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.
Available from our webstore.
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:
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 many women find 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.
References:
1. Ministry of Health, Eating for Healthy Breastfeeding Women.
Revised June 2004.
2. Deb Gully,
DietNet
Further Reading:
Natural Parenting.com.au