With all the hustle and bustle of bringing your baby home, you may have forgotten to take care of that other important person...you! Now more than ever, you need to remember to nurture yourself, so you can better nurture your baby.
Yourself Post Birth
In the midst of all the hustle and bustle of bringing your baby home, you may have forgotten to take care of that other important person... YOU! It’s crucial to nurture yourself in order to better nurture your little one. Post pregnancy care is integral for a mother who has just endured the stress of labour to ensure that her newborn bundle of joy gets the care & nutrition that she needs for her all-round development.
They say, "When a baby is born, so is a mother (and father)." You’ve already experienced what a reward it is to have a beautiful baby enter your life. Although it’s been just a few days, she’s already got you on your toes, hasn’t she? If you feel that taking care of a baby is not an easy task, you’re not alone!
First of all, you're going to feel a bit worn out, don’t worry — you just gave birth! Even under the best circumstances, labor is mentally and physically exhausting. If you lost a lot of blood, became dehydrated during labor or are anemic after childbirth, it may take you a few extra days or weeks before you start feeling like yourself again. Here, after labor care for mothers becomes necessary to make sure you regain your health as soon as possible to attend to your baby and enjoy this new journey with her.
Ask for Help
Do not try to wait it out, hoping for your health to get better. Accept offers of help when they come your way!
That might include a friend who offers to do the laundry, your mother-in-law who brings in a few prepared meals or your partner who offers to look after your baby while you take a nap. If no one offers to pitch in during the early days, or if you live far from your family, consider hiring a housekeeper for some time to ensure you get your post-pregnancy care.
If hiring someone is not an option, simplify and cut down on chores. For example, instead of cooking a meal each night, simply cook in bulk for the week! Make post-delivery care simple and convenient, and spend more quality time with your new-born.
Relax
Your muscles are likely to be tense from lifting, carrying, feeding, rocking and soothing your baby during all hours of the day (and night!) Now is the time to get yourself a good massage & some tender loving care after your delivery.
You probably already know the benefits of massaging your little one, but now more than ever, you need the pampering, soothing effects of a massage for you too! A good rubdown can help relax your muscles with firm strokes along your shoulders, arms, lower back, thighs and calves. Remember to use a gentle lotion or oil to help make the massage more comfortable.
JOHNSON'S® Baby Oil is a good choice for your grown-up skin as well—it’s hypoallergenic and locks in more than double the moisture as compared to many of the leading lotions. This is an essential after pregnancy care tip to release muscle tension and give yourself the tender, loving care that you deserve.
Stay Hydrated
Dehydration can really wear you down, without you even realizing it. Here’s an after delivery tip - If you're breastfeeding, you run an even greater risk of becoming dehydrated, so remember to drink plenty of fluids. You may also want to omit caffeinated beverages and foods if you suspect that your baby is reacting to it.
The best thirst quencher is water, so drink lots of it—about 6 to 8 glasses a day. An easy way to remember is to drink a glass of water whenever you sit down to feed your baby. Avoid heavy foods that can weigh you down. Instead, eat moisture-rich foods like fruits and vegetables, with a little pasta for carbs.
Also, don't forget that your skin needs moisture too. Replenish your skin's moisture, and take a much needed moment for yourself with a shower or bath. In addition to helping hydrate your skin, a shower or bath will help to relax your sore muscles. Use a gentle, moisturizing cleanser with a mild fragrance to make this an all the more rejuvenating experience. After delivery care doesn’t always have to be stressful, do they?
If you've had a caesarean section, talk to your doctor about the precautions you need to keep in mind while you’re bathing and showering.
Eat Healthy
To ensure optimum post pregnancy care for both you & your new born, it is important to eat foods that are rich in nutrients. Think of breastfeeding if you need motivation to follow a healthy diet. The healthier you eat, the better you will be able to nurse your new-born. Focus on eating whole grains and cereals, legumes, fresh fruits and vegetables. Go for foods that provide plenty of protein, calcium, and iron.
Sleep
Sleep is an important part of your after pregnancy care regime! Try to follow the simple rule- “You sleep when your baby sleeps.” Resist treating your baby's naptime as time to do household chores. Try to take rest when your baby sleeps. Avoid all caffeinated beverages after lunch. Make your bedroom as quiet and comfortable as possible. You will sleep better if your bedroom is cool and dark. You could also play some good music to calm yourself.
Just a thought: Why not try JOHNSON'S® 3-step routine for yourself? You may not get a full night's sleep anytime soon, but the least you can do is make the most of any opportunity you do get to sleep, even if it's just a nap.
As a mother, you have already endured a beautiful but hard 9 months of pregnancy, and of course labor. It has not been an easy journey, but today you have a little bundle of joy in your arms to make up for those sleepless nights and monthly doctor’s visits. It is now time for you to concentrate on yourself so that you can give your new-born your undivided attention. Thus, after labor care for a new mom is not just necessary, but also well-deserved for all that your body has gone through. All we at JOHNSON'S® work towards is to make sure that you cherish each and every moment of motherhood for the years to come!
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