Category: mum care

mum care /

Best belly balms for your bump

Pregnant bellies are beautiful but also prone to stretch marks, itchy and dry skin as your tummy expands with your growing baby, so you’re going to need a great belly cream or oil to massage in to keep skin soft, supple and nourished (it’s a nice way to bond with your baby too!). Here are our 10 favourite product picks.

An important note: Some of these products may include Vitamin A. While Vitamin A is important for skin integrity and function, it also plays a role in foetal development. Taking Vitamin A compounds orally has been shown to produce birth defects. However, when applied to the skin in early pregnancy, the risk is low. Despite the low risk, experts still suggest pregnant women avoid applying vitamin A-based formulations to their skin during early pregnancy. Please always check your product’s ingredients list and discuss with your health professional if you need further clarification.

1. Palmer’s Tummy Butter

Thick and creamy, your belly will love this little tub of rich cocoa butter and Vitamin E goodness. Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Tummy Butter for Stretch Marks melts on contact with your skin and is great for your bump, breasts, hips and thighs during pregnancy to help prevent stretch marks and create super hydrated and smooth, itch-free skin. Full of lots of great ingredients such as argan oil, elastin, collagen, almond oil, shea butter and lavender oil. RRP $15.99 (125g) available at most supermarkets, chemists and large retailers

2. Bio-oil

This is one of the original favourites when it comes to preventing stretch marks during pregnancy. Bio-Oil is a combination of plant extracts and vitamins suspended in an oil base, it contains the ingredient PurCellin Oil which is what makes the consistency light and non-greasy, to help with higher absorption into the skin. Assessed and cleared for safe use during pregnancy, apply from the start of the second trimester to areas such as the abdomen, breasts, lower back, hips, buttocks and thighs. RRP $24.95 (125ml) available at most supermarkets, chemists and large retailers.

3. Mama Mio Tummy Rub Butter

Luxurious and packed with a blend of organic oils such as avocado, rosehip, argan and sweet almond for increasing skin elasticity; plus nourishing shea butter for moisture; your skin is left feeling super soft. Helping to prevent the appearance of stretch marks with a lovely citrus scent, it’s suitable for all skin types, free from nasties and cruelty free. $41.03 (4oz) available from Mio Skincare

4. Sukin BioNatural Skin Oil

Enriched with antioxidants and a nutrient rich blend of jojoba, tamanu, rosehip, avocado and carrot seed oils; this natural oil with deeply hydrate and improve the texture of the skin, help reduce the appearance of scars and stretch marks, and keep it supple. Added Vitamin C, E and F also help brighten and encourage healthy looking skin. Particularly great for your growing belly, but can be used anywhere on the body. $15.95 (60ml) available from Sukin

5. Mummy’s Tummy Cream

This natural and indulgent stretch mark prevention cream goes on thick and buttery and then melts into an oil to hydrate and nourish the skin on a deeper level. Made from plant butters, omega essential oils, and other vitamin rich natural sources such as Kakadu plum (super high in vitamin C); it’s free from toxins so your belly (and baby!) will love it. RRP $35 (200ml) available from skinjuice.com.au

6. Aesop Breathless

While not specifically aimed at pregnant women, this hydrating body treatment oil is intensely hydrating to maintain supple skin making it perfect for growing bumps. Packed with Vitamin E and nut oil extracts, it has a woody, light citrus scent and will nourish, soften and replenish dry skin. $35 (100ml) available from Aesop

7. Gaia Belly Butter

Replenish your skin’s vital moisture, maintain suppleness and reduce the appearance of scars and stretch marks with this deeply nourishing belly butter made from cocoa butter, organic shea butter, rosehip and wheat germ oils and pure essential oils. Use on your breasts and thighs as well as your bump from the moment it starts to grow until 12 weeks after birth. $17.95 (150ml) from Gaia Skin Naturals

8. Mama Bee Belly Butter

This ultra rich belly butter from Burt’s Bees is a great moisturiser with its blend of cocoa, shea and jojoba butters. During pregnancy months it keeps skin healthy, hydrated and elastic with no nasties like phthalates, parabens, SLS or petrolatum. Spread it on thick! $28.20 (185g) available from Biovea

9. Myrtle and Tuppence Elastic Belly Balm

Designed specifically to help stretch marks, this 100% organic belly balm is a skin rejuvenating blend of tamanu oil, coconut oil, tangerine and neroli essential oils. Tamanu oil has long been used in the islands for skin conditions, scars and stretch marks. $29.95 (100ml) available from Myrtle & Tuppence

10. Mother to be Belly Balm

This super rich buttery treat is packed full of vitamin-rich nut oils, butters and waxes especially formulated to help lubricate the skin as the tummy expands during pregnancy. With regular use it may prevent stretch marks too. Highly concentrated, use sparingly and one tin should last throughout an entire pregnancy. $23.70 (40ml) available from Bee Beauty

mum care /

Benefits of Postpartum Belly Wrapping

In addition to gently compressing the torso and guiding the organs back to their pre-pregnancy condition, belly wrapping also aids postpartum recovery by: * helping repair Diastasis Recti  * helping support and close the pelvis and hipsadding * additional warmth to belly and kidneys * supporting the abdomen and lower back * helping maintain good posture when breastfeeding * helping you establish a daily self-care routine can signify a closure to your pregnancy process and birth The more modern style postpartum girdles can come in different sizes, have different closure systems and are sometimes not machine washable. If you plan to go this route, it is wise to do your due diligence before your baby arrives. Make sure you buy the right size, are comfortable with the material, as well as the closure system.

