H
aving a baby is an exciting journey, fi lled with uncondi- tional love, new discoveries and heartfelt emotion. As you spend time bonding with your
newborn, remember that recovering from the physical aspects of childbirth takes time. Understanding what to expect after you’ve been expecting can help you feel more prepared for the weeks after childbirth, with so much more to learn. Lamaze International shares the following reminders. 1. You are your baby’s natural habitat. Before and after birth, you are your baby’s favorite place to be. Your baby is already connected to you after hearing your voice during pregnancy and knowing the rhythm of your body. When you hold your newborn, your baby will learn your smell. Hearing your voice, seeing your face and being held against your body can provide the comfort your baby needs.
2. Do less to do more. The time after you give birth can be overwhelming. You want to be completely attentive to your new baby, but also feel responsible for tak- ing care of your family and home. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed, but you can help cre- ate a restful postpartum period. Ask family and friends to help with errands; cook and freeze meals in advance; limit visiting hours; schedule play dates for older children at their friends’ homes. Relying on others, organizing and prioritizing will help you get used to your new family routine.
3. What they need is love. Babies need food, clothing and sleep — but they also need to feel loved, secure and connected. Babies are hardwired to interact. Whether that’s gazing into your newborn’s eyes, kissing your baby’s feet during a bath or singing and dancing around the house, take the time to interact with and fulfi ll your child’s emotional needs. Consider it food for your baby’s brain!
www.youandyourfamily.com
Exercising, talking with friends and maintaining a healthy diet can help new moms deal with PPMD
4. Trust your instincts. Many women experience a temporary period of baby blues the fi rst two weeks after giving birth. Some women — approximately 15 to 19 percent — have symptoms that could be Postpartum Mood Disorder (PPMD). If you feel sad, anxious, overwhelmed, guilty or helpless, you should seek help from your provider or childbirth educator. Talking with friends, exercising, taking a break from baby care, taking time to get organized and maintaining a healthy diet can help new moms deal with PPMD. Never be afraid to ask for help. More women go through emotional distress than is discussed. To understand PPMD and learn more, visit
www.lamaze.org/babyblues.
5. Enjoy a little TLC. Your pregnancy last- ed around 40 weeks. Take time to rest and relax. It’s time to be gentle with yourself — both physically and emotionally — as your body starts a new rhythm with your baby.
Michele Ondeck, RN, Med, IBCLC, LCCE, FACCE, is Lamaze International President and Clinical Educational Specialist at Magee-Wom- ens Hospital University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Lamaze International promotes a natural, healthy and safe approach to preg- nancy, childbirth and early parenting practices. To take a class online or fi nd classes in your area, visit
www.lamaze.org.
47
ISTOCK.COM
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86