Some compare giving birth to running a marathon, while others say it’s like pushing out a watermelon. Whatever your take on it, one thing is for certain: it’s just plain exhausting.
Having a baby has a huge impact on you, both physically and emotionally, and your body needs some serious TLC afterwards.
Which can be tricky with the whole not-sleeping-or-functioning-and-trying-to-look- after-a-newborn thing...
Soothing your body after birth isn’t just about recovering from perineal pain and soreness, or waiting for your C-section scar to heal.
It’s about lots of other little things: soothing irritated skin with a calming cream, soaking in a herbal bath, finding a volumising shampoo to make tired hair (that’s also shedding postpartum) look fuller and thicker.
Here are some easy ways to soothe your body after birth (and yes, snuggling on the sofa, or in bed, with the little one as much as possible in the early days is encouraged!).
* Mastitis - Treatment via NHS Choices
** Engorged Breasts - Avoiding and Treating via La Leche League GB
*** Camomile: A herbal medicine of the past with a bright future viaMolecular Medicine Reports
**** Effects of the herbal formulation ColiMil on upper gastrointestinal transit in mice in vivo via Phytotherapy Research
+ Common pregnancy problems - Skin and hair changes in pregnancy via NHS Choices
++ Itching and intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy via NHS Choices
+++ Stretch marks via NHS Choices
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Products mentioned - Oilatum Cream and Oilatum Shower Gel Fragrance-Free (light liquid paraffin), are medicines for eczema and related dry skin conditions. Always read the label.
SEE ALSO:
Here’s The Advice Every New Parent Needs To Know