During the entire period of bearing a child, a woman’s body is subjected to great stress. Changes are taking place that have a dramatic impact on physical condition mother. The birth of a baby is stressful for the whole body. Much attention among specialists it also causes recovery after childbirth.
The process takes long time, requires a serious attitude towards health and the recommendations of doctors. A young mother and her loved ones should be attentive to emerging painful symptoms and immediately notify the doctor to prevent serious complications.
The reverse development of organs, as well as all body systems that have undergone changes during pregnancy and childbirth, is called involution, which occupies the entire postpartum period. Return to prenatal state occurs within 6-8 weeks. The exception is the hormonal system, as well as the functions of the mammary glands in a nursing mother, whose increased activity is necessary throughout lactation.
Uterus. It is the uterus that has undergone the greatest changes during pregnancy. Its size increases more than 500 times throughout pregnancy. After birth, the weight is about 1 kg. The internal cavity after the birth of the child is filled with blood and represents an exposed wound in the place where the placenta was attached.
The first days are bloody copious discharge, so-called lochia. Gradually they become smaller, turning from reddish-brown to transparent in color.
This process goes away on its own, but if large blood clots larger than 3 mm in size appear a week after birth, you should urgently consult a doctor. This symptom indicates incomplete removal of the placenta.
The return of the uterus to its original shape and size causes pain in the lower abdomen. Breastfeeding your baby on demand helps speed up recovery. This is due to the fact that during breastfeeding the hormone oxytocin is produced. Oxytocin injections, if necessary, are prescribed by the attending physician. Also, for a faster and more complete return of the uterus to its normal state, a special massage is recommended.
The process of clearing blood clots accumulated in the cavity takes from 3 to 5 days. Within a week, the weight decreases to 500 g. Full recovery occurs by the end of involution. The cervix returns to its original state by 12-13 weeks. The shape of the neck itself also changes, from conical it becomes cylindrical, which does not cause any painful sensations.
Vagina. After 1.5-2 months, the vaginal lumen returns to its prenatal size. Although full recovery lumen size never occurs, interfere sexual relations it won't be a married couple.
The chosen infant feeding regimen is critical to the restoration of the menstrual cycle after childbirth. The mother's hormonal levels quickly return to pre-pregnancy levels if the baby is on artificial or mixed feeding.
When feeding the baby with adapted artificial formulas, the restoration of menstruation after childbirth occurs in a period of 6 to 8 weeks. Hormonal levels drop to normal levels, and gonadotropic hormones are produced. The functionality of the ovaries is restored, the egg undergoes maturation and is released into the abdominal cavity.
A woman's period after childbirth returns on average after 6 months. It is considered normal when the menstrual cycle can resume after 3 months or after 1 year. The period is influenced by the individual characteristics of the young mother’s body.
Menstruation after the birth of a child is less painful, as many women note. This is due to the fact that metabolism is restored in the hypothalamus and the feeling of pain is reduced.
After returning to sex life After childbirth, the couple needs to use protection. Which means of contraception are suitable in each specific situation should be found out from the attending physician, who will advise the couple.
Problems with stool
One of the most painful problems for a new mother is constipation. This is due to a significant expansion of the intestinal walls. The intestines immediately after the birth of a child take up much more space than usual. The muscles that facilitate bowel movements and the pelvic floor muscles need time to return to function.
Eating foods that cause a laxative effect, such as pumpkin, prunes, and zucchini, helps relieve constipation. But this method is not suitable for nursing mothers, as it may cause Negative influence on the baby's health condition. The child may have problems with the stomach and stool.
The best way is a warm, relaxing shower that relieves tightness and tension. Experts also recommend doing abdominal massage to restore intestinal tone.
Gently stroke the tummy clockwise. Exhale - press stronger hand, inhale - ease the pressure. Repeat 5-10 times.
Hemorrhoids are another problem that occurs after the birth of a child. Hemorrhoids Quite often they fall out during childbirth. Small nodules usually disappear within the first week. Large nodes that cause pain require professional treatment. In this case, you should consult a proctologist who will prescribe a course of therapy.
