- The uterus shrinks and returns to its original size, its mucous membrane is restored (after delivery the uterus weighs 1000 grams, and after 6-8 weeks it weighs 50-60 grams). For successful uterine contractions, it is very important to attach the newborn to the breast during the first hour after birth, and frequent feedings afterwards (once every 2 hours during the day, and a little less often at night). Breastfeeding stimulates the production of oxytocin, which helps the uterus to contract, which, by the way, mom can even feel during breastfeeding – when the lower abdomen feels like contractions. Herbal gatherings of shepherd’s purse, nettle, yarrow or birch leaves can also help reduce the size of the uterus. Until it has contracted, you should be very careful with physical activity, exercise – not all of them will do any good. Do not strive to regain your former slimness in the first postpartum weeks – now you and your body have very different tasks.
What specialists can you go to?
A gynecologist (in the first month) will check the contraction of the uterus, see if there are any blood clots, perhaps hold an ultrasound.
A hirudotherapist will also help speed up the healing of injured soft tissues, reduce swelling, raise the general (and local) immunity of the mother
- Due to hormonal restructuring, ligaments change their elasticity after childbirth, so bones and joints become less mobile. Following them, the internal organs that were displaced due to the large size of the uterus (stomach, lungs, intestines, bladder, etc.) also take their former position. All these changes may be accompanied by pain, and later there may be a pathological fixation, leading to a constant feeling of discomfort, such as in the back.
What specialists can I go to?
Visiting an osteopath is useful for any woman after childbirth for a full recovery and lactation, we especially recommend to visit him if there was a long or rapid delivery, if there was a large baby, there were tears in labor or pain syndrome persists, there are pains in the sacrum.
Osteopath can also help a mother with lactastasis (and a newborn with inability to grasp the nipple correctly when suckling).
- There are changes in the endocrine system: hormones now work primarily for breastfeeding. But it often happens that milk by the end of the first week does not come in sufficient quantity. Or disappears after a month at all (the so-called lactation crises, which can not survive). Or, on the contrary, there is so much of it that mastopathy is threatening.
What specialists can be consulted?
The breastfeeding consultant will help establish lactation, advise how to stimulate milk production, teach how to attach the child to the breast, so as not to have cracked nipples, that is to help organize feeding so that it would bring joy and satisfaction to mother and baby. A psychologist will advise on the main psychological points of the postpartum period, breastfeeding, the first year of your baby’s life, peculiarities of the relationship with your spouse after childbirth.
- Mom’s emotional state changes: postpartum euphoria can be replaced by irritability or unreasonable sadness, indifference or, on the contrary, impulsiveness. If a mother cries or regrets something in the first 24 hours after delivery, according to perinatal psychologists, it may be a manifestation of postpartum depression. Emotions during this period have a big impact on the process of postpartum recovery – to help it or, conversely, slow it down.
What specialists can I turn to?
Homeopath will help to balance the emotional mood, to harmonize the overall state. Psychologist will tell you what is happening with the body, with the psyche of the mother, what tasks are relevant at this stage. What to do to prevent postpartum depression, where, in what or “in whom” to look for resources for recovery. And if depression does occur, it will help you cope with your condition and return to a fuller life.
Meetings with specialists or lectures on children’s issues will help switch to the solution of new pressing issues: how to organize the daily routine, how to learn to rest, how you can travel with a baby, as well as solve a number of “pediatric” problems (from vaccinations to hardening or treatment with non-medicinal agents – for example, our “School of moms and dads”). Although an active social life is recommended at the earliest 3 months after birth, when you can easily leave the house with your baby using a sling.
You can take advantage of different options for help – both classic medical, psychological, and organizational, and turn to more ancient therapies that lead to general wellness. Now you can choose and, most importantly, do it consciously!