đź”´Have you ever wondered why you had that lower abdominal pains after birth? Even becoming worse during breastfeeding? It feels like a painful menstruation. This is why..
đź”´The uterus for the past 9 months have expanded to accommodate your growing fetus.
đź”´After birth it contracts to get back into its normal shape and size. By 6 weeks after birth it should go Back to its pre pregnancy state.
đź”´The contraction/pain you feel helps the uterus to become smaller and as well go back to its pre pregnancy state. Yes it’s painful especially if it’s a subsequent birth.
đź”´As you breastfeed the uterus contracts since the hormone #oxytocin is also produced. It is responsible for the contractions that causes the lower abdominal pains.
✔️This pain can be managed by taking some prescribed analgesics and also sleeping on the abdomen. If you had a Caesarian section assume a comfortable position.
✔️Have enough rest, passive exercise and adequate hydration is also helpful.
đź”´If lower abdominal pain is very severe with profuse bleeding. Speak to a doctor /midwife
TYING THE WOMB AFTER BIRTH For many women how they look and feel becomes an important aspect of postpartum recovery.
During pregnancy the uterus grows from being a pelvic organ to an abdominal organ. There is an increase in shape and size which is very significant.
For the abdomen during pregnancy, there are many other factors that determine the size of your bump
Abdominal fat, gas, mass, size of the baby or fluid. All these can affect how the abdomen looks like even after pregnancy.
It’s important to Tackle all these if you want the abdomen to look flat after birth
The uterus in itself takes about 6 weeks to go back into its pre-pregnancy state. So you need to be patient with your self
The first is for you complete your postpartum period. For the uterus to contract, make sure your blood level is high before delivery. Low blood level can cause bleeding and uterus will not contract .
In case you notice bleeding or any form of severe pain report early. Retained products can prevent your womb from contracting . Also your midwife can teach you how to rub the uterus so it contracts. Also breastfeed your baby it helps the uterus to contract.
Contractions of the uterus is what will make the uterus look smaller.
Other things you can do to get the womb or abdomen reduced is by burning the fat you accumulated during pregnancy. Exclusive breastfeeding helps, Exercise and also choosing the foods you eat is very important.
After birth the water in your body will also come out as urine in the first few weeks and this also helps to reduce your weight .
You should also choose the foods you eat carefully to reduce gas in the abdomen. If you have any mass, eg fibroids etc , see a gynaecologist and plan how it can be removed
When it comes to tying the abdomen after birth, it can be done from the first day after birth if the woman had vaginal birth . There should be some considerations, You should feel well and comfortable, it should not be tight on you and you should be able to breathe without struggling. Also choose a binder that works and fits perfectly. If you feel pain, uncomfortable, or experience any complications, stop and report to your doctor. It should not be tight. Start gradually and don’t wear it for a long period of time. You can prolong the time as you heal. Follow the recommended duration given by the manufacturer of the abdominal binder or cosset you use. It should be approved for medical use by the governing body in your country
If you can cesarean section I advise you wait until the wound has healed and your doctor allows you to use it. Do not tie your abdomen just after cesarean section except it’s for the sole reason of promoting comfort and reducing pain. In that case the abdominal binder should be loosely applied. Also speak to your doctor first
In conclusion combining a healthy diet, exercise, self care and using an abdominal binder can help you get your postpartum body back into shape and improve a positive self image
You can also speak to coach who will help you better in your journey
Most newborn babies are born with a perfect skin, well hydrated no rashes and having good skin color
Unfortunately some mums will return to the hospital after few days with their babies having skin rashes, dehydrated skin and sometimes jaundiced
One factor that contributes to the poor skin turgor in babies is not dressing the baby appropriately according to the weather
In Africa where we have a hot climate, it’s important to consider the weather when choosing your baby’s clothing
One clue to help you dress your baby is that if you feel cold, your baby is probably feeling cold as well. If you feel hot baby is probably feeling hot as well
Choose cotton dresses that are more comfortable for the baby. Dresses worn by babies should be dry. A wet dress can cause hypothermia or decrease in temperature
Baby should be properly covered. Clothes made from Cotton is preferable. Just one layer which suits our climate. Socks and a cap. Wrapped nicely in a cot sheet. Don’t add many clothes. It’s not needed with the weather we have here in Africa, Ghana.