Answers to the question of how to restore normal stool after childbirth can be found on forums for young mothers who are faced with this problem or on specialized websites. Women share their own experiences folk remedies. But consultation with a specialist is necessary to resolve problematic issues.
Hormonal background
Changes in hormonal levels occur with initial days pregnancy. After the birth process, the process of returning to normal indicators. Hormones responsible for the production breast milk and lactation, continue their activities.
Experts note that hormonal imbalance arising after childbirth is common occurrence. Stabilization of hormonal levels is carried out by the body itself without external intervention.
In some cases, consultation with a gynecologist and endocrinologist is required, who, after examining the woman’s health, decide how to restore the mother’s hormonal levels after childbirth and prescribe a course of treatment with medications.
The following symptoms will help determine that there is a problem:
- Rapid weight gain or sudden weight loss.
- Unusually heavy sweating.
- New problems with hair. Both hair loss and excessive skin growth are possible.
- Decreased libido.
- Severe fatigue.
- Change in psychological state. For example, irritability, apathy, tearfulness, depression.
The appearance of one or more symptoms is a signal that you need to see a doctor. Self-medication in this matter is strictly contraindicated.
Where to begin?
Restoring the body after childbirth requires integrated approach to a woman’s condition, so it’s worth determining where to start. To begin to regain physical shape, you need to consider the following factors:
- Balanced diet. Nutrition should be high in calories, healthy, helping the body recover faster. It is necessary to remove spicy foods, sweet baked goods, and fried foods from the diet.
- Some, in an effort to quickly lose weight, go on a strict diet, which is not recommended by doctors. After childbirth, the body needs the entire complex of vitamins and minerals, which a diet with strict restrictions cannot provide. The main condition of any diet for a nursing mother is not to harm the baby.
- Adding vitamins and vitamin complexes into the diet.
- Physical exercise.
- Massage, use of traditional methods.
- Use of creams and oils.
Getting back into shape should begin with simple walks and light massage, which will not affect the seam on the skin of the abdomen after caesarean section. Classes should be short, the main load falls on the abdominals, buttocks, thighs, shoulder girdle. For women who are breastfeeding, exercises for pectoral muscles not recommended during breastfeeding.
The first exercises to get back in shape after childbirth should not be done earlier than 2 months. After a caesarean section, the start time for exercises may be delayed until complete healing postoperative sutures. In addition to the external suture on the skin of the abdomen, the main thing is the complete healing of the scar on the woman’s uterus.
Premature exercise often leads to inflammatory processes internal organs. The training at first should not be longer than 5 minutes. Gradually the training time increases. It will take months for your beautiful figure to recover.
To recover after childbirth, you should start a set of exercises in a gentle manner, with a light load. The number of approaches should be minimal. The load increases gradually. When pain or bleeding Exercises must be stopped and seen by a doctor.
Breathing exercises. Despite the apparent ease, they bring good effect. Not recommended after cesarean section and when diagnosing diastasis, when there is a divergence of the rectus muscles in the anterior section abdominal wall. Breathing exercises consist of alternating deep inhalations and exhalations and holding your breath for a few seconds. Repeat 10-15 times. Do it only while lying on your back.
Walking. When walking with a child, a mother can alternate the rhythm of her steps. Go faster, slower, the main thing is not to bring the body to exhaustion. A walk should bring joy and last no more than 30 minutes in the first days in order to benefit the body.
Walking up the stairs is very useful. First, you can climb 1-2 floors. You should not run up the stairs, especially in the first months after childbirth. Simple walking helps to quickly bring the body back to normal and get back in shape.
For practicing at home:
- Warm up. Hula hoop exercises are often done as a warm-up. It would be good if the hoop was weighted. Simple side bends can be done both as separate elements of gymnastics and as a warm-up before exercise to strengthen the abs.
- Abdominal exercises. There are entire complexes aimed at restoring the shape of the abdomen after childbirth. At first, you can do several simple exercises such as planks, hip raises, crunches. Wall squats are a good way to regain your body shape. You can start doing strength elements after your health improves.