Traditional Wraps The more traditional-style of belly wrap is using a very long piece of cotton cloth, that is wrapped around the entire torso and hips, until your midsection is comfortable and secure. Added benefits of using this traditional-style maternity sash is that it’s generally “one size fits all”, as well as being comfortable, breathable, and machine washable!

mum care /

Postpartum Supplies

Expecting mums are often excited to prepare for their baby’s homecoming, but may neglect preparing for their own needs after birth. If you’re like most first-time mums, you may not even know what you might need. These essential postpartum products will help keep you comfortable as you heal.

Postpartum Supplies for Bleeding Regardless of whether you have a vaginal birth or a c-section, you will have some vaginal bleeding and discharge after birth known as lochia. This bleeding is how your body gets rid of the extra blood and tissue in your uterus. Taking care of yourself and your needs during this time period will increase your comfort level, promote healing, and prevent infection.1 Here are some things you need to have on hand to help you heal.

  • Maternity pads. These pads are not your typical maxi pad. They are large, thick, and made to handle the heavy flow of postpartum bleeding. Depending on your hospital, it’s possible that they will send you home with some extra pads. Be sure to ask before you leave.
  • Mesh underwear. They may not be the best fashion choice, but they’re definitely practical to hold those giant pads and ice packs in place. Mesh underwear are stretchy, comfortable, and breathable. And, the best part is they’re disposable. So, when you’re done with them, you can throw them away. Again, this is something your hospital may give you, but make sure you have a few on hand, especially for that first week.
  • Chux pads. You can place these protective waterproof underpads on your bed or anywhere you want to sit or lie down to prevent accidents from postpartum bleeding.
  • Large comfortable underwear. Create a stockpile of dark-colored, disposable, or old maternity underwear that’s big enough to hold those extra-large maternity pads. They’re likely to get soiled, so a dark color works well. Old or disposable undies are even better because you can throw them away.
  • Lots of pads. Overnight maxi pads or urinary incontinence pads work great for the first week or two. But, you also can stock up on medium and light flow pads because once the heavy bleeding slows down, there’s a lighter discharge that can last up to six weeks. 

To promote your healing and prevent infections or other problems, make sure you change your maternity pads often. Also, don’t use tampons until after you talk to your doctor. And, if you develop a fever or any other warning signs, be sure to reach out to your doctor right away.

Postpartum Supplies for Soothing Soreness Although you might feel great when you return from the hospital, chances are that as your body heals you’ll have at least a little discomfort. For instance, you may come home with a bruised perineum, stitches from an episiotomy or tear, a c-section incision, or hemorrhoids to contend with. Here are some things to have on hand to help ease your discomfort and make the postpartum period a little more bearable.

  • A squirt bottle. Also called a peri bottle, you will fill it with warm (not cold or hot) tap water and gently squeeze it to release a stream of water over your perineum while you’re trying to urinate and after each trip to the bathroom. The flow of warm water helps make it more comfortable to pee, increases blood flow to aid in healing, and gently cleans the area to prevent infection.
  • Gauze pads or disposable washcloths. Use clean, dry, disposable gauze or washcloths to gently pat yourself dry after using the bathroom or peri bottle.
  • Numbing products. Topical anesthetic creams can provide a cooling or numbing sensation to help ease the pain.
  • Pain medicine. Panadol (paracetamol) or Nurofen (ibuprofen) tend to work well for postpartum pain. However, you should talk to your doctor before using any over-the-counter medicine, especially if you’re breastfeeding.
  • A sitz bath. A sitz bath is a small tub of warm or cold water that sits over the toilet bowl. When you sit in a warm sitz bath for twenty minutes, it encourages circulation to promote healing. Twenty minutes in a cold sitz bath can help reduce swelling and pain.
  • Ice packs. Ice helps decrease pain and swelling. You can purchase disposable maternity pads with built-in ice packs, make homemade ice packs, or buy disposable chemically activated packs. Make sure you don’t put the ice directly on your skin. Instead, try disposable pads with built-in ice packs that offer a layer of protection between the cold and your skin.
  • Tucks pads. Witch hazel pads relieve the burning and itching of hemorrhoid pain and perineal pain. Place them in a layer covering the length of the pad to soothe the entire area.  
  • A donut pillow. A regular pillow or donut pillow can make it more comfortable to sit down by taking the pressure off of your swollen perineum or hemorrhoids.
  • Healthy food, snacks, and drinks. You probably aren’t going to want to run to the supermarket on the first day back home, so have your pantry and freezer stocked. You need healthy foods to help your body heal and keep up your energy while taking care of your newborn. Fruit juice and foods high in fiber can help with bowel movements.

