Tell me if this is you: before you got pregnant, you were so happy with your flawless, no-stretchmark skin. At the latter part of your pregnancy, you’ve noticed some dark patches on your body and darkening of your armpits. After giving birth, these crazy appearances did not go away and you somehow you wonder if there will be solutions for them. In this article, you will be able to find out the best pregnancy care tips you need including the tips in making your mental health at great state after pregnancy.
After Pregnancy Care Tips to Recover Physical Health
After giving birth is not just a joyous time but also a healing time for mothers. As a new mother, it is important to also take care of yourself in order for you to take care of your child better. Also, taking good care of yourself is a way for you to recover your health after your pregnancy.
1. Get Plenty of Sleep
Sleeping during pregnancy is just as important as sleeping after giving birth.[1] Get as much as sleep as you can, when you can. This is a way for you to cope up with tiredness and fatigue. Additionally, if you are a breastfeeding mom, your baby may ask you to feed them every couple of hours which may interrupt your rest time. So, try to maximize your opportunity to sleep when you can.
I recommend this pillow that I have used back when I was recovering after giving birth. I still have it now and it really relieves not just my neck pain but also my back pain. It really gives me a great sleep!
Also, one great way for you to get enough sleep is by keeping your baby right next to you. It allows you to save steps and time especially when it is feeding time. This is the same bedside baby crib I have used for my baby. I am a breastfeeding mom and everything seems to be easier for me.
2. Eat Healthy Meals
Having a healthy diet promotes faster healing and if you are a breastfeeding mom, having a healthy diet allows you to give healthier and nutritious breast milk to your baby. Surely, you will get healed faster especially when you take lots of fluids. Additionally, eating a healthy diet promotes a healthy bowel movement.[2]
I personally recommend this book if you want to know the healthy foods you should it before and after your pregnancy. I find this book very useful and durable, as well.
3. Exercise
Before deciding to get physical, it is important to consult with your doctor first. Some simple activities such as walking around or near your house will do and it is better if you go to a refreshing place so that your energy level will increase faster. Additionally, pregnancy may cause you to gain weight. Fortunately, exercising may help you lose those baby fats and therefore, will help you become a healthier mom![3]
If you want to do some yoga, you may want to have this yoga mat inside your home! It is very comfy to use and easy to clean up.
4. Don’t Skip Your Appointments
Your doctor will give you appointments after your delivery day. Usually, you appointment will be 1-2 weeks after giving birth. If you gave birth via cesarean section, your doctor will give you an appointment to remove the stitches.
There are times when you forget your appointments and the things your OB tells you. For these reasons, I recommend you to have this notebook.
After Pregnancy Care Tips to Keep Your Mental Health Healthy
After giving birth, you tend to become a more emotional and jumble of powerful emotions will come, and that is totally fine! You deserve to express the things you feel because you are a supermom! Sometimes, this may be linked with what we call “baby blues” and here are some ways to help you deal with them:
5. Seek Help
Postpartum depression is common after pregnancy and during your postpartum period, you are at risk of having this condition. In fact, 15 out of 100 mothers are diagnosed with postpartum depression.[4] Seek help from your trusted loved ones and healthcare professionals in order for you to keep your mental health at a good state. Additionally, seeking for help also means lowering your pride. Consider asking help from the people around you especially during the first week of your postpartum period.
If seeking help is really not one of your options, you might want to have this postpartum depression workbook.
I also found a great postpartum supplement and I saw it being used by my aunt after her pregnancy. My aunt really had a bad postpartum mood but after having this, I noticed that she is getting better every day and her patience is getting longer!
6. Express Your Feelings
Do not be worried about your feelings whether they are negative or positive. Express the things you feel to your partner or loved ones in order to find comfort and peace. If you cannot express your feelings because you are afraid of misunderstandings, writing your thoughts on this journal will help. I use this journal up to now and I feel better every time I write down the things that bothers me.
