Life Post-Pregnancy
After waiting for what feels like almost forever, you can finally meet your baby—we’re sure it’s one of the most memorable moments of your life.
You’re also probably excited to jump back to your normal life, to be finally home with your little one in your arms. Much of the next few months will be spent with you doting on your little one but remember that you need to take care of yourself too.
Your postpartum recovery won’t happen in a matter of a few days. No matter how you delivered your baby, your body has been through a lot of changes, and it’ll take time to recover.
Life post-pregnancy can be just as challenging as your life during pregnancy. Proper post pregnancy care is essential to recover quickly and completely. For now, take it easy and rest well.
Heading Home After Giving Birth
How quickly you can head home will depend on you and your baby’s health. If you’re both doing well, you will usually be allowed to go home 6- 24 hours after childbirth.
But…you may have to stay a bit longer if:
- You had an emergency caesarean delivery.
- You or your baby needs extra physical or medical care.
- Your baby was delivered prematurely.
You may also get to stay longer in the hospital if you wish to.
Your Baby’s Health
Your baby’s health and blood type will be tested immediately after birth. Your baby’s eyesight and hearing with a lot of other tests will also be done while you’re still in the hospital.
According to National Immunization Schedule, one dose of each of these three vaccines will be given to your baby:
- OPV for polio.
- BCG for tuberculosis or TB.
- A vaccine for Hepatitis B.
Babies who are born with a low birth weight or went through premature birth will be kept in the hospital for observation and care.
When you’re ready to head home with your baby, make sure to dress them for the weather. Wrap your baby in warm and breathable clothes, if need arises, layer it up. A newborn baby’s skin is very sensitive and tender, so choose diapers that are good for sensitive skin. Teddyy Newborn Diapers are soft and super-absorbent, equipped with our special navel protection feature, that keeps your baby’s umbilical cord area exposed to fresh air so it can heal faster and better. You can also give our Teddyy Nappy Pads a try if you’re one for traditional routes with a dash modern. Teddyy Nappy Pads combine the comfort of a langot with the ease-of-use of diapers. Teddyy is one of the best diapers for newborn because hundreds and thousands of mothers across India claim so themselves.
Feeding Your Baby
You can start breastfeeding your baby within the first few hours after childbirth. Colostrum, the first milk, is highly concentrated with nutrients and anti-bodies. Colostrum will give your baby the strength and resistance they need to survive in this new environment outside the womb.
Within the next 4 days, your body should start producing milk which can cause your breasts to swell. Use hot compresses and massage your breasts if you they feel sore and hurt. Try not to discontinue breastfeeding your baby, your glands might take it as a signal to stop producing milk altogether and you would need to go through the whole process again.
It might seem like your little one is constantly demanding feeding, but there’s no need to be concerned. Newborns tend to want lots of short feeds over a short period of time. If you opt to feed from a bottle, keep a close eye on how much your little one eats, and how often.
The World Health Organization (WHO) suggests breastfeeding until your baby is 2 years old or even older for its many health benefits.
Postpartum Diet
Post pregnancy diet plan is like any well-balanced diet plan. A good diet plan can help your body recover from the exhaustions of pregnancy and childbirth. Be sure to include:
- Foods high in fiber, vitamins and carbohydrates.
- Lots of fruits and vegetables.
- Keep yourself always hydrated.
Also, continue to avoid foods that you have avoided during pregnancy when you are still breastfeeding your baby.
Physical Activities
You can start gentle exercises like jogging and simple stretches once you feel up to it. Exercises and meditation can also prevent you from developing postpartum depression. But if you had any complications during childbirth, it’s a good idea to speak with your doctor before resuming any kind of physical activity.
Your post-pregnancy symptoms should be gone by the sixth week. Keep making frequent visits to the doctor to make sure everything is as it should be.
In the madness that is childbirth and taking care of a little one, don’t forget about your self-care. Do things that make you happy, spend time outdoors and with friends and family. When in doubt about something, you know where to find us! 🙂
