Giving birth is one of the most important events in a woman’s life. It is not without challenges though. You should always look after yourself first, even if you have another human being relying on you. It is important that you consider that if you were not OK, your baby would not get the care and support that they need. Your well-being is essential for your baby’s and your family’s happiness. Below you will find a few tips on how to look after yourself after giving birth.
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During your pregnancy, you might have taken some food supplements and minerals, maybe vitamin tablets to deal with nausea and general weakness. If you are breastfeeding, it is important that you keep on replacing the calcium and other minerals your baby is using up. You can avoid bone issues and lethargy, even anemia if you get the right supplements.
Mental Health
It is also crucial that you look after your mental health and get enough rest. While it is hard to predict whether or not you are going to get postpartum depression, you can do what you can to prevent it.
If you are dealing with the effects of a birth injury, following this guidance is going to be especially important and you will want to make sure you have the proper support. If you want to learn more about Birth Injury Compensation Claims or need guidance, consult a professional who can properly guide you throughout the process.
It is important, however, for all parents to make sure they are getting enough sleep, fresh air, and exercise, and having a social support network around you will certainly help. It is important that you learn to manage the inevitable stress that comes with the arrival of a new family member.
Balanced Diet
It is also important that you establish a balanced diet and avoid going on a crash weight loss program right after giving birth. This will not do you or the baby any good. Your body needs nutrition and losing weight will not be your first priority. Not to mention that if you lose too much weight, the padding around your nerves will disappear, and you will become more anxious and irritable. Instead, try to replace processed food with a smoothie or a raw food diet making sure you keep the balance between carbs and good fat.
Skin Care
Once you have managed to lose the baby weight, you might find that your skin is not as tight as before. Maybe you have developed a skin condition that is making you self-conscious. You need to know that stretch marks after giving birth are common, and are easy to treat. There are special creams, oils, and even vitamin supplements that will work magic, but you should also exercise your body and improve the circulation in the affected area using massage, or even going to the sauna.
Hormonal Balance
Some women find it harder to get back to their normal selves and their feminine rhythm. If you are finding that your periods are longer or more painful, you will need to tell your doctor about the symptoms. If you are not planning another baby for a while, hormonal contraception pills or coils will help your body bounce back and restore its balance with some help. If you have lost your interest in sex or want to feel more feminine, you might need some medical help.
Pelvic Floor Changes
With the arrival of a baby, our pelvic floor changes, too. There are certain pelvic floor exercises that will help you restore the flexibility of the muscles. Just because you had a child, you can still enjoy being a woman and laugh without having to worry about accidents. Once you have healed and the doctor has given you the green light, you can experiment with pelvic floor exercises or even Kegel balls.
Hair Loss
Many women experience hair loss after giving birth. While this is normal, it can be very annoying and worrying. You can find caffeine shampoo that will help you restore the health of your scalp and improve the delivery of minerals and vitamins to your roots. It also helps if you brush your hair before bed and in the morning, so you can increase circulation and get rid of dead hair. It might also be worth considering a shorter hairstyle that requires less care and is easier to manage
Breasts
Women often experience swollen or sensitive breasts, which is mostly due to the hormonal changes in their body, and there is nothing to worry about. However, if it is related to breastfeeding, or if it affects it, you should see a doctor. Steroid creams can get rid of redness and inflammation, so you can enjoy breastfeeding and live without pain after giving birth. In some cases, you can get a nipple infection that can be painful and prevent you from feeding your baby, too.
Getting Active Again
To regain your normal weight and find your routine, it might be a good idea to start with a light exercise routine. You can take on yoga or tai chi first, so you can build support and regain muscle strength again. It might not be a good idea to hit the gym and the cardio machines weeks after your pregnancy, but going swimming with your baby is a pleasant way to exercise and bond with the new arrival.
Update Your Wardrobe to Boost Your Confidence
If you are not happy with your looks after you have just given birth, or your old clothes don’t fit you, maybe you would like to change your style, you need to treat yourself to a shopping trip. Updating your wardrobe will give back your confidence and feel good in your skin again. You don’t have to go through a complete change; simply find new items that suit your style and are practical when you are out and about with the baby as well.
There are plenty of changes going on in our body and mind after pregnancy. You as a parent need to make sure that you can provide the best care and support for the new baby. That is why you have to look after Number One. Use the above tips to get the balance you need in life and make the most out of your motherhood.
Briana Marie is a mental health and financial literacy advocate, and founder of Major League Mommy. In her spare time, Briana enjoys yoga, travel, and spending time with her Husband and two daughters.
