When your bump finally becomes a baby, you and the whole family experience the warmth of love and unmeasurable happiness. No wonder why it’s endearingly called the bundle of joy.
But we all know that the period after pregnancy isn’t always pretty. Just as each woman is different, so is every postpartum journey. Not everyone will immediately return to their pre-pregnancy figure and that is fine. The changes in your body took about 40 weeks, so it’s only reasonable to be patient with your body. Give it ample time to recover.
That being said, we will share seven essential tips to practice loving and caring for your body. And remember, with most of these tips, consistency is the key rather than the amount of time you put in.
Embrace your body
It's all about your perspective. Instead of focusing on the negative changes in your body, focus on your positive body image. Your body is a representation of your strength and resilience. It is the living proof of the miracle that you have created another human being. Your body deserves your love and adoration.
Take practical steps today to embrace your body. Stand in front of the mirror and look at those stretch marks, folds, and scars. They are your badges of honor, so see them that way.
Get enough sleep
The first tip is to sleep and for good reason. It immensely aids in the healing and restoration of the mind and body. Although it’s easier said than done, you need to prioritize it. Lack of sleep, known as sleep deprivation, can lead to impaired cognition, exhaustion, mood changes, and even impaired immunity. So when the baby is napping, take a nap too. Get some shut-eye while your partner, family or friend watches over the infant.
Eat healthily
Right now, your body needs macro and micronutrients to replenish stores lost during pregnancy and give you the energy required to deal with your day.
You’ve focused on your and your baby’s nutrition from conception to birth. After delivery, it’s time to think of your own health once again. Pack your plate with colorful fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, dairy, nuts, and seeds.
Stay hydrated
Water is essential for everyone. It carries out several bodily functions, such as transporting vitamins and minerals, regulating body temperature, and eliminating waste products.
You can get dehydrated quickly with all the work involved in caring for the baby. A great tip is to keep a water bottle nearby or even set reminders to drink water.
Care for your skin
Your skin may have gone through many changes (positive or negative) during pregnancy and may still be now. Your skin will return to normal with time, so just be patient. Continue staying hydrated, which helps maintain healthy skin and complexion.
If you are new to skincare regimens, it's best to start with the basics, such as twice-daily face washing with a gentle cleanser, moisturizing and using sunscreen. There are many more beneficial skin products out there, and if you feel overwhelmed or unsure of what to use, see an esthetician or dermatologist.
Exercise
Exercise offers several physical, mental and emotional benefits, such as core strengthening, improving flexibility, lowering stress levels, enhancing body awareness, and improving mood. A wide variety of exercises will suit you and your needs. Sweat out to release toxins from your body, which also helps nurture your skin.
Also, try Kegels exercise to tighten things down there if you are experiencing vaginal laxity or urinary incontinence.
Consider vaginal rejuvenation
It's not uncommon to have pelvic floor disorder symptoms such as urinary incontinence or vaginal laxity after childbirth. After all, your pelvis carried that baby for nine months and was still involved in labor and delivery.
While Kegels exercise may work to strengthen the pelvic floor for many women, other options, like vaginal rejuvenation, are fast becoming popular with many great reviews. Vaginal rejuvenation involves surgical (perineoplasty and vaginoplasty) and nonsurgical procedures (Laser and |Radiofrequency devices) used to tighten and improve the appearance of the vagina.
In Conclusion
Every woman's body is different, so listen to your own needs. Be kind and patient to yourself as you adjust to your new role as a mother. Focus on positivity, stay hydrated, eat, sleep, exercise, and think about undergoing a procedure if necessary. Finally, don't hesitate to ask for and accept help whenever you need it.
About the Author
Dr. Ammar Mahmoud is a highly respected cosmetic gynecological surgeon known for his expertise in minimally invasive procedures. He has a particular focus on sexual wellness and function. He has trained at St. George’s University, where he served as Vice President of the Medical Honor Society and on the board of the Anatomical Clinical Research Society. Dr. Mahmoud also completed his residency at the State University of New York Downstate, where he currently serves as a clinical associate professor. In recent years, he has given a keynote speech on advanced labiaplasty and vaginoplasty techniques and has been a faculty member at the International Cosmetic Gynecology Conference in 2018 and 2019. Dr. Mahmoud is a member of the American Society of Cosmetic Surgeons and the American Society of Cosmetic Laser Surgery. He is dedicated to providing his patients compassionate and professional care based on individual needs.
REFERENCES
Cheng C, Cao Y, Ma SX, Cheng KX, Zhang YF, Liu Y. The strategy for vaginal rejuvenation: CO2 laser or vaginoplasty?. Annals of Translational Medicine. 2021 Apr;9(7).
Birsner ML, Gyamfi-Bannerman C. Physical activity and exercise during pregnancy and the postpartum period ACOG committee opinion summary, number 804. Obstetrics and gynecology. 2020;135(4):E178-88.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2019, August 27). Maternal Diet . Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding/breastfeeding-special-circumstances/diet-and-micronutrients/maternal-diet.html
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