Body Changes After Pregnancy – What to Expect

Pregnancy truly is a blessed state, during which most moms-to-be just beam with a particular glow unmatched by anything else, a glow that cannot be replicated. Of course, every future mom experiences pregnancy in a different way – we are all different after all. That is why every postpartum experience is different as well and every woman goes through her specific changes. Still, there are some common issues every new mom-body goes through, and so we have come up with a list of the most frequent issues women endure after giving birth, along with some useful tips on how to tackle the issues and go back to your normal self as soon as possible.

 The New Mommy Tummy

Yes, you are not very happy with the appearance of your tummy, and all the weight in that area did not just magically disappear with the arrival of your bundle of joy. The first thing you must learn (as a mom and a woman) is to have a bit of patience. Your uterus needs time to contract and it will take up to six weeks for it to go back to normal and stop pressing your navel. Stretch marks are also very common, but their occurrence is completely normal as your tummy skin has had quite the workout. One thing that can help with that is a natural and organic stretch mark oil, not only after the pregnancy but during it as well. It is better to go organic, as these types of products will not harm your skin, or your baby. Be patient and persistent in your stretch mark battle. Bonus: it is best to apply it after showering; moist skin will absorb the oil more quickly, giving it a better chance at making an impact. The rest of the tummy weight will slowly start to melt away since you will be running around more than ever, so just give it time and enjoy being a mom

Where Are My Gorgeous Locks?

All future moms read about this, but it still comes as a shock when you notice that your hair is falling out so rapidly, and yes, you even become a bit concerned. This however, is one of the most common occurrences after the labor, plus, during the pregnancy you were actually losing way less hair than the average person (thanks to hormones) so this discrepancy can seem shockingly huge. If, however, you want your thick hair back as soon as possible and cannot bear to wait six months for your hormones to go back to normal, you can always consult your doctor who can prescribe some vitamins for hair health and shampoos that can expedite the hair-regain process.

Whose Breasts Are These?

Right after giving birth you might find your breast unrecognizable, as they will probably become flushed, swollen, sore and engorged with milk for a day or two after the birth. Once this swelling goes down, in about three to four days (or until you stop breastfeeding), your breasts will probably begin to sag as a result of the stretched skin. You may also experience milk leakage for several weeks, even if you don’t breastfeed.

This is all perfectly normal, text-book actually, so do not worry. Still, there are safe and organic breast lotions that your Lamaze teacher can and usually does recommend, to help with swelling (as well as tenderness and soreness that come from breastfeeding). If your teacher did not mention these, feel free to ask your doctor for a safe lotion. You deserve to be as comfortable and swelling-free as possible.

A Plague of Acne

Unfortunately, after you give birth, your skin will lose some of the pregnancy glow. Even though you will be super-busy with your baby, you should steal every moment to sleep (of course), stay hydrated, but also take care of the skin of your face. The appearance of acne is mostly due to soaring progesterone and estrogen fluctuations that in turn lead to increased sebum production and clogged pores. In this case cleansers, toners and moisturizers containing benzoyl peroxide are best to penetrate and unclog the pores, and they are completely safe for breastfeeding moms.

Always remember, you are a goddess that has just gone through the most divine thing – creating life. Make sure you enjoy every minute of it, even the sleepless nights and the exhaustion. When you look at your little bundle of joy, and see the beauty you have brought into the world, you’ll know it was all worth it. Use every chance you get to sleep, and eventually even hit the gym and get your old body back. In the meantime, do not worry so much, everything will go back to normal with just a little bit of help, and we hope you will find these tips helpful. Now go, and enjoy motherhood!

When Planning On The Birth Of Your New Baby – Don’t Forget This Important Detail Like I Did

Before having my first child, I read every book I could on parenting.  I studied how to care for newborns and how to get them on a sleep schedule. I obsessed over all the nursery must-haves for baby safety. I poured over article after article detailing out survival tips for making it through the first years. I even took several parenting classes at the hospital in preparation for the birth.  