Don’t wrap the baby with too many clothes. It can cause overheating leading to further complications. It also causes skin problems like heat rashes etc
Babies dress should be washed with mild soap and also rinsed with lots of water to prevent babies skin from reacting with the chemicals in the soap.
Not to forget, with our weather here in Ghana please just wrap baby with a cot sheet and that is enough. Except weather is very cold and it demands extra clothing
Continue to breastfeed exclusively for six months and avoid using harsh soaps on the babies skin.
Baby dress should be comfortable and not too tight on the baby
A baby who is not comfortable will be fussy and may cry as well
During cold weather make sure the baby is well covered, socks and a cap with probably some extra clothes to prevent hypothermia.
It’s important to maintain a clean environment and the room well ventilated. Report to the hospital if your baby has a high temperature or the body is extremely cold.
Share your thoughts. How did you ensure your baby was dressed in an appropriate clothing.
Join our Pregnancy class to learn more 024 228 1957
Yes we all agree children are gifts from God and we love to have them.
But come to think of it it. What’s the point having many children and not being in a position to take care of these children or give them a better life
Whats the point of not limiting the number of children you can have and getting complications that may even cost your life at the expense of the other children that will be left behind
Lets go straight to the point. The #womb which carries your baby can be compared to the balloon. The more it’s inflated the more weaker it gets with time.
What this means is that especially after 3 or 4 children your risk of having uterine rapture or bleeding increases. This is because your uterine muscles has been over stretched and its ability to contract diminishes.
It’s important that after you have the required number of children at a point you need to take precautions so you don’t get pregnant again just to avoid complications or save your life.
In case you have more than three children and pregnant again. Please don’t take chances. Work closely with your doctor or midwife
Seek individualised care and report early if you have any complications
The vagina has a Ph. of 3.5-4.5 which helps prevent #infection by inhibiting the growth of bacteria or germs. It is important to know that when the ph. of the vagina is distorted the woman can easily get an infection. To prevent any imbalance in the vagina, women should
Avoid douching or inserting chemicals into the vagina. It’s self cleansing
Chronic diseases like Diabetes and Hypertension should be under control and treated
Avoid abusing the use of antibiotics and only take prescribed medications
Regular exercise and taking a balanced diet rich in roughage and vitamins
Early treatment of all other infections is also very beneficial
Good personal hygiene is also key in helping the vagina stay healthy. Bathing regularly, wearing loose, clean cotton underwear is very HELPFUL, changing pads regularly during menstruation
Always remember to keep the perinea area clean and dry.
Report early if you have any of these signs and symptoms.
You can Book a one on one session, Buy your baby Items, Book for an interview or other matters and also Buy a copy of our book and it has all the information you need! from us. 024 228 1957
It’s important to understand what happened to your body during pregnancy . The uterus enlarged to accommodate the growing baby. Your body retained more fluid and the abdominal muscles was also stretched during pregnancy. It took 9 months…This was a gradual process
In the same way after birth the body will need time to go back to its pre pregnancy state.
And yes the uterus will take about 6 weeks to go back to its original state
Also know it’s not just the uterus. The fluid in the body adds to your weight and looks after birth . The abdominal muscles will be lax and and the fat in your body will also be present. All this adds up to make your abdomen and body look big. Not forgetting the weight you gained during pregnancy
To reduce it. Here are simple things you can do .
Start postnatal Exercise after birth
Breastfeeding helps a lot
And also diet modification is very important . Nutritious meals in adequate proportions.
Some may need some physiotherapy as well
And yes let me add that be gentle and patient with yourself. Yes getting your body back after birth is possible but it takes time and effort
No matter what you are still beautiful! And a great mum. Never forget that!
Speak to your midwife or doctor for possible referral to resources near you! Nutritionist, fitness coach, physiotherapist, post partum birth coach etc
Pregnant? You can sign up for our pregnancy class to learn more +233242281957
Open chat
Scan the code
Welcome to mymidwifesally.com How can we help you?
Day and year of your first menstruation, known as menarche
