Women who have given birth to children, you know well the feeling of those first days after becoming a mother. Regardless of whether you had a natural or caesarean birth, the body needs time to return to its previous state or shape.
Obstetrician-gynecologist Alyssa Dweck says that there are some things that mothers should not do, especially in the first weeks after having a baby.
#1 Don't overload your body
Avoid doing things more than your body can handle after giving birth, especially when it comes to exercise or heavy housework. To put the pelvic muscles or other parts of the body to work, you should do some light movements or walking, according to doctor Rikki Balwdin.
#2 Don't smoke
Exposure of newborns to smoke is one of the main factors causing cardiovascular change in newborns.
#3 Don't skip meals
Although you're primarily focused on feeding your newborn, you should be careful about nutrition, says Dr. Carolyn Kuhn. "A balanced diet is essential during recovery after childbirth, for the mother, but also for the values ??that the baby receives through breast milk."
#4 Don't ignore the signs of postpartum depression
The first weeks after giving birth bring many changes to the body, including hormonal and physical changes. Many women experience feelings of sadness, adds Dr. Melanie Lagomichos. If you are experiencing this condition, rely on family members, partners, friends, etc. for help.
#5 Don't turn down offers of help
Caring for a newborn is not easy and it is not suggested that you handle it alone. Ask for help when you need it and call your doctor if you have questions or concerns.
#6 Don't neglect self-care
When you have a newborn, your day and night take a different direction. From the baby's crying, to changing diapers, to feeding, and they all make you feel different. But, you should not neglect the body during this time. Sleep at a more restful time, eat healthy, dress well, etc.
#7 Don't lift heavy weights
Do not lift anything heavy during the postpartum period, especially the first few weeks. If you do, you can cause a hernia or damage stitches that have not yet healed after birth.
#8 Don't forget to use contraceptives
Many new mothers, due to their focus on the newborn, forget that the chances of getting pregnant again, especially during breastfeeding, are there. "A common misconception is that you can't get pregnant while breastfeeding," says Dr. Lagomichos. So, be careful by protecting yourself. For the good of your physical and mental health, mothers need approximately 18 months for the body to recover and get ready for another pregnancy.
#9 Don't ignore troubling symptoms
After giving birth, you may experience certain pains, discomforts, etc. If the symptoms become worrying, then consult your doctor.
#10 Don't compare yourself to others
Social networks can be a way to gather information, but at the same time a dangerous trap towards comparing yourself to others. No body is the same, no parenting style is the same, so stop doing this for the sake of your mental and physical health.
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Source: Parents