If you want to get creative you also can make homemade frozen pads by soaking sanitary pads or gauze in witch hazel and then freezing them in a clean freezer bag. Then, when you need them, just take one out of freezer and use it. Depending on how cold they are, you may still want to put a layer between your skin and the pad to protect the delicate skin.

If ice packs and over-the-counter pain medication do not relieve your postpartum discomfort, call the doctor. Excessive pain could be a sign of a complication.

If You Have a C-Section If you know in advance that you’re going to have a c-section, you may want to have a few additional items on hand to help ease your discomfort and to promote healing. Of course, if you have an unplanned c-section, you can have your partner or another family member help you find these items before you come home.

  • A stool softener. It can be scary and painful to have a bowel movement while you’re healing from childbirth. A stool softener can help with constipation and make it easier to go, especially because anesthesia and pain relievers can cause constipation. Sometimes your doctor will prescribe something. If not, ask for suggestions on what you should use particularly if you plan to breastfeed.
  • A pillow for your belly. If you have a c-section, you can hold a pillow against your abdomen when you’re holding the baby or when you have to cough, sneeze, or laugh. You don’t have to buy a special pillow because a bed pillow will work just fine.
  • Soft, loose-fitting clothing. Wearing soft, over-sized clothing helps you protect your incision and prevents your clothes from becoming irritating while you heal. Some women even like to wear a soft, stretchy belly band to add a layer of protection. Ask your doctor first if this would be a good option for you. You don’t want to do anything that might not allow your incision to heal.

If you know in advance that you’re going to have a c-section, you may want to have a few additional items on hand to help ease your discomfort and to promote healing. Of course, if you have an unplanned c-section, you can have your partner or another family member help you find these items before you come home. * A stool softener. It can be scary and painful to have a bowel movement while you’re healing from childbirth. A stool softener can help with constipation and make it easier to go, especially because anesthesia and pain relievers can cause constipation. Sometimes your doctor will prescribe something. If not, ask for suggestions on what you should use particularly if you plan to breastfeed. * A pillow for your belly. If you have a c-section, you can hold a pillow against your abdomen when you’re holding the baby or when you have to cough, sneeze, or laugh. You don’t have to buy a special pillow because a bed pillow will work just fine. * Soft, loose-fitting clothing. Wearing soft, over-sized clothing helps you protect your incision and prevents your clothes from becoming irritating while you heal. Some women even like to wear a soft, stretchy belly band to add a layer of protection. Ask your doctor first if this would be a good option for you. You don’t want to do anything that might not allow your incision to heal.

Postpartum Supplies for Breast Care In the beginning, your body automatically makes breast milk whether you want to breastfeed or not. After a few weeks, though, the continuation of milk production is based on supply and demand and if you’re not breastfeeding your milk supply should dry up. Regardless of whether you’re breastfeeding or you’re hoping to formula feed, you will need to care for your breasts postpartum. Here are some things to have on hand no matter what your feeding decision is * A supportive bra. Your breasts may become full, heavy, and tender or engorged after you have a baby. A good bra will be comfortable and support the extra weight of your breasts without being too tight. If you’re breastfeeding, a supportive nursing bra is convenient. * Breast pads. Every new mom makes breast milk regardless of their feeding plans. For this reason, breast pads will keep leaking breast milk under control. * Nipple cream. Almost all nursing moms and even some non-nursing mothers will experience sore, cracked, or painful nipples at some point. So, it’s helpful to have a nipple cream or ointment on hand to apply when they get tender or painful. * Breastfeeding pillow. If you intend to breastfeed your baby, a breastfeeding pillow is particularly helpful in those first weeks after you give birth. Women who have large breasts, are recovering from a c-section, or have twins may find that a breastfeeding pillow helps them feel more comfortable. It also reduces the strain on your back and neck.

It’s just as important to prepare for your hospital homecoming as it is to prepare for your baby’s. Learning and understanding what you need for your postpartum recovery and having the right supplies at your disposal can help you feel mentally prepared to care for yourself. Being prepared also can have a direct effect on your physical and emotional healing. You’ll be able to tackle pain immediately when it arises. And, you’ll save time and energy by not having to run out for supplies when you’re not feeling the best. When you have what you need to take care of yourself, it can help you feel better and more in control. Then, you can spend time more time focusing on your newborn and the joy of being a new mum.

Verywell family

mum care /

What to expect after a C-Section

by Sam McCulloch Dip CBEdLast updated February 17, 2021 Reading Time: 12 minafter c section

Having a c-section can be a daunting and stressful experience, especially if a medical complication occurred during labour and your c-section was unplanned. You might feel unprepared for what’s to come afterwards.

Even if you were prepared for your c-section, you might be concerned about the recovery period and what to expect in the days and weeks that follow.

Having as much information as possible about what to expect following a c-section can empower you to have a more positive and less stressful recovery period.

Knowing what to expect can help you prepare for recovery and make sure you have adequate support in place.

