Taking Care of Yourself
Adapted from Sleeping Through the Night: How Infants, Toddlers, and Their Parents Can Get a Good Night's Sleep by Dr. Jodi Mindell and the Babycenter article ''How To Take Care of Yourself After a Tough Labor"
Taking Care of Yourself
They say: "when a baby is born, so is a mother (and father)." You already know that having a baby is one of the most rewarding events of your life. It is also one of the most challenging. First of all, you're going to feel a bit worn out. And no wonder - you just gave birth! Even under the best circumstances, labor is mentally and physically exhausting. If you lost a lot of blood, became dehydrated during labor, or are anemic after childbirth, it may take you a few extra days or weeks before you start feeling remotely like yourself again.
"The most basic advice (is to) sleep when the baby sleeps, ask for help, eat nutritiously, and drink lots of fluids." says Carol L. Archie, an obstetrician-gynecologist and professor of medicine at the UCLA School of Medicine.
Get Help
This is no time to be stoic: accept ALL offers of help. That might include a friend who offers to do the laundry, your mother-in-law who brings in a few prepared meals, or your partner who offers to look after your baby while you take a catnap. If no one offers to pitch in during the early days, or if you live far from family, consider hiring a doula (a specially trained mother's helper) or a housekeeper. If hiring help is not an option, simplify and cut down on chores. For example, instead of cooking a meal each night, alternate with take-out.
Get a Relaxing Massage
Your muscles are likely to be tense from lifting, carrying, feeding, rocking and soothing your baby during all hours of the day (and night!) Now's the time to ask your partner to give you a massage. You probably already know the benefits of massaging your infant, but now more than ever, you need the pampering, soothing effects that massage offers. Your partner can help relax your muscles with firm strokes along your shoulders, arms, lower back, thighs and calves. Remember to use a gentle lotion or oil to help make the massage more comfortable. JOHNSON'S® SOFTLOTION™ Calming Lotion® is a good choice for your grown-up skin. Clinically proven mild, allergy and dermatologist tested, it's enriched with natural lipids, and lavender and chamomile. It moisturizes richly and, when massaged in, helps you feel soothed, nurtured and relaxed! You can also use hypoallergenic JOHNSON'S® Baby Oil Lavender , if you prefer oil for massage. It's gentle enough for your baby, but is perfect for adult skin too. It's enriched with lavender and chamomile, ingredients shown to be calming and relaxing.
Get Hydrated
Dehydration can really wear you down, without you even realizing it. If you're nursing, you run an even greater risk of becoming dehydrated, so remember to drink plenty of fluids. Avoid caffeinated or sugary beverages. Both will only end up making you feel more exhausted, plus caffeine can pass through your breast milk to your baby, making her even more restless! The best thirst quencher is water, so drink lots of it - about six to eight glasses a day. An easy way to remember is to drink a glass of water whenever you sit down to nurse or feed your baby. Avoid heavy foods like burgers and French fries which can weigh you down. Instead, eat lighter foods, including moisture-rich foods like fruits and vegetables, with a little pasta.
Don't forget that your skin needs moisture too. To help replenish your skin's moisture - and to take a much needed moment for yourself - take a shower or bath. In addition to helping hydrate your skin, a shower or bath will help to relax your sore muscles. Be sure to use a gentle, moisturizing cleanser. JOHNSON'S® SOFTWASH™ Calming Body Wash, enriched with one-third baby lotion, can help your skin feel moisturized while it gently cleans. And it's made especially to nurture moms! A warm shower, with the lavender scent, can help you relax. If you've had a cesarean section, talk to your doctor about exact instructions for bathing and showering.
Remember to apply a moisturizer to your damp skin after your shower, to help seal in moisture. A proper moisturizer can also help your skin maintain its suppleness. Allergy tested and with a clinically proven mild formula, JOHNSON'S® SOFTLOTION™ 24 Hour Moisture Body Lotion has the trusted gentleness of JOHNSON'S?, but is made especially for moms' skin. It provides immediate moisture and lasts for 24 hours to leave your skin feeling baby soft! With all the frequent hand-washing you're now doing (after diaper changes, etc.) you may want to try JOHNSON'S® SOFTCREAM™ Extra Care Healing Hand Cream, formulated with a touch of baby oil, to help relieve extra dry skin and rough spots.
Get Some Sleep
Remember, you need sleep, too. Resist treating your baby's naptime as your chore time - take a nap when your baby does. Try to wind down when your baby sleeps. Avoid all caffeinated beverages after lunch. Make your bedroom as quiet and comfortable as possible. You will sleep better if your bedroom is cool and dark. Take a bath, listen to music, or ask your partner to give you a massage to relax. You may not get a full night's sleep anytime soon, but at least you can make the most of any opportunity you do get to sleep, even if it's just a catnap.
As friends and family gather around to celebrate your new baby, remember to give yourself some TLC too. You'll be better able to cope with the challenges that a new infant brings when you're well rested, well fed and well hydrated. As a new mother, you'll need to take good care of yourself from now on. After all, parenthood is a marathon you'll be running? for the rest of your life!
