Post Pregnancy Care

Congratulations new mumma, you’ve made it through the perils of child birth, and now you get to relax and bask in pleasure of your new bundle of joy. Of course the relaxing part is easier said than done, as just when you thought the trauma of labor was far behind you, you now have to contend with raging hormones. The trouble is, nobody prepares you for how your body is going to feel after the birth. We go through so many antenatal classes preparing us for the birth, but there’s never a wealth of guidance for how you’re going to feel once that baby is finally resting peacefully in your arms. After all, birth is a dramatic experience for your mind and body, and then you’ve got to get up and look after the baby, but don’t think you’ve got to start playing super mum immediately, these tips are things that you should start doing 6 – 8 weeks after the birth of your baby to help you recover.

Talk About It 

It’s common for new mothers to feel a little low after the birth, especially if it was a difficult one, but this is nothing to be ashamed of. Just imagine your hormones running around like children on e numbers, they’ve got no idea what their doing, and this is how your hormones react to the shock of birth and now to having to produce food for your baby. It’s going to take time for your body to transition, so do not start to worry that you’re doing it all wrong. Instead talk to other new mums because the likelihood is they’ll being feeling the same way too. As the old saying goes, a problem shared is a problem halved, and getting your feelings and frustrations off your chest is much healthier than bottling them all up.

Ask for Help 

As much as you want to act like super mum, if you’re lucky enough to have a partner there for you get them to help you out. It’s their baby too, and they’re probably feeling a little useless after the birth anyway, so take advantage of the extra pair of hands to ease your daily tasks. If they can put the baby to bed whilst you have a nice long relaxing bath, or even watching them whilst you go for dinner with friends to just feel like you again rather than ‘mum’. Even the smallest tasks can go along way when you’ve got a new person to be responsible, but don’t forget that you’re not in it alone.

Get Out 

For the first few weeks after the birth you’re probably feeling completely exhausted, but when you’ve stopped taking mid-afternoon naps, now’s the time to start getting out of the house and being more social. This is not only good to get some gentle exercise, but it’s also a chance to get back your freedom, which can be especially important for your mental well being. Meeting friends at the park for a walk, or joining mother and baby groups are all great for you and there are now many facilities across the UK that have mum and baby classes such as baby yoga or baby swimming. Perfect for the both of you to bond and get some much need physical movement!

 

Have Some TLC

Don’t forget that if you’re feeling great, the chances are you’re going to have more energy and positivity to look after you baby in the best way possible. Taking time out of being a mum can make you feel guilt ridden, but it’s important for you to look after yourself, be that mentally or finding ways to ease physical discomfort you may be having, so that you’re feeling fit and strong and ready to face each day. Getting a massage will not only give you some much needed me time, but can also massively benefit your body in recovery. During pregnancy and labor, you produce relxain and oxytocin, two hormones which allow for an easier delivery. Unfortunately the side effects include loss of support and stability, leading to many new mothers experiencing back pain for months after the arrival. A specified labor recovery massage can be an effective treatment in preventing further back pain, especially when you’re going to be carrying around your new baby.

No matter how you choose to recover from the birth of your child, do it in your own time and at your own pace. Don’t feel pressured by the magazines to drop your baby weight or to pick up on any celebrity fads. This is a special time that you should embrace, because time knows that they soon grow up.


Mummy B xoxox

*Guest Post