MM Body MOT
Love being a mum? Hate the way your body has changed? Follow Modern Mum’s tips and you’ll soon be feeling much better…
Love your baby... hate your body?
There’s no doubt that when you have a baby your life completely changes. Unfortunately, so does your body, but don’t despair! Although it may take some time and effort, your body WILL recover.
Go with the flow For up to six weeks after giving birth you may have a discharge (known as lochia), which often begins as heavy blood flow - sometimes with clots - and will then turn a yellow-pink colour as it begins to taper off. Invest in a packet of disposable knickers for the first few days when your discharge is at its heaviest. Sanitary towels can then be used when the flow becomes lighter and if you change them frequently they will help to keep you feeling fresh.
The best for your breasts Between three and five days after giving birth your milk will come in and you may find your breasts become swollen, tender and leaky, so breast pads can be a great investment at this time, particularly in the early stages. Sore nipples are another common problem, but, in many cases, they're simply the result of poor positioning, so ask your midwife for some advice. Believe it or not, the old tip about putting cold cabbage leaves in your bra to soothe the pain really does work! Alternatively, you could apply calendula cream.
24 Modernmum C-section healing
Your body will generally take longer to recover from a C-section delivery than from a vaginal delivery, mainly as a result of the stitches, which will be sore for some time. In most cases, the scar should heal within about eight to ten days and, if the stitches are soluble, they may simply dissolve and will not need to be removed. Once the scar has healed, calendula or vitamin C cream can be applied to the area. This will not only help to make the scar fade, but will also keep the skin supple.
Beat the soreness Haemorrhoids (piles) are also quite common after birth. Although the media tends to use piles as a source of humour, haemorrhoids (piles) can actually cause you a great deal of pain when you go to the toilet or even sit down. They will clear up on their own after a period of time, but you can help yourself to ease the soreness. Sitting on a pillow will cushion the impact and relieve the pressure when you sit down. If you experience a stinging sensation when you go to the toilet, simply pour a jug of warm water over yourself as you pee.
Don’t be floored! After you give birth weak pelvic floor muscles are the rule, not the exception, so it’s vital that you do the pelvic floor
exercises, which your midwife will show to you in hospital. Even if you had stitches, make sure that you do your exercises as they increase the blood flow to the area and will promote healing.
Bye-bye after-pains After-pains often kick in as your uterus gets back to its pre-pregnancy size. These pains, which feel like contractions, can be particularly uncomfortable during the first few breastfeeds, but they’ll ease off very quickly and should vanish altogether within a few days. To get through the pain, use the same breathing exercises that you were taught to do during labour and the pains should pass quite quickly. Paracetamol can be used to help with the pain, but remember that you should never exceed the recommended dose.
No flab – just fab! When you’re a new mum – and particularly a first-time mum – worrying about your tummy muscles may be the last thing on your mind! Whatever you do, however, don’t diet straight after giving birth. Instead, just try some gentle exercise such as sit-ups as and when you feel like it. Remember that it took nine months for your figure to stretch to the necessary size for your growing baby, so it’s not likely to disappear overnight. Give yourself time and space to get used to being a mum before you start stressing out over a few flabby tummy muscles!
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