If you have had a caesarean section, you need to remember that this is a major surgical procedure, which will take longer to heal from afterwards than a vaginal birth. You may find that your movement is much more restricted, so you need to take more care when walking around and when getting in and out of bed etc. If possible, you may need more help and for a longer period of time from your family and friends. Check your wound daily to make sure it is healing well. There should not be any redness that is spreading, or any smells or oozing coming from the wound site. If you are worried, contact your midwife or GP for advice. You shouldn’t drive until you are sure that your surgery won’t affect your reaction times. Check with your car insurance company to see if they have any specific driving restrictions relating to surgery. It is very common for women to feel tearful for a few days after birth, so
don’t be alarmed if you suddenly burst into tears for no apparent reason, this is not unusual and is known as ‘the baby blues’. It is caused by the powerful cocktail of hormones your body produces during pregnancy, which is now changing to a different mix of hormones needed for nursing your baby and for your body’s recovery processes. However, it is wise to recognise that there is a difference between this and postnatal depression (PND). Postnatal depression affects up to one in ten women to varying degrees
and can last for several months - or longer. You are also more likely to suffer from PND if you have previously had PND, depression, anxiety, mental health problems or other social problems affecting your life. Women who have previously had mental health issues may recognise some of the signs. If you do feel low in mood for longer than a few days, or if you recognise
some reoccurring symptoms, talk to your midwife or GP who will be able to help you and signpost you to other organisations so that you are able to get the right help and support. Possible signs that you may be developing PND are:
• Feeling sad or down for longer than a few days and your mood is not showing signs of improving.
• Not being able to make decisions as easily as you used to be able to. • A lack of interest in yourself or your loved ones and not enjoying activities that you used to.
• Feeling tired and low in energy consistently, even after resting or sleeping well.
• Unable to sleep, even though you feel tired. • Finding it difficult to bond with and love your newborn baby.
• You are having scary thoughts about hurting yourself or your baby.
What is important to remember is that no one is going to judge you for seeking help, as this is a common condition. The sooner that you seek help, the sooner you can access support and start to feel better again. So, remember, after birth it’s not all about the baby,
it is essential that you take care of your own physical and mental health needs, so that you are in the best shape to continue your journey into family life.
How My Expert Midwife can help you
Spritz for Bits £19.50/€22 Get instant relief from post-delivery discomfort caused by childbirth with this hospital-bag must-have.
No Harm Nipple Balm £16.50/€18.50 Perfect for mum and baby, it’s 100 per cent natural, made with exceptionally pure medical grade lanolin and doesn’t need to be removed before breastfeeding.
Fantastic Skin Elastic £23.50/€26.50 Provides instant hydration to soothe and moisturise irritated, tight skin as well as promoting bowel movement.
Peri Prep Your Bits £15.50/€17.50 The perfect preparation for childbirth; this product encourages the perineum to stretch more easily. Massage daily from 34 weeks of pregnancy. This reduces the risk of tears and bruising and aids recovery.
Mum to be Gift Set £69/€77.50 Includes all four award-winning products and comes packed in a beautiful, white drawstring bag.
To purchase visit
www.myexpertmidwife.com /
www.myexpertmidwife.ie
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