7. Think Positive
As much as possible, it is important to always think positively. Always remember that all the things you have are there for a reason. At times as a mom, you always want someone to tell you those positive things. However, if you have no one to tell you those, you might want to use these positivity wall stickers in order for you to stay positive.
8. Build a Sense of Humor
Be that happy mom everyone will love! Try to see the funny side of everything and laugh about them. This will help you avoid yourself from being drawn to stressful events.
9. Join a Parent Group
Personally, after giving birth, I joined an online mommy group and I find comfort reading the stories on that group because I can relate a lot. Having a group or network will ensure you that you will have someone to turn to when you need advices or when you have concerns.[5]
After Pregnancy Care Tips to Cope Up with Body Changes
Pain, weight gain, and other more body changes come after giving birth and you must not worry about them because they are part of pregnancy. Here below are some body changes that you may experience and what can you do with them:
10. Breast Engorgement
If you are a breastfeeding mom, your breasts tend to swell and it is really painful. Breast engorgement is something you must take seriously.[6] One time, I had to attend a seminar and that seminar is an 8-hour activity. For that reason, I was not able to do a breastfeeding or breast-pumping session. What came after me is fever and I really felt bad! If you want to lessen the discomfort of breast engorgement, apply a warm or cold compress to your breast. This will also reduce the sore on your nipples because when your nipples are engorged, your baby will have a hard time latching.
You may also want to try this portable breast pump when you feel the swelling. You can use it anytime especially when you are not with your baby. This is the breast pump that I have used when I started going back to work again. It is easy to use and really pumps out a lot of breast milk!
If you are not breastfeeding, wear a supportive bra. Also, do not pump or massage your breast as it will cause them to produce more milk which you cannot pump out. My grandma sent me these kinds of bra and my conscience would kill me if I would not share with you its wonderful benefits.
If your nipples are sore, try some nipple cream or nipple relief. Because of too much breastfeeding, my nipples are always in pain. Luckily, I found this baby-friendly nipple relief and everything went well.
11. Constipation
Constipation is associated with pregnancy.[7] Personally, after giving birth, I really had a hard time emptying my bowel and it leaves me unable to poop for like 3-4 days! When I asked for a professional advice, my OB instructed me to consume high-fiber meals and drink plenty of water. A laxative or a stool softener will also help. As a pharmacist, I personally recommend the Dulcolax brand. It is a trusted and very effective stool softener brand! However, if you are a breastfeeding mom, consult with your doctor first before using this product.
12. Pelvic Floor Changes
Pelvic floor changes are also associated with pregnancy and this may cause you a lot of discomforts.[8] During your labor, your doctor might cut your perineum (an area between your rectum and vagina). If you want to recover this area, try doing some Kegel exercises. Kegel exercises also prevent you from experiencing urinary incontinence.
13. Cramping
Uterine cramping is caused by shrinking of your uterus after giving birth.[9] Although the pain subsides inside, nothing is wrong with trying some cramp relief.
14. Vaginal Discharge
Vaginal discharge after pregnancy is common because it is a way for your body to remove blood and tissue from your uterus so that it can be clean again. Although it is common, it is important for mothers to manage this.[10] Instead of using tampons or douche, consider using just sanitary napkins. One reason for this is that tampons or douche makes you at a higher risk of developing infections.
15. Fluid Loss
Hyperhidrosis can be associated with pregnancy.[11] You might sweat a lot especially during night time and this may cause you to lose lots of fluids in your body. Therefore, it is very important to take lots of fluid to compensate the loss.
After Pregnancy Care Tips You Can Do At Home
It is important to take care of your health while you are at home and that does not just mean eating and keeping yourself fit but also means keeping yourself clean and away from any viruses, germs, or infecrions.
16. Perineal Care
Continue giving yourself a perineal care as this can minimize postpartum pain.[12] You can have that warm bath and relax for a while. Based on my experience, my elders told me that it is better to sit on a warm bath as this is a way to help my scars heal. Personally, I use a Sizt Bath for this. I simply put the Sitz Bath on a tub that is near its shape and everything goes well.