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Once the time arrived for my bundle of joy to make his presence in the world, the one thing I didn’t prepare for was how to nurse him. I naively thought this little being would show me how it all worked, but unfortunately, that was not the case.

After the birth and during my short hospital stay, I summoned every nurse I could to help me. I’d ask if I was nursing correctly, I’d seek advice on how to help my son latch well – but something just didn’t feel right. I could tell my baby was not getting the amount of milk he needed. He seemed frustrated after each attempt at feeding, but the nurses would reassure me that babies have small stomachs and do not need much the first few days. Once I was released from the hospital, the panic set in. My plan to nurse him was not working out the way I had envisioned.

It was very important to me to be able to nurse my son. I wanted the nutritional benefits for him, I wanted the benefits for my recovering body, and lastly I wanted the financial benefits. When the realization set in that this may not be an option, I became severely depressed. I felt like a failure. I had let my family down. When I asked friends and family for advice, everyone had a different answer. This made matters worse. Instead of getting much needed support, I was being told everything I was doing was wrong – and for a new mom that’s the worst thing you can hear.

At my son’s one-week checkup he had lost more than a pound of his birth weight and the doctor told me it was time to consider the alternative. I broke down. When I got home, I went straight for my pump. After expressing 4 ounces of breast milk, I put it in a bottle and tried giving it to my son. To my surprise he guzzled down every last drop and the fussiness subdued. I felt victorious. From that day on, I pumped every day, 5-6 times, for the next eleven months. Eleven months! I also had enough milk frozen to get him to the one-year mark formula free.

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When my second son was born I prepared mentally to do the same thing with him. But, luckily, he took to nursing quite easily. Him and I’s nursing journey lasted just over two years. When our nursing relationship came to an end, I actually mourned. Mourned that he was my last baby and mourned that I didn’t get to experience the same journey with his older brother.

Looking back, I wish I would have known more with my first son. I could have been more prepared. I wish I would have known about all the resources out there. If I had, I wouldn’t have felt so alone. One great resource, The Honest Company, provides feeding resources for both formula and breastfeeding mommas. I also wish I wouldn’t have given up so easily. That would have saved hours of my life from being a slave to my pump. The day I retired my pump was a great day indeed!

So, my advice to new moms is to never give up. If nursing is your plan – don’t stop until you and your baby figure it out together. Yes, it will be hard and there will be days you’ll think it’s impossible. Your breasts will feel like rocks and like there’s electric currents running through them at times. But, it gets better! I promise. The bond you’ll feel with your baby is unmatched. Find support groups on Facebook, there are plenty to chose from. Find other new moms in your area to encourage and support you. And finally, always listen to your mommy instincts and go with what you know is best for you and your baby. That, in the end, is what matters most.

Guest Post: Nutrition Advice During Pregnancy by Natalie Michele, General Physician

Pregnancy is a nine-month period which brings visible as well as hidden changes to woman’s body. One of the most distinguishable characteristics of gestation surely is the weight variation caused by the increased demands for the caloric intake that is crucial for proper fetus development.

Getting adequate nutrition during pregnancy is just as important as during the postpartum period that lasts 6 weeks after the birth. During this time, new mothers tend to forget about themselves because of the stress, “baby blues” or because newborns simply require constant attention.

The negligence of your needs cannot be manifested into anything positive and beneficial; therefore to help you embrace the nutrition habits that will not only benefit you but your loved one as well, here are some gathered guidelines and quick tips that will help you get back on track and lead to the promising future.

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Goals

Eating healthy and nutritious food during postpartum helps the mother, as well as the child, achieve short and long-term benefits. Here three main prosperities that a well-balanced menu will help you achieve:

  • Keep the energy levels up, even when you are sleep deprived.
  • Production of nutritious breast milk that will keep you baby healthy.
  • Lose baby weight that is no longer needed.

