In the initial stages of maternity, there’s lots of love, fatigue, and rapid change. Even though caring for a newborn is a top priority, several new mothers neglect their wellness. This negligence could result in depression, fatigue, and insomnia. Emotional and physical health care is important for you and your baby. In this article, we will share essential strategies to assist you in caring for yourself during this crucial moment.
Focus On Resting
Newly born babies have disrupted sleep patterns and must be fed regularly, and this deprives mothers of their sleep. Try to sleep whenever your baby is asleep, and leave every other duties aside. Extreme sleep deprivation can minimize the supply of breast milk and increase anxiety. Proper rest would improve your recovery and assist you in staying present and attentive during the day.
Eat For Stamina And Rejuvenation
During the post-delivery period, nutrition is crucial, especially if you breastfeed your baby. Seek a balanced diet rich in whole grains, dairy, vegetables, fruits, and protein. As a breastfeeding mother, you need an additional 400 calories every day. You should eat meals that provide protein, calcium, and iron to boost your energy levels and breast milk production.
Ease Into Exercise
Your body requires time to heal properly after child delivery. You can start light activities weeks after, but it depends on how you delivered your baby and your recovery process. Begin with mild movements and steadily build to 30-minute exercise sessions thrice weekly. Pelvic floor exercises are specifically beneficial. Be sure to seek medical advice if you have any complications or a cesarean.
Too much exercise or drastic loss of weight can affect milk supply. Hence, you should work towards a steady monthly loss of 1 or 2 kilograms. If you notice pains in your legs or swelling, don’t ignore it. Reach out to your doctor because this could mean you’re suffering from thrombophlebitis.
Protect Your Mental Health
Hormonal changes after child delivery could give rise to baby blues, which might lead to mood swings, anxiety, and devastation. This isn’t usual, and normally. It passes within a few days. If these symptoms continue or get worse, it could be postnatal depression. In such cases, you must seek medical help.
Depend on your support system, be it your partner, family, or friends, and request help when required. Helping with meal preparation or caring for the baby while you rest can make a huge difference.
Try Postnatal Massage With Caution
Post-childbirth massages can improve your recovery by aiding the uterus to go back to its standard size and relieve the tension in your muscles. Ensure that the massage therapist has experience in postnatal care. Asserting too much pressure on the abdomen, particularly when you have a full bladder, can be very dangerous. You wait for at least two months before considering massage if you went through a cesarean session.
Know When To Seek Help
Postnatal care is also about understanding your baby’s health. If you gave birth to your child with complications or prematurely, it is helpful to stay informed. For example, many parents ask, what is periventricular leukomalacia, and this is a term that refers to a type of brain injury most commonly seen in premature infants. While this might not apply to all mothers, staying educated will help you advocate properly for your child’s needs.
Endnote
Caring for yourself isn’t a selfish act; it is a necessity. Every step you take toward your well-being, like recognizing signs of emotional stress and getting enough rest, will help you care for your child better.
The owners of Cinnamon Hollow and many of its authors are not doctors and this is in no way intended to be used as medical advice. We cannot be held responsible for your results. As with any product, service or supplement, use at your own risk. Always do your own research and consult with your personal physician before using.
Meg is an author at Cinnamon Hollow. She writes on a variety of topics sharing tips and ideas for daily life.