- Restoration of breast shape. The mammary glands change greatly in appearance. You can visually notice an increase in the shape of the breast, its sagging. There is a special one for the chest muscles. physiotherapy. A properly selected bra helps you maintain your shape. A tight, small bra can only lead to mastopathy.
When to start and how many approaches to do for each element, the woman decides herself, based on internal state and in the absence of signs of illness. Only regular classes will help the body recover faster.
Restoration of psycho-emotional state
With the help of diet, physical exercise, cosmetology and cosmetic procedures physical shape, harmony and beauty are restored quite quickly. Experts note an increase in the number of women experiencing postpartum depression, which affects the well-being of the mother and the child, who is very close to the mother emotionally.
Depression also affects the relationship between spouses in the family. It can be difficult for a young mother to get out of this state on her own. Here, the help of loving relatives is needed, especially the husband, who will take part of the care of the child upon himself.
A peculiarity of the appearance of depression after the birth of the first baby can be considered the young mother’s lack of confidence in her abilities, who is afraid of everything. With the advent of the second baby, depression appears quite rarely and is usually associated with family relationships. A late child in the family most often mobilizes the mother to fast recovery health.
To survive postpartum depression, you need to consider the following:
- A woman should have free time during the day to relax and take care of your appearance. Let the tired mother sleep during the day or make herself nourishing mask while the father goes for a walk with the baby.
- Find a hobby based on your interests. It doesn't have to be knitting or sewing. A woman can do crafts and get carried away with flowers. The main condition is to take your mind off the chores around the house.
Recovery after childbirth refers to the process of involution. This is the reverse development of organs and related systems that experienced enormous changes during the period of gestation. The changes most affected the pelvic organ systems, cardiovascular, hormonal, mammary glands. Involution of the body after childbirth takes a relatively short period of time, not counting endocrine system and breasts, which are restored with the cessation of lactation.
Cardiovascular and respiratory system
The respiratory system is restored immediately after childbirth, since the uterus, which displaces the diaphragm, no longer interferes with the lungs to breathe deeply. Shortness of breath goes away, the load on the heart decreases. The cardiovascular system has undergone great changes during pregnancy - the increased volume of blood can make itself felt for some time after childbirth with edema. The volume of circulating blood returns to pre-pregnancy levels gradually.
In the first days after birth, due to natural physiological bleeding from birth canal in the absence of pathologies circulatory system increased blood clotting ability, especially in women after cesarean section. Due to increased thrombus formation after surgery, it is recommended to wear compression stockings on the first day when bed rest is indicated.
Restoration of the uterus, vagina, menstrual cycle
Recovery of the uterus after childbirth takes 6–8 weeks. The whole process is accompanied postpartum discharge- lochia. The first 2–3 days they resemble heavy menstruation, then strength bleeding is coming as it declines and after a week during natural childbirth, the discharge becomes lighter and contains admixtures of mucus and blood clots. With a caesarean section, bleeding and the recovery period of the uterus last longer.
The process of uterine involution is accompanied by painful contractions. Thus, its volume and size decrease. Immediately after birth, the uterus weighs about 1 kilogram and resembles a ball. By the end of the recovery period, it returns to a slightly larger weight and size than that of a nulliparous woman - 60–80 grams, and acquires the usual “non-pregnant” pear-shaped shape.
Speeds up recovery period uterine hormone oxytocin. Naturally it is released into the bloodstream every time the baby is applied to the breast, so when feeding in the first days after birth, painful contractions of the uterus are felt.
The more often a woman breastfeeds, the faster the uterus contracts.
With weakened uterine tone, the recovery process is unsatisfactory and there is a risk of complications such as uterine bleeding, lochia stagnation, leading to inflammatory diseases genital organs, which in advanced cases can spread throughout abdominal cavity. The most common postpartum complication is endometritis, inflammation of the uterine mucosa. Lochia is an indicator of such complications - its volume, appearance, smell and duration of discharge.
