Postpartum: Adjusting to Life After Birth

​Adjusting To Life After Birth
You made it Mama! Congratulations on your recent birth. You have successfully navigated pregnancy, endured the labor and delivery and now start the journey of caring for your new little one and yourself. The next six weeks traditionally are called your postpartum period. Chances are you're not feeling like yourself right now, and that’s OK - it’s completely normal. Each individual will experience varying timing, but the important piece is to not push yourself and take next phase slowly.

Taking Care of Yourself
If this is your first baby, you may not know what to expect. First recognize that with all the hard work and finding a new routine, adjusting to life after birth will have its challenges. Your new baby is going to need to be fed, changed often, and needs your attention. And you're more than likely getting less sleep, or struggling to find quality time with your partner, other children, and everyone wants to meet the new addition! Throughout all of this you will want to find time to take care of you. Hang in there. Eventually you will fall into a new routine. Self-care is an important part of your postpartum recovery. Every Mom will tell you, finding a moment for yourself is nothing to feel guilty about.

Here are some tips on practicing self-care.

• Listen To Your Doctor - Pre Schedule your meetings with your healthcare provider and don’t miss them. Your body is going through changes again and sticking with what your doctor is instructing you to do is an important part of your personal recovery.
• Rest When You Can - It may be difficult but getting a quick nap in when your baby is sleeping is key. Don’t feel obligated to entertain when friends and family come to visit.
• Find that quick moment to let them care for your little one and lay down for a moment. They get it!
• Accept Help - Sometimes it takes a village. Don’t be concerned about asking for help. This gives you that moment to take a shower and pamper yourself. You would be surprised what 30 minutes alone can do to restore your focus.
• Eat Healthy - Your body will recover faster, and you will feel better when you take the time to focus on your postpartum diet. Plan your meals ahead of time so you can get a good balance of protein, fruits and vegetables, and whole grains. If you are breastfeeding, be sure to stay hydrated. At times postpartum can find you constipated as well. Add a little extra fiber to your diet if this occurs.
• Exercise - While we recommend that you speak to your healthcare provider prior to any strenuous exercise, getting outside to take a walk can boost your ability to heal. Stick close to what your doctor tells you and find a plan that is right for you.
• Quality Time with Your Partner - This is a difficult one! Chances are you are handing off the baby to each other but find time to spend together. This will help strengthen the bond with your little one and maintain the bond you two already have.

Taking Care of Your Body
Often during the postpartum period, especially after vaginal delivery, you may find that you have developed hemorrhoids. While this is completely normal, the itching and discomfort when you are already not feeling your best can be difficult. While these tend to resolve on their own within six weeks of birth, if treated correctly many women see quicker resolution. Pharma-C Medicated Hemorrhoidal Pads are a convenient and easy way to heal irritated anorectal tissue. Made with soothing Witch Hazel, they provide immediate relief from burning, itching and irritation associated with hemorrhoids. When you are in need of a quick clean up, and conventional bathing isn’t an option, try
Pharma-C-Wipes disposable Water-Activated Bathing Cloths. This unique, no rinse product gently cleanses and leaves no sticky residue. It is designed to either use one cloth at a time or activate the entire pack for a full-body bathing experience. You’ll feel better when you feel cleaner!

Time For Baby
Adjusting to life after birth should be a joyous time. Despite the challenges that come with it, the sheer joy of watching your little one grow and develop is what this next stage is all about. You’ll be fine, Momma! Remember to take care of yourself and caring for your baby will come naturally!

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