Bringing a baby into the world is life-changing… but what happens after? The postpartum period is a rollercoaster of recovery, emotions, and new routines.
Stacy Chow, Founder of Baby Express and a seasoned Lactation Consultant & Postpartum Doula, shares the essential do’s and don’ts to help new moms navigate this crucial stage with confidence and care.
You can visit this thread to see the full conversation.
Recovery and HealingQ: What are the do’s and don’ts of postpartum sex?
Stacy: Most doctors recommend waiting about six weeks after birth to resume sex. Like exercising, go slow, especially if you had an episiotomy. Communicate with your partner about your concerns. It is normal to feel fear and discomfort during the initial stages. Using lubricants can help, as vaginal dryness is common due to hormonal changes and breastfeeding.
Q: How much rest is recommended after giving birth?
Stacy: It is okay to return to your routine after birth. There is no need to sleep more than usual. If you cannot get an eight-hour night’s rest, try taking naps during the day when you feel tired.
Q: What are some effective ways to manage postpartum discomfort and pain?
Stacy: There are many products available to ease pain and discomfort. Your doctor or clinic can recommend some options. After a natural birth, a doughnut pillow or perineal ice pad may help ease the pain. Cool or warm pads can relieve engorgement and breast pain. If the pain persists, consider painkillers prescribed by your doctor.
Q: How do you gradually resume daily activities and responsibilities while avoiding overexertion?
Stacy: Start with essential tasks, such as washing clothes, but postpone non-urgent ones like folding them. Accept help from family and friends when possible. Outsource tasks such as ordering food instead of cooking or hiring cleaning services. Rest when you are tired, even if the house is messy—it is normal with a newborn.
Q: What are the potential risks of overexertion during postpartum, and how much exercise is advisable?
Stacy: Start slow and ease back into your routine. Your stamina may be lower than before birth, so allow yourself time. If you had a C-section, avoid exercises that stress the incision area.
Q: Are there specific activities or movements that new mothers should avoid to prevent strain or injury?
Stacy: For a natural birth, low-impact exercises are best. If you had a C-section, avoid strenuous core exercises to prevent stressing your incision. Check with your doctor at six to eight weeks postpartum before resuming core workouts.
Q: Which foods can help in postpartum recovery?
Stacy: There is no specific food that aids recovery. Eating a balanced diet and having regular meals is the best approach.
Q: Are there differences in do’s and don’ts for confinement meals for natural births vs. C-sections?
Stacy: Confinement meals are generally similar for both delivery types. However, some mothers minimize seafood consumption, as it may trigger itching at the wound site.
Q: How much coffee and alcohol consumption is fine?
Stacy: There are no concerns unless you are breastfeeding. The rule of thumb for alcohol is that if you are sober enough to drive, you are okay to breastfeed. Some babies may be sensitive to their mother’s diet. If you consume alcohol, start with a small amount and pump two hours afterward. Observe your baby for allergic reactions like diarrhea or rashes.
Q: What are the risks associated with consuming seafood and alcohol during breastfeeding?
Stacy: Generally, both are safe. Follow the same alcohol rule: If you are sober enough to drive, you are okay to breastfeed. Some babies are sensitive to dietary changes, so start with small amounts and monitor for any allergic reactions.
Q: I’ve been drinking wine for five to six years. I stopped during pregnancy. Now that I’ve given birth, can I start drinking it again?
Stacy: After giving birth, there are no dietary restrictions. Since your diet changed over the last nine months, ease back into it gradually.
Q: Which medicines should be avoided during postpartum?
Stacy: If you feel unwell, consult a doctor and inform them if you are breastfeeding. Many medicines are breastfeeding-safe, but a doctor can provide the best guidance.
Q: Which skincare chemicals or products are safe during postpartum?
Stacy: Plant-based skincare products are usually recommended during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Avoid retinol if you have acne concerns.
Q: Can deep breathing techniques speed up postpartum healing?
Stacy: The key is to stay positive and relaxed. Stress can slow down recovery.
Q: Is postpartum massage safe?
Stacy: Postpartum massage is generally safe and may help with recovery. If you experience back pain, consult a medical professional. Postpartum massage typically focuses on the womb area.
Q: Which baby care practices can hamper a new mum’s recovery process?
Stacy: Bending over frequently to attend to your baby can cause strain. When lifting your baby, bend your knees rather than your back. Use a changing table to avoid excessive bending, as it can put pressure on your lower back and surrounding muscles.
Q: What are the recommended practices for maintaining proper hygiene and wound care after childbirth?
Stacy: Regular showers and hair washing are sufficient. For an episiotomy, keep the area clean and dry by patting rather than wiping. Similarly, keep a C-section incision clean and dry. Follow any wound care procedures advised by your doctor.
Q: After a C-section, when can we start wearing a postpartum binder?
Stacy: Binders can be worn after birth, as they provide support for your incision.
Postpartum is a wild ride. Healing, hormones, and a tiny human who thinks sleep is optional. But with the right tips (and a little patience), you’ve got this! From managing pain to sneaking in some self-care, every small win counts.
Curious about more do’s and don’ts? Dive into the full convo in this thread and get the inside scoop from the experts.
Because here at theAsianparent, we believe that new moms deserve all the best hacks!
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