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Recovery after childbirth menstrual cycle in the absence of breastfeeding, it occurs after 1.5–2 months; with mixed feeding, up to six months; with full breastfeeding, the timing varies from 6 months to 1.5–2 years. These values are averaged and may vary depending on individual characteristics woman's body.
Repeated pregnancy can occur immediately with the establishment of the menstrual cycle. Moreover, menstrual bleeding is not necessarily a signal of the body’s readiness to conceive. Ovulation, the process of releasing an egg ready for fertilization from the ovary, occurs approximately 2 weeks before menstruation, and pregnancy can take a woman by surprise.
The cervix and vagina undergo significant changes during natural childbirth. You can force your vagina to regain its original shape with Kegel exercises.
In addition to the beneficial effects on reproductive system women, these exercises solve the problem of urinary incontinence after childbirth.
With the restoration of the tone of the muscles of the perineum and vagina, it will approach the size of a nulliparous woman, but will no longer be the same.
During the period of restoration of the reproductive system, the production of female sex hormones - estrogen and progesterone - is reduced, which leads to natural vaginal dryness. The same thing happens during breastfeeding - the biological rhythm of the reproductive system is controlled by the “feeding” hormone prolactin, suppressing sex hormones, and vaginal dryness in a nursing mother can be observed for quite a long time - six months, and sometimes a year.
Involution of the cervix occurs the slowest. It ends on average by 4 months after birth. During vaginal birth, the shape of the external os is not restored, and the gynecologist, upon examination, can easily identify the woman who gave birth - the opening of the cervix acquires slit-shaped, in contrast to the round one in a nulliparous woman. The cervix itself takes on the appearance of a cylinder, but before childbirth it looked like an inverted cone.
Presence of spotting one month after birth
Rehabilitation and recovery after caesarean section
Recovery after childbirth with surgical delivery is slower. Rehabilitation after cesarean section includes early physical activity— the first attempts to get up and walk should be made 6–12 hours after the operation. In the first days after birth for stimulation uterine contractions oxytocin injections are used. For the same purpose, it is important to organize and support breastfeeding; it is useful to lie on your stomach.
After intervention in the abdominal cavity, intestinal functions are disrupted, temporary paralysis occurs and motor functions are weakened, which leads to constipation. The adhesive process starts in the abdominal cavity, which can subsequently significantly affect both the condition of the organs and systems of the pelvic cavity and health in general.
Risk postpartum complications after cesarean, due to decreased uterine tone, it is slightly higher than during natural childbirth. Walking, moderate physical activity, and breastfeeding on demand and not on a schedule are the prevention of the conditions described above and contribute to the normal course of the postpartum recovery period.
As for the duration of uterine involution after cesarean section, it lasts about 8 weeks and is often accompanied by more long period profuse bleeding. Sutures are removed 5–7 days after surgery.
Digestion and stool normalization occurs within 6–7 weeks after childbirth, so during this period it is better to avoid eating hard-to-digest foods.
Recovery of the abdominal muscles is delayed due to the presence of scars and pain, and abdominal exercises can be started only after pain and discomfort do not make themselves felt. On average, this takes about six months after surgery.
Otherwise, recovery after childbirth by cesarean section is no different from that of women who gave birth naturally.
Chronic endometritis in women: causes, symptoms, consequences of the disease
Breast and endocrine system
The shape of the breast after childbirth and especially long-term breastfeeding will no longer be the same. The process of reverse development of the mammary glands begins with the end of lactation. This happens gradually with a decrease in the number of times the baby is put to the breast - the level of prolactin in the body decreases, milk production decreases.
The glandular tissue of the breast, in which milk was produced, degrades and is replaced by fatty tissue, which reduces the elasticity of the breast. Are closing milk ducts and approximately 6 weeks after the baby's last latching, the breasts take their final shape.
With a decrease in prolactin levels, the secretion of estrogen and progesterone increases, and the hormonal balance returns to the pre-pregnancy norm within 1–2 months. When a woman notices that there is practically no milk in her breasts, she needs to stop feeding completely. Rare episodic feedings for the sake of a child who has already grown up and does not need breast milk provoke sharp jumps in prolactin, which complicates the restructuring of the body.
