New mothers need to take special care of their bodies after giving birth and while breastfeeding when getting home from the hospital.
Rest and recuperation is all that should be on your agenda the first few days at home after having a baby. During this time focus on yourself and on getting to know your new baby. Try to put off requests for lots of visits from family and friends until you get the rest you need. Don’t worry about keeping the house perfect. It is okay to just eat, sleep and care for your baby. Lie down or nap while the baby naps. Allow others to help you around the house and do not hesitate to ask for help with cleaning, laundry, meals and even caring for the baby.
Physical changes after the birth of your baby might include:
• Spotting or bleeding similar to a menstrual period off and on for up to six weeks
• Swelling in your legs and feet (reduce swelling by elevating your feet)
• Constipation (try to drink plenty of water and eat fresh fruits and vegetables)
• Cramping that feels much like menstrual cramps and especially if you are breastfeeding
• Breast milk should come in within three to six days after delivery
• If you are not breastfeeding you can still have milk leaking from your nipples, breasts might feel full, tender and uncomfortable
• Ask for doctor instructions about activities such as climbing stairs and walking for the first few weeks after delivery
• Doctors usually advise abstaining from sexual intercourse for four to six weeks after giving birth
• Discuss birth control with your doctor since you can become pregnant again
• Breastfeeding does not protect you from getting pregnant
Returning to a healthy weight and shape involves:
• Consulting your doctor before you start any type of diet or exercise plan
• If you are breastfeeding it is best to wait until your baby is at least two months old before starting a diet
• When you do start to lose weight, lose it slowly. Fast weight loss can be harmful to the baby because of environmental toxins that are stored in your body fat that can be released into your breast milk.
• Lose about one pound per week, and no more than four pounds per month (this amount has been found to be a safe amount and will not affect your milk supply or the baby’s growth
• You can lose weight safely by consuming at least 1800 calories per day with a well-balanced, nutritious diet
• Your diet should include foods rich in calcium, zinc, magnesium, vitamin B6 and folate
• Consuming less than 1500 calories per day is not recommended at any point during breastfeeding as this can lower your energy level and lower your resistance to illness
Feeling blue following childbirth is normal. Fifty to 75 percent of new mothers report feelings of sadness or depression after giving birth. Reasons could include:
• Hormone changes
• Anxiety about caring for the baby
• Lack of sleep
What should you do if you feel sad and down after delivering a baby?
• Be patient
• The feelings are normal and should get better over time
• Be aware of your feelings and talk with family, friends and your doctor
• If you experience extreme sadness or depression to the point that you are unable to care for yourself or your baby, call your doctor immediately. You might have postpartum depression.
Signs and symptoms of postpartum depression are:
• Feelings of restlessness or irritability
• Feeling sad, depressed or crying a lot
• No energy
• Headaches, chest pains, heart palpitations, numbness or hyperventilation
• Disturbances in sleep patterns
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Overeating and weight gain
• Trouble focusing
• Trouble remembering things
• Trouble with making decisions
• Worrying excessively about the baby
• No interest in the baby
• Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
• Fear of hurting the baby or yourself
• No interest or pleasure in activities you once found interesting or pleasurable
Can postpartum depression be treated and cured?
• Postpartum depression is common and can be successfully treated with medicine and/or therapy.
Source: National Institutes of Health Online
Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The information in this article is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. All health concerns should be addressed by a qualified health care professional.
By Connie Limon
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