What To Expect After A C-Section

Here’s what to expect after your c-section:

Immediately After Surgery

Straight after a c-section, you will need to spend some time in recovery. You’ll need to be monitored to ensure your vital signs are stabilised and you are not having adverse reactions to medication.

Staff will monitor any bleeding from your incision site as well as vaginal bleeding. Your blood pressure and temperature will also be monitored. Your IV will remain in place to provide fluids and pain medication.

The catheter, collecting urine and emptying your bladder, will also remain, usually until the next day. You’ll be encouraged to get up to walk to the bathroom, which is an important part of recovery.

When you’re ready you will be moved to your room. You’ll still have no feeling in the lower part of your body and could be feeling a bit woozy and shaky. If your baby is with you, ask for help to hold him, skin to skin, above your incision site. It’s okay to breastfeed if your baby is interested. While you are waiting for the anaesthetic to wear off, spend the time snuggling up and getting to know your baby.

You might experience very itchy skin in the first few hours after the surgery. This is a side effect of a narcotic that might have been used during the c-section. The itchiness will lessen as the drug leaves your system.

Some women have a reaction to the anaesthetic, and develop severe shakes during surgery and afterwards. The spinal block, or epidural, dilates your skin’s blood vessels and you lose a lot of body heat. The shaking will disappear as the drug wears off, but the recovery nurse or midwife can provide you with extra blankets if needed.

Your blood pressure could drop as a result of the epidural and, especially if you had a general anaesthetic, you might feel nauseous upon recovery; again, these are reactions to the drugs used and the symptoms will fade very soon.

An annoying side effect of c-section surgery that might occur is shoulder pain. This is a sharp pain beneath one or both of your shoulder blades. It’s due to air entering your abdominal cavity during the surgery. The air pocket will be gradually absorbed by your body over the next few days, and the pain will disappear.

Very rarely, women experience severe headaches, and swelling at the site of injection into the spine. If this happens, it’s important to tell your care provider immediately so relief methods can be discussed.

Pain Relief After a C-Section

Some women need effective pain relief after experiencing a c-section; others are up and about within a few days and feel little pain. This could be due to individual differences in pain tolerance, or what happened before or during the c-section. How you feel about your experience can also contribute to the level of pain you might have afterwards.

There are several medications, taken individually or in combination, which will offer pain relief after your c-section. Your midwife or anaesthetist will recommend which drugs will best help you to cope. If you continue to experience pain, then you should alert your midwife to your condition, so that she can help alleviate your distress.

Please remember that it can be better to ‘stay on top’ of the pain, as some of the drugs work best when they reach a certain level. If you force yourself to cope with pain to the point where you desperately need pain relief, then you might not get the full benefit of the medication. Some types of pain relief are:

  • Narcotic medication: specifically, pethidine and morphine. These can be given by injection into your leg muscle every 3-4 hours. If you have an IV in place you might receive a ‘fixed dose infusion’ via a Patient-Controlled Analgesia Pump, which enables you to self-medicate as needed (you will be instructed how to use this pump). If you had an epidural and the catheter is still in place after the surgery, you might receive small doses through this. Another way of receiving this medication is via a single spinal injection.
  • Suppository: contains an anti-inflammatory drug to help you cope with pain while it reduces any abdominal inflammation you might be experiencing. This drug is inserted into your rectum, and is quickly absorbed. It’s usually given twice a day.
  • Narcotics: These might be codeine, morphine or pethidine. If possible, it’s better to use these drugs in moderation as they can cause constipation, which is not a pleasant experience after a c-section. If they are used, make sure you drink plenty of fluids, and keep mobile. Some doctors or nurses might recommend a stool softener be taken with narcotics.
  • Paracetamol: This might be offered alone, if you’re coping well with pain, or in combination with the above narcotics, to reduce the amount of drugs needed.

It’s important to know you have the right to be informed about the possible side effects of any drugs used to help manage pain after your c-section. If you have any concerns about how these drugs might affect you or your baby (especially if you are breastfeeding), you should discuss your worries with your care provider.

Over time you will be given lower doses of pain medication to see how your body is coping. Your midwife or doctor should guide you towards a gradual reduction in pain relief during the time leading up to your discharge.

Drinking and Eating After a C-Section

It’s wise to start with fluids and clear foods, and possibly even solid foods, quite soon after your surgery. Your midwife/doctor will advise you about any restrictions in your individual case, and the reasons for them. Each hospital will have guidelines related to this, so you need to check if it’s okay before eating or drinking anything.

Generally, if you had an epidural or spinal block, then your fluid intake will not be restricted. You may drink any fluids – such as water, juice and cordial – and eat such clear foods as soups and jellies. But you mustn’t start eating solid foods until you’ve passed wind – this is a sign that your intestines (which will have been ‘relaxed’ during your surgery) are beginning to function normally again. At this stage in your recovery a light diet is best, until your intestines become better able to handle your food intake.

Once you’ve had a bowel motion, then you can eat whatever you like. It’s really important to keep up your fluid intake, especially if you’re breastfeeding, so always be sure to have a glass of water close at hand while feeding your baby.