After pregnancy, you may also feel vaginal pain. Luckily, a donut-shape cushion can relief the pain you feel!
If you are still feeling the pain and you can no longer tolerate it, you may want to consider using a dermoplast to numb the painful region of your body. This dermoplast is a spray-like product and it is really a great one!
17. Avoid Intercourse
This does not necessarily mean that you must not engage into a sexual activity with your husband forever. Wait for the right time for your pernieal area or abdominal scar to be completely healed. Your doctor will tell you when this day comes. Also, your vaginal discharge and postpartum bleeding will also give you a sign. Although some researches sate that it is better to have sex six months after giving birth, minimal bleeding and discharge may give you a sign that you can already have a sexual intercourse.[13]
18. Prenatal Vitamins
It does not mean that you will stop your vitamins after giving birth. If you still have excess prenatal vitamins, go and take them. When you ran out of these prenatal vitamins, it is fine to start taking multivitamins as these vitamins improve and boost your postpartum healing.[14]
Personally, I use this Naturelo brand. I’ve been using this brand even before I started having my family and I rarely get sick.
19. Clean and Keep Your Abdominal Scar Sanitized
My husband was the one who always regularly cleans my abdominal scar because I really cannot afford to sit down or stand up properly back then. My husband uses bandage gauze, medical tape, and a betadine to clean my scar.
Before getting discharged from the hospital, my husband already bought this no-touch antiseptic betadine. Usually, betadine causes coloration on skin. So, this spray-type makes it easier for the applicator to clean my stitches.
When I take a bath, I use a Tegaderm Transparent Dressing so that I can protect my scar from getting wet because according to the doctor, getting it wet makes it prone to infection and formation of pus.
20. Practice a Good Hygiene
After pregnancy, whatever you touch or hold affects your baby as well. Make regular hand washing every after bathroom time as your habit. Also, you may want to use hand sanitizer before holding your baby or before washing your private areas. It is also fine if you will ask your relatives or family members to do the same especially during this time of pandemic.
Consider this alcohol dispenser and put this in your home! Your kids and other family members will surely have fun using it (if they are lazy to get and use some alcohol)! This one is a touch-less type so you do not have to worry about any contamination!
After Pregnancy Care Tips to Cope Up With Hair and Skin Changes
Changes in your life are not just before and after pregnancy but also during your pregnancy days. Some of these changes can be seen on your skin and on your hair.
21. Hair Loss
During pregnancy, your hormone level increases and when this happens, your hair grows faster, too![15] However, after pregnancy, your hormone levels decline and now will be the time for your hair to fall off. Hair loss may last for four to five months. Personally, I got scared because I thought I might be having a cancer or any other condition so I looked for a solution and this product is what I found!
22. Stretchmark
Stretchmark appears during pregnancy.[16] Personally, I never had any single stretch mark before I got pregnant but after pregnancy, stretch marks were all over my hips and butt! Although they turned into silver to white, they were still there.
I want to share with you this Bio Oil product that I have used for my stretch marks. I really find it very effective and it lightened up my stretch marks in no time. I use it every morning and evening after bathe time. Its smell is very aromatic and I also find it very calming.
23. Acne
Post pregnancy causes you to have changes in your hormone levels and this may cause you to have acne breakouts and blackheads.[17]
Even when I was not yet pregnant, this Cystic Acne product is what I have been using. It is very gentle on to my skin and it leaves no acne scars or spots.
24. Pigmentation or Melasma
These dark patches made me lose my confidence to wear great dresses. These dark patches or spots appear because there is a high level of estrogen and progesterone during pregnancy.[18] However, these patches or spots do not fade away as soon as you gave birth.
My aunt gave me this gift as a welcome home gift and it really treated my melisma faster.