If a woman has not yet menstruated, then with a complete cessation of breastfeeding, the cycle should be restored within a month.
The absence of menstrual bleeding for 2 months is a reason to consult an endocrinologist.
In addition to internal systems and organs, during pregnancy the appearance women. Problems of excess weight, loose skin, stretch marks, hyperpigmentation are not beautiful and can upset anyone. If we add psycho-emotional instability, then a not very cheerful picture emerges. Recovery in this sense may take longer than physiological recovery. But all these are trifles, and even if you don’t become exactly like past life, but you can get closer to the ideal. Health to mother and baby!
After becoming a mother, a woman never stops wanting to be beautiful. But not everyone immediately returns to their previous form. On the contrary, to become attractive again, you need to make an effort. Where to start recovering after childbirth so as not to harm your health and get results?
Read in this article
The first weeks after childbirth
At first, a greater value than appearance, gain health and well-being. And rehabilitation itself is more about restoring body functions that changed during pregnancy. It is also important to establish lactation, because this is not only a condition for the healthy development of the baby, but also helps in increasing body volume.
A woman must control:
- . At first they will be abundant, but with a tendency to decrease and lighten the color. These lochia are signs of cleansing of the uterus. If they do not shrink or come with clots, you need to see a doctor before the scheduled examination time.
- Emotional condition. Women after childbirth are often bothered by despondency and the desire to cry. This it will go faster, if you establish a routine, get enough sleep.
- Condition of the internal genital organs. They are more likely to earn money as usual if the woman does not lie in bed. It is important to establish lactation; this also helps to normalize the balance of hormones, which means it will ensure the restoration of the cycle after childbirth. At first it will be changeable; with frequent feedings, there may be no menstruation for several months.
- , if available. At first they will ache. Stitches in the perineum may make it difficult to urinate, causing discomfort, or may cause discomfort during bowel movements. With them, it is especially important to avoid constipation, that is, watch your diet (eat prunes and drink plenty of water). You can take Paracetamol to relieve pain.
Helping the body recover
As your health improves, your appearance becomes more important in the problem of how to recover after childbirth. There are several aspects here that may be of concern. But the problem must be solved comprehensively, without forcing events.
Stomach
Even if the woman did not gain weight during pregnancy excess weight, it may remain convex after childbirth. This is natural, because the muscles are stretched and weakened, and the same thing happened with the skin. But it’s not yet possible to seriously engage in sports to tighten them up.
Hair
The main problem with hair is intense hair loss. The balance of hormones is to blame for this, leading to weakening of the bulbs. Nursing mothers suffer less from this; their balance of substances returns to normal more smoothly. The following will help restore thickness to your hair:
- a diet with sufficient protein and B vitamins;
- short haircut, which will ease the load on the bulbs;
- strengthening masks (raw yolk + 1 tsp butter, keep for half an hour).
Full-fledged exercise in the first weeks after childbirth is, of course, unacceptable. The load is limited to walks with the baby and household chores. But after 6 - 8 weeks you can do exercises to recover after childbirth:
- Lie on your back with your knees bent and your palms pressed to your stomach. Exhale, drawing in your stomach and pressing lightly on it. Inhale slowly, releasing your abdominal muscles. Repeat 10 times.
- Lie down as in the first exercise, but your hands should be behind your head. Raise your pelvis up, hold it for 2 - 3 seconds, and slowly lower it. Do 10 repetitions.
- Get on all fours, leaning heavily on your palms and feet. Raise your pelvis up, straightening your legs and arms. Do this 10 times.
- Lie on your side, leaning on your palm, arm straight. Separate your pelvis from the floor and rise slightly, pausing. Do 10 repetitions on both sides.
Vitamins for mom's health
Vitamins for recovery after childbirth are needed not only from foods. The body needs to replenish missing substances with drugs.
Now a young mother needs vitamins B, K, E, C, PP, A, and many microelements. They will help strengthen hair, nails, improve the condition of the skin, blood vessels, normalize the functioning of the reproductive system, digestion and metabolism.