It’s recommended that you try really hard to drink at least 8 glasses of water a day. This will prevent dehydration, and help make up for any blood loss you experienced; it will also keep your bladder functioning well and help prevent constipation.

Urinating After a C-Section

When your urinary catheter is removed you might be asked to measure the amount of urine you pass on the first day without it. You will be supplied with a special measuring container in which to urinate, so don’t forget to hold on to your urine until the midwife has noted the amount.

If you’re having difficulties urinating, then you might like to try some ways of triggering the urge – such as turning on a tap, hopping in a warm shower, or pouring an amount of warm water over the area. If the difficulty persists, then the catheter might need to be reinserted.https://b03c19be32d103695a2f1d44ef510a07.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-38/html/container.html

Some of the drugs given to you during the surgery, or for pain relief afterwards, might affect your bladder function. It would be worthwhile investigating this as a possible cause of any problems you might encounter regaining normal bladder function.

Some women experience physical trauma related to the urinary catheter. If you feel any burning pain upon urinating, especially if it persists, you need to let your doctor or midwife know about the problem.

To help prevent any bladder problems, try to urinate at least every couple of hours during the first day or so. This will prevent the pain caused by a full bladder putting pressure on your c-section incision.

If you experience incontinence (leaking urine) seek advice from the midwife or women’s physiotherapist. Ask about exercises that you can perform to increase your ability to maintain bladder control (pelvic floor exercises, etc). It’s common during pregnancy to experience some incontinence, as a result of your growing pregnant belly applying pressure to your bladder, and/or the normal relaxing hormonal effects of pregnancy itself. Having a c-section doesn’t mean you won’t experience a weakening of your pelvic floor muscles, and it’s important to address any issues early on.

Another problem sometimes experienced, is the lack of that sensation that tells you your bladder is full and you need to urinate. This is also something that should be brought to the attention of your doctor or midwife.

Bowel Movements After a C-Section

Within the first couple of days after your c-section, you should feel the need to move your bowels. This can be a scary experience in itself, as you’ll feel unsure as to how much pushing your wound can withstand. It can be reassuring to apply gentle pressure, with the palm of your hand, over the wound area. Avoid straining while having a bowel movement; this has the potential to cause haemorrhoids or possibly prolapse.

Avoiding constipation is important, as the added pain and discomfort can be very distressing. Drink plenty of water, eat a fibre-rich diet and, if possible, limit the amount of narcotics you take for pain relief. If you continue to have problems with constipation your midwife might suggest you use a stool softener.

Vaginal Blood Loss After A C-Section

Your midwife will ask to view your sanitary pads over the first few days after your c-section, to check the amount and colour of vaginal blood loss.

The flow might increase when you breastfeed your baby, as breastfeeding hormones encourage uterine contractions. When you stand up, your flow might suddenly increase as well, as a result of gravity. You might also pass some clots, although they shouldn’t be too big. If you’re concerned about anything to do with the amount, or consistency, of your blood loss, then ask your midwife to check your discharge for you.

At first, your blood loss will be bright red, and slightly heavier than a normal period – although it shouldn’t exceed one sanitary pad per 4 hours (if it does exceed this, then advise your midwife). The loss will decrease over the next week, and the colour will alter to a paler red, then a brownish-red colour. The flow should stop after a week or so, although light blood loss can last for about 6 weeks after the birth and isn’t a cause for concern. It differs for each woman. If you are worried, contact your midwife or doctor for advice.

Caring For Your Wound After A C-Section

You might have received antibiotics while still in theatre, and the surgeon will have placed a sterile dressing to cover the incision site.  These safeguards will help reduce the likelihood of infection.

The day after your c-section you’ll be encouraged to get up and have a shower. This is usually when the sterile dressing is removed. You should gently wash away any dried blood from around your wound; use water only, as soap might irritate. Dry the area by patting it with a towel. If it’s possible, allowing the wound area to air-dry is best.

Before you are discharged from hospital the doctor will remove any staples used, and will cover the incision with sterile strips, which are similar to bandaids. In some cases, however, staples might remain until a postpartum follow up. You’ll be instructed on how to keep your wound clean and undisturbed. You might find it uncomfortable if clothes rub directly onto your wound; your maternity clothes might be the best option for the first few weeks. Big underwear rather than bikini briefs are a good option, as the waistband will be higher than the wound area.https://b03c19be32d103695a2f1d44ef510a07.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-38/html/container.html

Your wound might continue to feel uncomfortable for some time after the surgery. During certain activities, some women experience mild pain and pulling sensations for several months afterwards.  In the majority of women, this goes away after a time. If you’re worried about these sensations, discuss them with your midwife or doctor.

If you notice any swelling or redness, or if your wound weeps blood or other fluids, please bring this to the notice of your midwife or doctor as soon as possible – especially if the symptoms are associated with pain or fever.

Finding Time to Rest After Your C-Section

It usually takes longer to recover from a c-section than from a vaginal birth, and it’s important to take care of yourself through the postpartum period (the six weeks after birth). There’s no putting off healing until ‘later’, and rest is a big part of the healing process. Eat well, have plenty of support in place, and try to get some sleep while your baby is sleeping.

