The postpartum period
The postpartum period is the period in which the body tries to return progressively, within a period of 40 days, in the state before pregnancy. This is a transitional period during which many physical, hormonal and psychological changes occur.
The lochia
The lochia is bloody fluid, discharged from the uterus and caused by the injury from the separation of the placenta and the endometrium. They consist of blood, decidual debris, mucus and other uterine cells, epithelial of the cervix and of the vagina. Firstly, they contain blood but later they are converted to porous and mucous until disappearing at the end of the postpartum period. By the 10th day and afterwards they decrease significantly. During the postpartum period, you can use special pads for special uses that offer protection against leaks and odors, but also sensitive skin care (sanilady.gr).
Proper nutrition during puerperium
If you plan to breastfeed, you should start a diet rich in calories and protein. Otherwise, you can return to the eating habits you had before pregnancy. Trying to lose pregnancy pounds (always with a balanced diet and never with crash diets) should ideally begin after the first menstruation comes again. The reason is that after your first menstruation, the fluid retention (that happened due to hormonal changes during pregnancy and childbirth) will be reduced. Only after that you can have a clear “image” for your weight and how far you are from what is considered ideal for your body. At the same time, it is important to keep taking iron supplements / folic acid, according to the instructions of your gynecologist.
Take care of yourself!
Your body needs a substantial period of time to recover after the nine months of pregnancy. Your first task is your baby’s care, but your own as well, through a balanced and healthy diet, rest and tranquility, in order to gradually rediscover your pace. Remember that your body is recovering from childbirth and overexertion of labor, so you should listen to your needs and not rush to get back sooner than normal. Walking and swimming are two of the best exercises you can start a few weeks after your childbirth, in order to slowly regain your fitness, always in agreement with your doctor’s opinion. Remember that exercise contributes to the secretion of endorphins, hormones of joy as they are called, so apart from the physical wellness they help a lot in your mood.
Postnatal depression
The coming of a newborn baby can give the new mother a sense of sadness making it very difficult to assume her new role. The postnatal depression can appear in her life and may even occur in women who had not faced it in previous pregnancies. This situation can also vary from woman to woman. The support of her partner and her extended family is very important, apart from getting proper rest and good nutrition. It is a difficult period in a woman’s life and she might need the help of a specialized doctor.
Source: www.babylino.gr
In collaboration with Dr Olga. E. Bikou, Obstetrician-Surgeon-Gynaecologist