Exist special complexes for moms:
- "Vitrum Prenatal"
- "Ferrum Lek"
- "Alphabet".
You should ask your doctor which composition to choose.
When in the house Small child, it is very difficult to find time for yourself. But when correct mode it is possible and even necessary. After all, taking care of your appearance is an element of health and well-being.
Recovery after childbirth is no less serious than pregnancy, preparation for childbirth and childbirth itself. From successful recovery female body everything depends - the health of the baby, the health of the mother, the opportunity to give birth again, and even peace and harmony in the family.
Childbirth, even if it is the second (and subsequent ones), inevitably has a strong impact on both the physiological and psychological state women. And successful recovery after childbirth is only possible with a whole range of measures. In this case, it is necessary to take into account great amount factors.
During the first few days after birth, the following symptoms are most often observed:
- bloody issues from the genitals;
- pain during contractions of the uterus, which indicate the return of the organ to its previous shape and size;
- pain in the perineum;
- difficulties with the administration of natural needs.
The first days after childbirth
Postpartum recovery of a woman’s body during the first weeks is accompanied by bloody discharge from the genitals, which strongly resembles menstruation. They are completely normal. Doctors call them the term "". Restoration of the cervix and the uterus itself after childbirth cannot be painless.
Main external difference Lochia from normal bleeding during menstruation is that lochia is observed for several weeks, and sometimes more. This uterine discharge begins immediately after childbirth. During the first 2-3 days they are very abundant; during one day a woman has to change 5-6 special pads.
What changes occur in the mammary glands? During the first few days, colostrum is released from the breast in large quantities - the very first type of mother's milk, very useful in its composition. A newborn baby needs at least a few drops of this invaluable substance.
After about 3 days, the breasts fill with regular milk. With the beginning of lactation (regular breastfeeding (BF)), the mammary glands become more sensitive.
All first medical care mother and her child receive in the maternity hospital. If the body’s recovery after childbirth proceeds normally and without deviations, then after 3-4 days in case natural birth(and approximately 7-10 days after the cesarean section), the mother and baby are discharged from the maternity hospital.
Postpartum period from 4th to 14th day
If at gynecological examination 2 months after birth, the doctor did not find any abnormalities, he can allow the woman to enter into intimacy with a man. In this case, the doctor must give his recommendations regarding the choice of contraception, as well as recommend drugs to improve the quality of sexual intercourse, if necessary. For example, if there is dryness, the use of lubricants may be recommended. These drugs are considered absolutely harmless.
It happens that during the first intimate contacts after childbirth, a woman experiences severe discomfort. At this time, a sensitive, gentle, loving and caring attitude on the part of the partner is very important. In more detail, how to restore libido and restore sexual desire after childbirth in ours.
Pregnancy and childbirth place a lot of stress on a woman’s body, and it may take time to recover and return to normal. familiar form. Meanwhile, a newborn requires a lot of attention, care and strength, and the main burden of caring for the baby falls on the mother’s fragile shoulders. But support wellness after the birth of the baby is not so difficult, and our recommendations will help you with this.
The well-being of a young mother after childbirth directly depends on how the process proceeds. postpartum period how fast reproductive system The body is restored and returns to its normal, “pre-pregnancy” state. One of the manifestations of this process is lochia - specific bloody discharge from the genital tract, which normally can last from 1.5 weeks to 1.5 months after childbirth. In the first days, lochia can be very abundant, with clots, then it becomes more scanty and lighter in color and gradually declines. As long as this discharge continues, the young mother remains at high risk of developing infectious complications, so the rules intimate hygiene are especially important during this period.
After giving birth, use a bidet or shower instead toilet paper after every visit to the toilet and every time you change a sanitary pad.
- Use only special gynecological (“postpartum”) intimate pads and change them regularly (every 3–4 hours).
- If there are stitches on the perineum, treat them regularly (at least 2 times a day) with antiseptics (brilliant green, iodine or a strong solution of potassium permanganate), and as they dry out - with anti-inflammatory agents that accelerate healing (for example, containing solcoseryl or dexpanthenol).
