Disclosure: collaborative post
Pregnancy and birth are wonderful things, but they are also incredibly stressful on the body. It is so stressful on the body, in fact, that things like hair loss, high blood pressure, premature birth, and more are all a concern. You aren’t even out of the woods after you give birth, either, with many women experiencing long-term and even life-long side effects after birth if there were significant complications.
Though you should absolutely love your body and all its changes, it is perfectly natural to also feel like a stranger in your own skin, especially if you experienced the more significant symptoms of pregnancy. Getting back to the old you can be as important for your health as it is for your wellbeing, and with this guide, you can start your own journey:
1. How to Help Your Perineum Heal
To help your perineum heal after birth, you will want to start by icing it. Ice it every two hours in the first day or so, but remember don’t put ice directly on it! An ice pack or cold pack is best. After you urinate, spray the area with warm water to reduce issues like irritation. Another tip is to have a sitz bath for at least 20 minutes, which can be repeated throughout the day to reduce pain at the source.
2. Eat Plenty of Fibre-Rich Foods
Constipation following birth is very common, but it is important to be patient. The best that you can do is eat plenty of fresh fruit, vegetables, and foods rich in fibre to help naturally increase your bowel movements.
3. Exercise Postpartum
Getting your body back after pregnancy is possible, but it is important to be realistic. Some people naturally bounce back with seemingly little effort, but this isn’t because of a secret exercise routine – it’s genetic. You will want to be slow instead. Small exercises are okay once you feel up for it, but high-intensity exercises should wait until you get the all-clear at your six-week postnatal check-up.
4. Dealing with Hair Loss
Hair loss can occur both during your pregnancy and after birth, and it’s primarily due to hormones. It should, therefore, start to grow back on its own given enough time. Not every mum is going to see their hair grow back, however. There are a variety of situations where thinning can be permanent, in which case hair loss treatment is the best way to go forward. Female hair loss is more common than you think, and FUE is a very effective treatment to help you regain your hair’s volume.
5. Managing Postpartum Acne
Hormone changes can also result in acne, which can be fairly stressful for those recovering from birth. Birth control pills can help with this, as can several other topical acne treatments. Do be careful, though, and talk with your doctor, however, as some options won’t be a good choice if you are breastfeeding. In most cases, topical creams like benzoyl peroxide are safe to use when breastfeeding. Medications, however, must be approved by your doctor before you begin.
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