Even if your c-section was planned, it’s not uncommon for women to feel very tired after the surgery. If your c-section was unplanned, you might also be dealing with emotional shock. You might find in the first few days that you want to limit visitors to immediately family only, so you can rest and recuperate. After a c-section, some women find it difficult, or even embarrassing, trying to get mobile again when there are lots of visitors present.

Don’t hesitate to ask for support from the staff, family and friends, especially in those first few days of caring for your brand new baby.

Tips to help you get some rest:

  • A ‘Do Not Disturb’ sign is great – both in hospital and at home. During your pregnancy you can make your own personalised one, with an explanation that Mum and Baby are having a nap. Take the phone off the hook and catch up on sleep!
  • In hospital you can ask your partner to remind visitors not to stay too long. It can be exhausting if you’re entertaining when you should be resting. The same applies at home, for those first few weeks of recovery.
  • Keep your baby close by during the night, not in another room – at least for the first few weeks. If you keep your baby’s cot near your bed, you won’t have far to go to attend to your baby’s needs.
  • If your baby’s presence keeps you awake (those little sniffling noises can be daunting to a new mum) then organise some time during which your partner, or someone else you trust, can care for your baby while you have a nap all by yourself.

What About Sex After A C-Section?

Whether you have had a vaginal or c-section birth, the same rule applies: have sex when you feel ready. Many providers recommend waiting until vaginal bleeding has ceased, to avoid infection, while others recommend waiting until your 6-week postnatal follow-up.

Before you do, try to organise what contraceptive you will use; it’s wise to allow your body time to physically heal from your c-section before becoming pregnant again.https://b03c19be32d103695a2f1d44ef510a07.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-38/html/container.html

You might need to try a few different positions during sex if you’re still feeling some pain or want to avoid pressure on the wound area. Discuss with your partner the possibility that you might need to stop during sex if this is a problem.

The wound, and the area surrounding it, can remain numb for months (or up to a year) after the surgery. This is due to nerve stretching, or damage, resulting from the incision, and surgical trauma to the area. Feeling should eventually return. It might be a good idea to explain this numbness to your partner, as it can be disturbing to be touched on this numb area.

If you’re breastfeeding, the lowered estrogen levels can reduce the vaginal secretions that are normally present during sexual activity. If this is the case, you might need to purchase a water-based lubricant gel to replace your natural secretions, to enable sex to be more enjoyable.

You might not even feel like having sex. This can become quite a challenge for couples, especially if partners do not understand why you aren’t interested. Give your partner this article to read, for insight on the reasons why women aren’t interested in sex after birth.

Women who have given birth via c-section can still experience painful intercourse and other sexual problems. Your doctor or midwife can help if you run into trouble.

What to Expect Emotionally After A C-Section

The emotions that you might experience after a c-section will depend very much on whether you chose to birth in this way, or whether you had been aiming for a natural, uncomplicated vaginal birth. Your emotions will also be affected by what actually occurred during the c-section birth of your baby.

If you prepared yourself for a c-section, and everything went well on the day, then you might have no emotional issues connected with the c-section at all. You might flow straight back into everyday life with very little difficulty, apart from the normal, and necessary, physical healing.

If you planned a c-section birth, but if  on the day, something ‘happened’  that wasn’t expected (e.g. your child needed paediatric help, or your anaesthesia didn’t work as well as expected, etc) then you might need to deal with the emotional trauma that is connected to these experiences.

You might also have wanted a natural birth and, in late pregnancy or on the day, events did not go as planned, so an emergency c-section became necessary. An unplanned c-section can be a traumatic experience for some women.

The degree of emotional trauma associated with each of these situations usually relates to the ‘why’ of the c-section, how much control you had over the birth experience, and the progress and outcome of the surgery.

You might find some relief by talking about your feelings – to your partner, family, friends, or the midwives and the doctors who were involved in your care. It might help to have more information about the ‘why’, so you can process some of the strong emotions attached to your memories.

If you were planning a vaginal birth, it’s normal to experience some grief at the loss of such an integral life experience. We envision how our children’s births will unfold on the day, and when things don’t go as planned, we can sometimes feel grief at the loss of this important milestone.

These feelings might not arise immediately following the birth of your child. It can take time before you experience any sense of grief or loss over your planned birth. Often women are told to feel grateful for the medical help they received. While there is no denying you are grateful, it’s important to acknowledge your feelings and avoid letting them become overwhelming. A healthy baby is important but, at the same time, it does matter how you feel about your birth.

© Copyright 2002–2021 BellyBelly, All Rights Reserved.

mum care /

A conscious based approach to delivery

Nurturing the Nurturer postpartum doula insights

Childbirth is a natural part of life, and as with all things natural the less medical intervention the better. Yet, this natural process, which women have been doing for many thousands of years, has become highly medicalised.

There are good reasons for the medicalisation of the birthing process. Before the proper understanding of how infectious diseases spread, and of the importance of strict hygiene procedures, childbirth was potentially a dangerous time for both mother and baby.

Though most deliveries proceed without mishap, giving birth in a hospital offers the reassurance that there are experts on-hand if things do go wrong and these days, the great majority of births take place in hospitals and under medical supervision.

