postnatal care

After the birth, it is natural for all women (and their partners!) to be tired from the physical birth and lack of sleep.

At this time, the new mother needs plenty of rest to keep up her milk supply.

She will also need extra assistance for three-six weeks if she has had a Caesarean birth.

Family and friends can be of great help by supplying meals, helping with housework, washing and looking after older siblings. In some centres, you can also hire professional help to lighten the load in the first few weeks or months.

Breastfeeding:

Try Weleda Nursing tea to increase quality of milk, increase milk flow and prevent colic in your baby or NaturoPharm milkflow. Always consult your midwife or lactation consultant for advice.

Mastitis (Breast infections) can be caused by a poorly fitted bra. So make sure you get your maternity bras fitted by a lingerie specialist.

Earth Mama Booby Tubes can help relieve breast infections. Always consult your midwife or lactation consultant for advice. 

Cloth Breast pads:

Reusable cloth breast pads are a healthier choice for you and the environment, you are reducing your exposure to harmful chemicals and toxins found in disposable products and reducing less waste for landfills.

Cloth breast pads are a fantastic alternative and are so much more absorbent than disposables. Extremely soft, don't leave paper stuck to the breast and
come in a range of absorbencies and are nice and trim.

The initial outlay can cost a wee bit more than disposable product but the long-term benefits of comfort and cost savings far out way the initial set up.

For online information on health issues such as breast engorgement, sore/cracked nipples and mastitis, check out the further reading box.

Nutrition:

For nutritional reasons, you should should still:

• avoid fast food
• reduce your consumption of caffeine (found in tea, coffee, chocolate)
• reduce your consumption of soft drinks and cordials as these are high in sugar.
• Diet drinks contain aspartame and are also best avoided.

This information is not a substitute for professional medical advice.

You should always seek the advice of your doctor or health professional for any concerns you may have regarding food safety.

What to eat instead:

• freshly prepared and well cooked foods
• wholefoods rather than processed foods
• organic foods
• drink lots of water
• herbal teas are usually recommended (the caffeine free varieties).

Feminine hygiene:

After the birth you will have need to have a good supply of sanitary pads on hand!

Whilst many sanitary products may contain synthetic and plastic products that may cause irritation, you can now choose between cloth "mama pads" and disposable organic cotton menstrual pads (eg Naturacare).

Recommended for maternity use are the Naturacare night-time press-on pads which are extra-long, super pads.

Cloth Mama pads:

Reusable Sanitary pads, commonly known as "Cloth Mama pads" are a healthier choice for you and the environment, you are reducing your exposure to harmful chemicals and toxins found in disposable menstrual products and reducing less waste for landfills.

No more running out of pads and trips to the shops. Or sending your partner or husband off to the feminine aisle to only come home with the wrong thing.

Cloth Mama pads are very comfortable to wear, easy to use and care for.
You will find a huge range available - something to suit everyone. While the initial outlay can cost a wee bit more than disposable products long-term the benefits of comfort and cost savings far out way the initial set up.

Cloth Mama pads are fantastic after having baby especially in those few weeks afterwards. The don't irritate and don't scrunch up putting pressure on those sore spots which alot of women find the disposable maternity pads do.

Using and care for your breast pads and mama pads is as easy as using and rinsing then popping into a container of cold water until wash day. Drain container and wash. Its that easy!! Both breast pads and postnatal pads can be washed with any laundry, most women wash with a load of nappies or towels. Line dry.

For suppliers of cloth menstrual pads, check out our:
US "where to shop" or NZ "where to shop"directory.

 

References:

1. Ministry of Health, Eating for Healthy Breastfeeding Women. Revised June 2004.
2. Deb Gully, DietNet

Further Reading:

Natural Parenting.com.au