- During rest, perform air baths in the intimate area several times a day (lying in bed, place an absorbent diaper under the buttocks, take off your underwear and lie for a few minutes with your legs apart and your knees bent).
Tip 2. Help your body get back into shape faster after childbirth
The main criterion for the recovery of a young mother’s body after childbirth is the rate of uterine involution. This term means the return of the uterus to its normal size, the state of the muscular and mucous layer, which is characteristic of it outside of pregnancy. Involution of the uterus occurs due to its periodic contractions, due to which the uterus decreases in size, its cavity is cleared of excess mucous membrane formed during pregnancy (they form lochia), the mouths of the vessels on the damaged mucosa are closed, which prevents the development postpartum hemorrhage, the healing of the placental site (the wound remaining at the placenta’s attachment to the uterus) is accelerated. You can help the process of uterine involution as follows:
- lie more on your stomach - in this position, tension occurs in the abdominal muscles, which is transmitted to the muscles of the uterus (myometrium) and stimulates its contractions;
- release regularly bladder– when filled, it prevents the uterus from contracting and clearing itself of lochia;
- put the baby to the breast on demand, every 1.5–2 hours (during sucking, the mother’s body produces oxytocin, a hormone that stimulates uterine contractions).
After the birth of the baby, the mother needs to be very careful about her diet. Firstly, this is due to the beginning of breastfeeding: the composition of the breast milk that the baby eats depends on the diet of the nursing mother. However, breastfeeding is not the only reason to take your menu seriously: such an important factor of well-being as regular bowel function directly depends on it. During pregnancy, its operating mode could change significantly due to the pressure of the growing uterus. After childbirth, the pressure in the abdominal cavity decreases sharply, the uterus gradually decreases in size over the course of a month - and the intestines again have to adapt to the changes that have occurred. To get things working digestive system, after childbirth, it is recommended to follow simple and effective rules power supply:
- frequent fractional meals during the day (6–8 times a day in small portions);
- drink at least 1.5 liters per day (water, weak tea, fermented milk drinks);
- eating only natural products home-cooked, with gentle heat treatment (steamed, baked, boiled and stewed);
- uniform distribution in the diet of proteins of plant and animal origin;
- the predominance of fruits, dried fruits, berries and vegetables in the menu;
- daily use fermented milk products;
- do not forget about cereals;
- Do not eat baked goods, fatty, hot and spicy foods for 1 month after giving birth.
To avoid complications during breastfeeding, you need to be careful about:
- take a shower twice a day with detergents (baby soap, hypoallergenic shower gels);
- After a shower, apply a product to prevent the formation of cracks on the nipple and areola;
- Before each feeding, wash your hands with soap and rinse your breasts with running water (without using detergents);
- Use a separate towel for your breasts and change it daily (you can use disposable paper towels).
After the birth of a baby, a young mother should pay double attention to her health - after all, good health, proper lactation and the ability to care for the baby directly depend on it. At the slightest sign If you feel unwell, you should immediately consult a doctor. The following symptoms should alert you:
An increase in body temperature above 37.5°C may indicate colds, stagnation of breast milk or infectious complication postpartum period. Failure to see a doctor in a timely manner often leads to worsening of the condition and requires hospitalization.
Cough, runny nose, sore throat – a manifestation of influenza, ARVI or other infection respiratory tract, which, against the background of a general weakening of the immune system after childbirth, can lead to a severe course and dangerous complications.
Nausea, vomiting, and upset bowel movements may indicate enterovirus infection, food poisoning or other disorders of the digestive system. Such diseases are more severe during this period and are dangerous due to complications (impaired functioning of the liver and pancreas).
Abdominal pain may be a symptom inflammatory process or retention of blood clots in the uterus, with untimely application Seeing a doctor threatens the development of metroendometritis (purulent-septic inflammation of the mucous and muscular lining of the uterus).
Abrupt cessation or intensification of lochia, appearance unpleasant odor may be associated with retention of blood clots in the uterus, its low contractility. This condition is dangerous high risk uterine bleeding and the development of a purulent-inflammatory process in the uterus.