Yet hospitals can be busy, bright and noisy and not always the most conducive of environments for a newly born child.

Preparing for labour

The proper preparation for labour will improve your experience of giving birth.

  • Confront and process the natural fears you have around delivery
  • Having all the information you need about the process – even the location where you will deliver your child
  • Get to know your care providers
  • Be prepared to accept medical help if it becomes necessary
  • Have trusted people in place to support you during and after the birth
  • Be prepared to work with your body while delivering your child
  • Regular practice of Transcendental Meditation will prepare you mentally and emotionally
  • Yoga practice will help you develop strength and flexibility in your body and mind
  • Daily sesame oil massage in the weeks and months before birth will ensure your tissues are pliable and lubricated, and will also help you avoid stretch marks.

Labour is a time of profound transition and transformation; a time to turn within.

During labour

Be as settled as you can for as long as you can during delivery – when you stay relaxed you enhance the timely and appropriate production of hormones that help in the delivery of your baby

Turn within and let your attention be with your baby, especially between contractions

Between contractions, your partner can ease your pain and help you relax by gently massaging your back and by applying gentle pressure to your lower back.

Eat lightly during the early part of labour so that you have the energy to sustain yourself throughout the birth

If the labour takes some time, snack on easily digested foods such as soups and fruit

It is important to stay hydrated, so have plenty of water and fruit juices available

A dimly lit room will be more conducive to relaxation than a bright room

Use aroma blends: Vata Balance Aroma Oil helps with relaxation and pain; Muscle Rest Aroma Oil helps relax muscles that can get tense and over-strained during labour; Emotional Strength Aroma Oil helps balance fraught emotions

A hot bath or shower during labour will help reduce pain levels

Listen to soothing music.

At birth and immediately after

Woman and Baby on Belly after birth

When your baby emerges, ask for the lights to be turned down low – this will help its eyes adjust to the bright outside world

The room should be quiet to help settle your baby and help it adjust to a more stimulating noise environment

The room should be warm, with pleasing aromas

Immediately place the baby on your belly or in your arms so that they continue to feel your presence

Talk softly to your baby

The surge of emotions you feel holding your baby encourages the release of hormones that stimulate the uterus to contract and expel the placenta

The close bonding between mother and baby is of utmost priority, so enjoy being with your baby for the first hours.

The days following birth

Newborn Child Massage

Breastfeed, bathe and massage your baby with oil every day

Be entirely available for all your child’s needs

The care and confidence with which you handle your baby develops a strong inner sense of identity and security in the child

A lot of body fluids are lost during delivery, so you will need to rehydrate with plenty of water, herbal teas and fresh juice

Listen to your appetite and when it kicks in, begin with easily digestible soups and hot milky cereals, advancing to more substantial foods as your hunger levels increase

Organise your family or friends to prepare fresh delicious nutritious foods for you

Following pregnancy and delivery you may feel both blissful and exhausted. Honour yourself, your partner and your child by taking everything slowly and easily.

The weeks following birth

The first six weeks after giving birth is a critical period for the mother.

Relax, meditate and sleep as much as you can in the first few weeks after giving birth – this will promote the connection of your body-rhythms with those of your child. The more you rest the more you will be able to enjoy your child

Set up support systems to help with meals, cleaning and odd jobs, so you can focus on replenishing yourself and caring for your baby

When your baby sleeps, you should rest and don’t be tempted to do too much

Focus on feeding, cuddling, rocking, holding, carrying and massaging your baby

Daily sesame oil massage is advised for the mother. Your baby will also greatly benefit from a daily oil massage and Almond oil is gentle for the delicate skin of a young child.

The sense of touch is the one of the best ways to communicate love and emotional nourishment to your baby

Talk to and laugh with your baby

Provide nourishment through all its senses – music, aromas and colourful décor

To help heal your perineum apply Aloe Vera gel during the initial weeks after birth

If haemorrhoids have occurred take warm sitz baths with soothing herbs, such as lavender, rosemary, chamomile and slippery elm, added to the bath water. Applying Aloe Vera gel is also helpful.

Herbs that help to tone up the uterus and promote breast milk include Shatavari, Ashwagandha, Ashoka and Liquorice Root Powder.

Useful kitchen spices to include in your diet and as teas are fenugreek, fennel, and cinnamon. These spices not only promote breast milk and make it tastier, but also help the digestion.

Nurturing the Nurturer

holding /

Postpartum month

This postpartum period is traditionally a time when new mothers are cared for and supported by relatives and friends at home.

This practice allows the new mother to recuperate from pregnancy and birth, while getting to know and bonding with her baby, beginning her role as a mother feeling supported and confident.

Sounds like bliss, doesn’t it?

In today’s hectic and rushed Western culture, the idea of having time to care for yourself and your baby for a month after birth sounds intoxicating, but unrealistic. We’re expected to give birth and then jump back into life, without regard to how intense and demanding life with a newborn is. Our society focuses only on the baby after birth, not the mother.

Why Is a Post-Natal Month A Good Idea?

