Postpartum recovery usually takes up to three months. It is normal to be anxious and the two or three months recovery time may seem to be painstakingly long but time passes quickly when you have a newborn. The only thing you have to do is be cautious of the various changes your body will undergo. Preparation is the key for convenient and faster postpartum recovery. In this guide to postpartum recovery, we shall talk about some of the most common problems and discuss the remedies.
Overcoming the Immediate Constipation
You will feel constipated soon after childbirth. This is not your imagination or perception. You will actually experience constipation for two to three days. Childbirth, either natural or caesarian, has an impact on bowel movements. The intestines are subjected to trauma, the core and abdominal muscles are stressed and perhaps weakened, use of pain relievers and other factors can affect bowel movements. Do not try to hold it when you need to go. Drink enough water and prioritize foods rich in fiber, such as whole grains, fruits and definitely vegetables. Aim for around eight to ten glasses of water daily. Go for short walks. Try to move around a bit so you can facilitate a more natural bowel movement. If you feel constipated after the first two or three days, ask your doctor to prescribe a stool softener.
Cure for Stretch Marks
You should have a plan to take care of the unavoidable stretch marks. Very few women are lucky to not have clearly unsightly stretch marks. You need a combination of diet, exercise, hydration and topical treatment to heal the stretch marks. Use stretch mark creams that increase the secretion of collagen. Moisturize your skin, stay hydrated and eat more vegetables & fruits. Exercise that gently stretches and contracts the muscles in your abdomen and core will also help in the healing of the marks. The marks will not disappear overnight so you have to continue the routine for a while. You can find more guides and tips at perfectbodymate.com.
Dealing with Postpartum Bleeding
Women have lochia or vaginal discharge after childbirth. The discharge contains mucus, uterine tissue and blood. While most women are aware this will happen, not everyone realizes that the discharge will be quite bloody. This discharge can last for up to six weeks. These weeks may feel like a prolonged period. Some women have more lochia or vaginal discharge than their heaviest periods. Using tampons is not ideal as there is a risk of infection. Tampons may also cause irritation and pain. Heavy duty pads are a better alternative. You may have to change the pad once in a few hours depending on the quantum of the discharge. You should consider breastfeeding your newborn more frequently as it helps contract the uterus and can reduce the bloodiness of the vaginal discharge.
Alleviating the Postpartum Pain
You must ensure you have all the comfort you need. Childbirth is a painful process and even if you have a caesarean, there will be the stitch to be worried about. The first few hours are not difficult because the joy of holding your newborn reduces every other sensation. Over the course of the next few days and weeks you shall feel various strange sensations. You will find certain sitting positions rather uncomfortable. The same bed, couch or chair may not seem to be sufficiently comfortable. You should try and find what is best suited for your body at this stage.
Don’t try to endure any kind of pain due to your posture. Get some ice and reduce pain and inflammation wherever you experience it. You can also use medicated pads if there are hemorrhoids. Do not try to stress your feet and bottom when you cannot endure the pressure. Try to lie down or use recliners for a more comfortable posture.
Remedy for Urinary Stress Incontinence
Many women experience urinary stress incontinence after childbirth. The problem may persist for weeks. This is primarily due to weaker pelvic muscles. You cannot start exercising immediately after childbirth. Wait till the stitch heals and then do some gentle exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor. Combine some core workouts but do not subject your body to unnecessary physical stress. Urinary stress incontinence is a temporary problem. It will subside.