EVERYTHING
FOR YOUR FAMILY
Women's Health
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Now’s the time to care for yourself The weeks after a woman gives birth for the first time might be among the most challenging of her life. All of the anxiety, emotional buildup and crescendo of adrenalin for that day of birth – plus the physical demands – have ended. Yet a new, intensely demanding chapter begins: Round-the-clock care and feeding of the newborn child. This is where a mother’s condition is critical. She has to be able to bounce back and perform her new duties. To do that effectively, a new mother should take certain steps to care for herself just as much as she cares for her baby. These steps aren’t difficult, but they are important. 1 Take vitamins and iron: If a woman is breastfeeding, I recommend that my patients take prenatal vitamins for the duration of the breastfeeding period. If bottlefeeding, they take prenatal vitamins for two to three months. Iron supplements are good, too, because childbirth usually depletes the body’s iron and other minerals. 2 Baby your bottom: A vaginal birth leaves the entire area from the vagina to the rectum tender or sore for a few weeks, particularly when an episiotomy (small incision) was performed during the birth. Help reduce pain and speed healing by taking warm baths or sitz baths – sitting in a tub with warm water covering only the hips and buttocks. Stool softeners also reduce the pressure of bowel movements that might tear the stitches from the episiotomy. 3 Surprise! Don’t exercise too much: Too much too soon is a bad recipe. A woman’s body goes through massive changes during childbirth. Give it time to recover. For the first six weeks, just do little things: Kegel exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor; very short walks; maybe a brief trip to the grocery store. 4 Associate, don’t isolate: Ease postpartum blues by enlisting family, friends and community resources such as MOMS clubs and other groups for new mothers. They are the biggest help you can have. Women often feel guilty about giving up the care of their baby for an hour or two; they think it is their job alone for 24 hours a day. Not only is there no shame in leaning on a family member or trusted friend, it yields great benefits. Let someone else do a feeding, change a diaper or babysit for an hour or two. Take the time to go to the store, do a bit of laundry or just take a small walk and relax at the park. Taking care of yourself will prevent the blues from lapsing into depression. 5 Nap time is your time: When the baby is asleep, use it to rest yourself. Take your own nap, even during the daytime. Or read a novel. If you have to do chores, do them in 15-minute bites, then rest. 6 Involve your husband: Be sure to let him help with the baby so he builds his own relationship with the child. This also reduces resentment he might have about your attention being diverted. When warranted, have a family member or friend babysit so you and your husband can spend time together alone. 7 Return to work slowly: If you return to a job, try to work part time or start back on a Thursday or Friday to reduce fatigue. Above all, maintain balance in your life. Allow yourself to enjoy a hot shower or warm bath. Take a walk with your husband. Talk with other new moms. You, and your new family, will be better for it. Dr. Naghmeh S. Saberi is an OB/Gyn who specializes in minimally invasive surgery at UCI Medical Center. Information: ucihealth.com or call 714.456.2911. |
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