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This new chapter of motherhood will be more overwhelming than the previous one, your pregnancy. Every day will be a new day with unforeseen revelations and challenges. The changes that your body undergoes after the baby’s birth may not be very pretty but they are pretty impressive. Turning off the pregnancy changes and turning on your motherly systems from lactation to managing baby dresses for girls and boys, and jangly alarms of baby cries, your body and clothes demand attention and special care.
This mother’s day is special for the new moms as they take baby steps in their new role as mothers. Here is a guide for postnatal care while you undergo changes both physically and emotionally.
Take Rest As Much As You Can
It takes time for the new parents to discover that their babies have a different time zone as theirs. Obviously, you would like to devote all your time to the newborn, but do not neglect your health in the process. Babies get up after every three hours, they need to be fed, and kid’s clothes need to be changed. And it is very true that you might not be able to get a solid eight hours of sleep for months to come. Here are some suggestions that will help you to find ways for more rest:
- Take the responsibilities of feeding the baby and taking care of yourself for the first few weeks. Need not worry about the household chores.
- Adjust your clock as per your baby, sleep when he sleeps.
- Walk less, save your steps and get your baby bed near at nights for comfortable feeding.
- Feel free to excuse yourself from the family and relatives and take a quick nap.
- Get outside for a few minutes after a week and begin walking and doing postpartum exercise.
- Introduce bottles for night time feeding after a month so that someone else can take charge while you are charging yourselves.
Diet and Nutrition
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In addition to rest, a healthy diet is a must for the new mothers. The changes that a female body goes through during pregnancy need time to heal and recover. Eating healthy is not for the mother alone but for the baby as well, as you are the only source of nutrition for the baby.
- For breastfeeding mothers, it is advisable to eat when you are hungry.
- Add supplements to your diets by taking grains, vegetables, cereals, and dairy products.
- Drinking a lot of water will help you avoid constipation and beat exhaustion.
- As exercise is not going to be a priority immediately after birth, so you can avoid eating lots of ghee and fats.
- Focus on a diet with plenty of vegetables and food rich in carbohydrates and proteins.
- Make it a habit to keep a pitcher of water and some snacks ready by your side while breastfeeding.
Consult a Doctor
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Definitely, you will feel exhausted and weak after childbirth, but missing the doctor’s appointment is not an option. One must consult a doctor immediately in case of fevers, pain, and dizziness especially in case of C-section delivery. There are certain conditions that require immediate consultation:
- Experiencing high temperature.
- If the wound in the abdomen is oozing fluids, or even when the skin is red and hot to touch.
- Symptoms of postnatal depression.
- In case of excessive blood loss.
- When you have a problem in urinating
- Mind your vaginal discharge and report if you detect any unpleasant smell and discoloration.
Hygiene
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The infections that a new mother undergoes are likely to pass to your newborn and also, they can slow down a mother’s healing process. Paying special attention to your hygiene will not only keep you safe but will also help you from transferring your allergies. Consider these points for maintaining much-needed hygiene:
- Washing hands with lather and rinsing them in running water after you eat, after washing kid’s wear and even after a trip to the toilet.
- Maintain proper toilet hygiene as frequent urination after childbirth can lead to infections, clean your genital area properly with warm water.
- As breastfeeding is the major source of passing on infections, rinse the area with warm water to ensure hygiene.
- Keep the naval area and the stitches moisturized after a C-section delivery to avoid itching sensation.
- The food that you take shall be properly washed and hygienically cooked, raw vegetables can lead to complications.
Take Help From outside
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Unnecessary exertion can lead to irritability and mood swings. Moreover, lack of sleep may add to restlessness. Do not hesitate to ask assistance from other family members and hire a maid if necessary.
- Avoid washing utensils and kid’s suits on your own for the first few weeks.
- Ask for maids at all times and make minimum movements.
- Do not carry heavy objects, heavier than your baby.
- Find someone who can provide you with physical as well as emotional support.
Emotional Instability
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The behavioral patterns of every mother are a manner typical of her. Some might feel happy and alert while others feel exhausted and disappointed. But there are a few common symptoms that are observed:
- Baby Blues: Linked with the changes and the fluctuations in the chemicals and hormonal levels, most of the mothers feel irritated and weepy during the first week of the baby birth.
- Anxiety: The sleeping pattern and breastfeeding can be a cause for the anxiety among the new moms. You will be able to deal with the situation with a matter of time.
- Mood Swings: These mood swings are common with the stress of dealing with the baby and maintaining her own health.
- Guilt: The feeling of guilt is experienced by the mother when she is not able to take out time for her better half. Spending times with loved ones can do wonders.
Physical Health
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Your body has gone a massive change after baby birth. Pay attention to your physical needs and do not neglect the assistance whenever required.
- Fix an appointment with an obstetric provider within one week of the delivery.
- Wait for the intercourse until your healthcare provider tells you it is safe.
- Do not miss a day without supplements and vitamins. You can even add multivitamins to your daily schedule if necessary.
- Avoid caffeine and alcohol; it is not good for you as well as your baby.
- Take guidance from the healthcare provider for when to start with the exercise, till then, you can go out for a walk as a break.
Do not forget the most important person that is you, while you are excited about making arrangements for your new arrival. Taking a nutrient-rich diet and complete beauty sleep is as essential as selecting dresses for girls and boys for your little champ. It is when you are fit that you can make your baby active and happy. Being in charge of a brand new being can be a challenging task, but then that is the reason why mothers are the strongest creatures on the earth. Enjoying being a mother! Happy mother’s day!
