby throughout the day so you can get as much sleep as possible. Rest whenever you can. For the first two weeks, limit visits so you may recover and establish breastfeeding properly.
During the postpartum period and after that your body needs to heal hence, get practical help from your family and friends. Do not lift anything heavier than your baby either if you have a normal delivery or cesarean section.
To promote healing, maintaining a healthy diet increases your intake of fruits, vegetables, proteins, and whole grains. If you are breastfeeding, you also need to increase your fluid intake. Avoid alcohol and caffeine.
Consult with your healthcare provider about when you can safely begin an exercise program. You can also take a walk and get out of the house for a break. Here are some new mummy fitness tips as well.
You will experience body changes after giving birth such as weight gain, breast engorgement, hair loss, and so on.
First of all, be patient as weight loss doesn’t happen overnight, and once it's ok from your doctor's side to exercise. Begin with moderate activity for a few minutes a day then gradually increase the length and intensity of the workout. You can go for a short walk, swim or join an aerobics class. Do not compare your weight loss efforts to others because every new mother loses weight at a different pace. Breastfeeding increases your daily calorie burn which helps you to return to your pre-pregnancy weight faster. Eating healthy balanced meals such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains helps in losing weight.
A breast filled with milk a couple of days after birth is normal, but swelling(engorgement) can be uncomfortable. If you get engorgement in your breast apply a warm or cold compress to your breast to ease discomfort. You can also use nipple cream to soothe cracking and pain. To avoid or minimize engorgement, frequent breastfeeding on both breasts is recommended.
It is common to be constipated in the days following childbirth. Try to eat high-fiber foods and drink plenty of water as drinking water helps ease problems with urinating after birth. You can ask your doctor about safe medication and can also do exercise to strengthen your pelvic muscles. Henceforth, you can ask your doctor if you should try a stool softener.
The perineum, the area between the rectum and vagina stretches and often tears during birth. Sometimes a doctor will cut this area to widen your vagina for childbirth. Your perineum will be uncomfortable and maybe swollen postpartum if neither of these things occurred during your vaginal birth. Contact your doctor if your perineum area doesn't get less sore each day or if you have any signs of infection.
Due to hormonal changes, sweating is caused after having a baby. Try to stay cool by removing blankets.
It is typically two to four weeks after giving birth. Your body eliminates extra blood and tissue from your uterus that was used to grow and nourish your baby. Wearing sanitary pads until the discharge stops then using tampons until your doctors approve it as using tampons can introduce bacteria and lead to infection. Talk to your doctor if you have heavy vaginal bleeding.
After delivery, you will experience hair loss for up to five months due to shifting hormone levels. Stretch marks and dark patches on your face will slowly fade.
It's normal if you look like you are still pregnant after giving birth. Most women lose around 6kilograms during birth including the weight of the baby, placenta, and amniotic fluid. You can gradually get back to your pre-pregnancy weight by following a nutritious diet and engaging in regular exercise. For many women, breastfeeding seems to help promote weight loss whereas other moms don't see weight loss associated with breastfeeding.
You will have some discomfort as you heal so do not begin to feel worse. In general, if you have the following postpartum symptoms, call your doctor.
Things to consider
Any emotional and physical changes experienced after birth will slowly improve. Talk to your doctor about your depression, your baby, the healing process, or any other related concerns. Don't be so wrapped up in caring for a baby that you ignore your health. Also, pay attention to your body after giving birth.
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