The time after delivery is mostly spent looking after the young one’s health and well-being. Postpartum women face many problems like vaginal discharge and bleeding, swollen perineum, pain in stitches, hemorrhoids or constipation, fatigue and postnatal depression. Under such circumstances it becomes extremely necessary to take care of the new mom’s health as well.

Rest

You should take some time off from nursing the baby and look after your own physical and mental well-being as well. Any help offered by your mother, mother-in-law or friends should be welcomed. Ask your husband to take leave from work, if he can. Take proper rest, since it may not be possible to sleep peacefully in the night, learn to sleep when your baby sleeps.

Diet

Eat a healthy and balanced diet which includes fresh fruits and green vegetables. Take your meals regularly. Since body loses a lot of fluid after delivery, you must drink 8-10 glasses of fluid daily.

Exercises

A little pacing and a few light exercises like pelvic floor squeeze, pelvic rock and leg slide will help in increasing the circulation of blood and quicker healing of stitches. Pelvic floor exercise can be started 24 hours after delivery. It consists of tightening the muscles around vagina as if you are trying to control urine midstream.

However, never lie on your back and lift both legs in the air or do sit ups.

Postnatal Depression

It is natural to suffer ‘baby blues’ a few days after delivery. You can overcome these by talking your heart out to a friend, your family or other new mothers. If the postnatal anxiety or depression lasts more than 2 weeks you should consult your health care provider.

Remedies

After giving birth the perineal area may be swollen or sore due to tear. Proper cleaning of the perineum is very important to prevent infection and for faster healing of stitches. Take frequent showers, change your perineum pads regularly and spray warm water over your vulva while urinating to reduce irritation.

In case of hemorrhoids, you can soothe the burning by applying pads soaked in witch hazel. If you are suffering constipation eat lots of grains, vegetables and drink plenty of water.

You’ll be able to care effectively for your baby only when your own health is taken care of. So the new mom’s health should be a priority too.

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