Now that you’ve begun to adapt to the topsy-turvy world of motherhood, try to carve out some time for yourself each day.
Your baby today
If your baby vomits large amounts and isn’t thriving, this may suggest a problem such as gastroesophageal reflux . This is caused by the immaturity of the stomach muscles and does resolve over time and with treatment.
To help you deal
with broken nights and constant demands, you need to develop coping
skills, such as taking an afternoon nap. You may also be dealing with
feelings of isolation and may even find it hard to keep track of what
day it is as days and nights merge into one. To revive your spirits,
arrange for a friend or relative to take care of your baby while you
have a break. You and your partner also need to make more of an effort
to make time for each other.
Tips for mom
Tummy-flattening
Strengthening your
abdomen enables your body to work more efficiently during any activity
and helps you regain your pre-pregnancy tone.
Sit up straight; pull in your tummy for 60 seconds at least once each hour.
Stand tall and straight to keep you abdominal muscles firm.
Massage your abdomen with oil or body lotion in circular movements.
When
you feel able, you can start doing gentle sit-ups to strengthen your
abdomen, but wait for at least six weeks after a cesarean.
Breast-feeding problems
For some women, breast-feeding is a straightforward process
that both mother and baby take to without a hiccup. However, for many
women breast-feeding can be surprisingly hard and extra support is
needed to overcome problems. Engorged (swollen) breasts and sore nipples
are a common complaint; knowing how to avoid or treat these problems
can be the difference between continuing with breast-feeding or giving
up.
The secret to avoiding sore nipples is to make sure that your baby latches on to your breast properly .
Engorged breasts can make it hard for your baby to latch on, so try
expressing a little milk before a feeding to relieve some pressure.
Whenever possible, let the air get to your nipples, and use breast pads
at other times to keep the nipples dry.
You can relieve
engorged breasts by continuing with breast-feeding and expressing milk
frequently inbetween feedings to relieve the pressure. Placing a warm,
clean washcloth on your breast or putting a chilled cabbage leaf inside
your bra can also be soothing.
Positioning your baby well at the breast and ensuring that he latches on properly will help to avoid sore, painful nipples.
Putting a chilled cabbage leaf inside your bra can be surprisingly soothing, especially if your breasts are feeling inflamed.