The first days following the birth of your baby are usually a blur. The demands of pregnancy and labour take hold – you’re exhausted and on a hormonal rollercoaster. Paired with this the raw knowledge you’re now the centre of a tiny vulnerable human’s world, it’s no wonder many women feel completely overwhelmed by their new status as mother.

The World Health Organization describes the postpartum period as the most critical phase in the lives of mothers and babies, yet it’s the most neglected. In today’s busy world, women are expected to be on their feet within days of giving birth.

In countries such as Australia, the United States and Britain, maternity and paternity leave allowances may not support women or their partners from taking much time away from paid employment. Some women don’t have relatives close by to help and others have plenty of people but few offers of help. And then there’s the expectation that we should be coping, that the baby is the icing on the cake and how we as new mothers feel doesn’t really matter.

With post-natal depression rates on the rise and new parents burning out with exhaustion, a post-natal month has never been more important. We spend so much time focused on our pregnancy and the birth, very little energy is directed towards what happens when the baby arrives, when the dynamic of your life will shift away from you and onto the baby.

Prepare For A Post-Natal Month

During pregnancy, there’s a huge focus on getting prepared for birth and for what the baby will need. The idea being that you will have a healthy baby and life goes on happily afterwards.

The reality is rarely that simple. Many new mamas barely sleep more than a few hours at a time, yet are expected to function normally, to keep things running smoothly for everyone else. You may need a c-section which means extra time recovering physically. Dealing with these massive upheavals to the life you have so far been leading can be very challenging – you might know in theory that things will change but it’s very different to be living that experience.

The shift to focus on your additional role as a mother needs to take place well before the baby is born. Explore the possibilities of your partner taking as much time off work as possible. Not only does this provide plenty of bonding opportunities for them, you can both share the responsibilities of caring for your baby together. This is an excellent way to begin your new journey as a family together.

Enlist the support of your nearest and dearest. If you’re having a baby shower, ask your friends and relatives for the gift of their time and support. They could organise a roster of meals delivered each day, a freezer filled with prepared snacks and dinners, and even help with housework and laundry. A postpartum doula or a cleaner can also help provide you with more time to rest and recuperate.

You Don’t Have To Do It Alone

One of the messed up attitudes our society applies to mothers is asking for help is a sign of ‘not coping’. The pressure is on a new mother to keep the household going, get meals and entertain visitors/other children, even though she is in pain, exhausted, or struggling with early breastfeeding.

If you have relatives or friends that offer help, take them up on it. If you’re in the position to accept live-in help, make the most of that support! Most likely your family and friends really want to feel useful to you. Explain to those who’ve offered to help exactly what you need from them. Many women often don’t like to ask for what they really need in case they appear demanding or rude.

During the post-natal period, women tend to be so focused on their baby and getting back on their feet, it is easy to forget about their own needs. Asking for help can feel like a sign of weakness – when it should be seen as honouring the huge physical and emotional demand birth and new motherhood has placed on you.

Putting your needs higher on the priority lists helps you to care for your baby and adjust to your new role.

Nesting Isn’t Just For Pregnancy

You’ve just spent nine months growing and nourishing a baby. You probably experienced the phenomenon known as ‘nesting’ at some point during your pregnancy – a compulsion to get ready for your baby’s arrival which could keep you scrubbing shower screens long past the time others would’ve quit. That nesting instinct should be encouraged beyond birth.

Creating a space to snuggle and bond with your baby provides you both with the opportunity to get to know each other. Bonding is a physical and emotional experience. Babies want to be close to their mothers, for security, warmth and nourishment. Mothers want to be close to their babies, being primed by the love hormone oxytocin, to care and nurture their child. This closeness enhances your ability to tune into your baby.

Mother’s intuition isn’t something that happens the moment your baby is born. It builds up and is something you learn with your baby. You’re forming a relationship – take the time to really get to know one another. The confidence to trust your intuition will pay off as your child grows and develops.

You Don’t Have To Be A Super Woman

Your body returning to a non-pregnant state isn’t as simple as losing your belly. There are many physical and hormonal changes taking place as your uterus shrinks and lactation begins. You might be recovering from an instrumental birth or a c-section. The reality is even a straightforward birth can leave you feeling sore and uncomfortable.

Rest and recuperation is a necessity for healing after labour or a c-section – you risk creating more problems for yourself later if you overdo things. Many women who experience things like constipation, separated abdominal muscles, organ prolapse and stitches would greatly benefit from allowing their body the rest it needs. Doing too much physically can make those issues worse or create further problems.

Today’s society has many expectations of women and we are constantly under pressure to meet these ideals of who we should be, how we should act and the ideals we should meet. We’re rarely afforded the ability to focus on our transformation into motherhood and this can have a far-reaching impact on our own mental health, the way we interact with our children and family.

If a full month is impossible, even a few weeks is a great start. The idea is to keep your feet off the floor as much as possible. Spend time baby gazing, dozing in the quiet hours of feeding, reading that book you’ve been meaning to or catching up on a favourite TV series. You can’t put off healing until ‘later’ as that time will never come.