Pain, bloody or purulent discharge in the area of seams - possible symptom dehiscence, infection and suppuration of sutures.
Breast pain and impaired milk flow are a sign of the development of lactostasis (stagnation of milk in the mammary gland) and the threat of developing mastitis (inflammation of the mammary gland).
Tip 6: Avoid strenuous exercise after childbirth
By the time of discharge from the maternity hospital, the physical strength of the young mother should be completely restored. And, most likely, immediately after returning home you will have to return to normal household duties. Theoretically, there are no special prohibitions on household chores - washing, ironing, cleaning, cooking - and, if desired, a young mother can take care of these chores herself, the main thing is little by little. The only thing you should firmly refuse in the first 6 weeks after birth is lifting heavy objects (up to 5 kg). After surgical delivery, you will have to avoid heavy bags and physical activity at home (washing the floor with your hands, hand-wringing clothes) for 2 months - such restrictions are associated with the risk of postoperative sutures coming apart.
The first and most easy way provide the body with adequate physical activity after childbirth - walking. And any new mother can implement this sports project. In your “postpartum” life, a new, very important duty- walk with the baby. If you want to regain your slim figure, remember: when you go out with a stroller, you should not sit on the nearest bench! Go for a real walk, twice a day for a couple of hours, and the results will appear in just two weeks. By the way, the position of your hands rolling or pushing a stroller with a baby in front of you is an excellent exercise for the biceps and pectoral muscles! Two weeks after birth, when the spotting decreases and the lochia becomes more sparse and turns pinkish, you can begin restorative exercises. All exercises recommended during pregnancy are suitable for this period. The recovery complex includes consistent warm-up of all parts of the spine, exercises for tensing and relaxing the pectoral muscles, turns to the side, bends, stretches, rotation of the pelvis (an element of “belly dancing”), walking on the toes, heels, and the inside and outside of the foot. If ruptures of the perineal tissue occur during childbirth, you will have to refrain from stretching the perineum until the sutures are completely healed, which must be confirmed by the doctor during examination. The remaining exercises can be performed as usual.
Before starting any physical activity after childbirth, you should consult a specialist. Depending on the course of pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period, your doctor will be able to give individual recommendations for physical activity.
Advice! All women are advised to visit a gynecologist 3-6 weeks after giving birth.
This is the main and most important rule behavior of a young mother, on which not only recovery depends physical strength after childbirth, but also general state health, reducing the risk of postpartum complications, strengthening the immune system, establishing full lactation, condition nervous system, mood and even the baby’s well-being and behavior! After all, after birth, the baby is still very closely connected with the mother psychologically and emotionally. Therefore, most common cause The child’s concern is not his own poor health, but nervousness.
The second most common risk factor associated with lack of sleep and overwork of a young mother is insufficient milk supply. Indeed, against the background of exhaustion of the nervous system, the amount of prolactin (the hormone that controls lactation) decreases. Of course, following this rule is not so easy: the baby often requires attention, he needs to be fed, changed, walked with, bathed, and in between have time to do ordinary household chores: wash, iron, buy and prepare food, tidy up, etc. P. And yet, a young mother should make time for herself to relax. To make this rule achievable, it is very important to set priorities correctly. You need to learn not to take on everything at once, to divide responsibilities into necessary and secondary, while feeling unwell refuse some tasks that can be postponed to another time or another day, do not hesitate to ask your husband and loved ones for help. Despite the seeming abundance of daily tasks and responsibilities in the life of a new mother, only three fall into the category of tasks that cannot be canceled: feeding, dressing the baby and giving him attention on demand. Everything else - cleaning, washing, walking, bathing and other duties - are undoubtedly just as important, but still not more important than the well-being of the young mother, and if necessary, they can and should be sacrificed in favor of a little rest! Otherwise, if, due to overwork, the mother begins to serious problems with health - someone else will definitely have to perform these responsibilities! So take care of yourself, and recovery after childbirth will be quick and without problems.