Calorie intake

Food enriched with fibers, vitamins, and minerals is a fuel that helps “body engines” run smoothly and efficiently throughout the whole day.

The recommended calorie addition to the standard 1800-2000 Kcal/day chart for the postpartum period is 500 Kcal/day, which makes a total of 2300-2500 Kcal/day, depending on your current health state.   

  • Protein

Foods that have high levels of protein contain a hunger-fighting hormone that lowers the appetite making you full for hours at the time. They are also a great source of vitamin B12 and iron that boost the energy levels up, even when conquering a day with tired eyes.

Here are some foods high in protein:

  • Eggs
  • Chicken breasts
  • Oats
  • Cottage cheese
  • Broccoli
  • Tuna
  • Lean beef
  • Fish and shrimps
  • Brussels sprouts
  • Quinoa

To make sure the chosen source of protein provides all capable benefits it is advisable to keep a track on the content of saturated fats as well as to chose the leans cuts of meat over the processed products, such as sausages, salami, and hot dogs.

  • High-fiber carbohydrates

Excessive consumption of carbohydrates is one of many reasons why people gain weigh very quickly. Cutting off the “carbs” during the postpartum is not an option because they are needed for the production of breast milk. It seems as the only question remaining is how to balance the carbohydrate intake without interrupting the lactation and your baby weight losing plan.

Foods enriched with high-fiber carbohydrates take longer to break down; which means that the 6-8 hours digestive cycle will ensure your body receives all necessary components without draining the consumed meal to the fullest putting your weight at risk. Because the high-fiber nutrients don’t digest thoroughly they also provide the body with long-lasting energy without increasing the blood sugar.

Here is a list of high-fiber carbohydrates foods:

  • Brown rice, wild rice
  • Whole oats
  • Quinoa
  • Whole wheat pasta and bread
  • Peas, black beans, lima beans
  • Avocados
  • Broccoli, Brussels sprouts
  • Pears
  • Raspberries, blueberries
  • Monounsaturated fats

 

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To lose weight in postpartum without making any negative impacts on your body and lactation, a person has to pay closer attention to the fats that certain foods consist of. The consumption of nutrients that have high levels of saturated and trans fats should be limited or replaced with monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats, including omega-3 fatty acids.

A well-balanced diet that is enriched with monounsaturated fats not only helps keep the cholesterol at acceptable levels but also, according to Reina Sofia University Hospital in Cordoba, Spain, helps a person get rid of the lower belly fat that is one of the most troublesome areas when losing weight, especially after the pregnancy.

Foods high in monounsaturated fats:

  • Olives and olive oil
  • Canola oil
  • Nuts and nut oil
  • Avocados
  • Dark chocolate
  • Sesame, flaxseed

Foods enriched with omega-3 fatty acids:

  • Walnuts and walnut oil
  • Flaxseeds
  • Atlantic salmon
  • White tuna
  • Sardines
  • Fresh basil and dried oregano

Omega-3 fatty acids, according to many medical studies, help lower the different types of depression including the postpartum depression. To make sure you receive the benefits from this nutrient The Institute of Medicine advises the breastfeeding women to consume approximately 1.3 grams of omega-3 per day (1 tablespoon of walnut oil contains 1.4 grams of omega-3).

Postpartum is a stressful period that takes a toll on every mother in different ways. Some people lose and some gain weight due to the new and undiscovered parental life that is filled with trials as well as the joy. To make your weigh-loosing quest as easy and healthy as possible here are the last 4 tips you should put into practice:

  1. Eat food enriched with vitamin A, C, D, E and minerals such as potassium, calcium, and iron.
  2. Drink plenty of water.
  3. Don’ skip meals or go without eating for long periods of time.
  4. Feel free to enjoy a healthy snack between the meals.

To find more helpful information on all things maternity, visit: Maternity At Home