25. Dark Circles and Puffy Eyes
These two are present not only because you find it hard to get enough sleep especially at night. Hormonal changes cause them to appear, as well. Visible dark circles and puffy eyes are signs of tiredness.
This Garnier product is what I have been using even before when I was on my college years. It always makes me look fresh and young!
Take Home Advice
As a new mom, it is important to keep in mind that it will take you a lot of time to be completely healed but there are many ways for you to hasten your postpartum healing process. Aside from the list above, I recommend you to read this
book for you to completely understand the changes in your body and what you can do with it.
FAQs
What is the best sleep position after delivery?
After giving birth, it is important to avoid standing or sitting for too long. When you sleep, try your best to sleep on your side as this can speed up the process of postpartum healing.
What should be avoided after delivery?
Be mindful of the caffeine and alcohol you consume especially when you are a breastfeeding mom. It is okay to eat the foods you want but keep in mind the foods that may harm your baby.
When will periods come after delivery?
If you are not a breastfeeding mom, your period will normally come six to eight weeks after giving birth. However, if you are a breastfeeding mom, the return of your period may vary and it may take a little longer.
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[2] Derbyshire, Emma, et al. “Diet, physical inactivity and the prevalence of constipation throughout and after pregnancy.” Maternal & child nutrition 2.3 (2006): 127-134.
[3] Haas, Jennifer S., et al. “Changes in the health status of women during and after pregnancy.” Journal of general internal medicine 20.1 (2005): 45-51.
[4] Pearlstein, Teri, et al. “Postpartum depression.” American journal of obstetrics and gynecology 200.4 (2009): 357-364.
[5] Ley, Barbara L. “Vive les roses!: The architecture of commitment in an online pregnancy and mothering group.” Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication 12.4 (2007): 1388-1408.
[6] Acartürk, Sabri, Eyüphan Gencel, and Ilhan Tuncer. “An uncommon complication of secondary augmentation mammoplasty: bilaterally massive engorgement of breasts after pregnancy attributable to postinfection and blockage of mammary ducts.” Aesthetic plastic surgery 29.4 (2005): 274-279.
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[8] Fonti, Ylenia, et al. “Post partum pelvic floor changes.” Journal of prenatal medicine 3.4 (2009): 57.
[9] Deussen, Andrea R., et al. “Relief of pain due to uterine cramping/involution after birth.” Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 10 (2020).
[10] Sherrard, Jackie, et al. “European (IUSTI/WHO) guideline on the management of vaginal discharge, 2011.” International journal of STD & AIDS 22.8 (2011): 421-429.
[11] Schlereth, Tanja, Marianne Dieterich, and Frank Birklein. “Hyperhidrosis—causes and treatment of enhanced sweating.” Deutsches Ärzteblatt International 106.3 (2009): 32.
[12] Calvert, Susan, and Valerie Fleming. “Minimizing postpartum pain: a review of research pertaining to perineal care in childbearing women.” Journal of advanced nursing 32.2 (2000): 407-415.
[13] Ahlborg, Tone, Lars‐Gösta Dahlöf, and Lillemor R‐M. Hallberg. “Quality of the intimate and sexual relationship in first‐time parents six months after delivery.” Journal of Sex research 42.2 (2005): 167-174.
[14] Dagher, Rada K., and Edmond D. Shenassa. “Prenatal health behaviors and postpartum depression: is there an association?.” Archives of women’s mental health 15.1 (2012): 31-37.
[15] Lynfield, Yelva L. “Effect of pregnancy on the human hair cycle.” Journal of Investigative Dermatology 35.6 (1960): 323-327.
[16] Kluger, Nicolas. “Body art and pregnancy.” European Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Biology 153.1 (2010): 3-7.
[17] Low, Chai Ling. In full bloom: look fabulous during and after pregnancy. Marshall Cavendish, 2007.
[18] Moin, Athar, Zahra Jabery, and Nader Fallah. “Prevalence and awareness of melasma during pregnancy.” International journal of dermatology 45.3 (2006): 285-288.