You have a new little youngling at your house - Congratulations!!!
Now what? You may also be dealing with a few discomforts or even feeling a little blue unexpectedly. Here are some things from the homework page from Lamaze #2 that you may not remember.
You deserve to feel good!
Take a photo of this with your phone so you’ll know what to do if any of these symptoms come into your experience.
How to Deal with Postpartum Sleep Deprivation as a New Parent
Severe Post-Birth Complications: Know the Warning Signs
Two Weeks or Less - The Disappearing Postpartum
A Partner's Quick Guide
Skin to Skin
Isn’t just for right after birth. Babies need to feel your body warmth, hear your heartbeat and feel grounded. You do too! Spend as much time like this as possible. Remove your shirt, remove their clothing (other than a diaper!) Wear them in your sling. When your baby is not feeling well, this space on your chest (the landing pad) provides them with the ability to immediately calm. There is no evidence that shows this ever ceases!
A good, warm cuddle is almost always the perfect answer!
Hemorrhoids
To prevent constipation and straining, which contribute to hemorrhoids, eat foods high in fiber — including fruits, vegetables and whole grains — and drink plenty of water. Remain as physically active as possible. If your stools are still hard, your health care provider may recommend an over-the-counter stool softener or fiber laxative.
White Oak Bark (Quercus Alba).
Popular for its astringent qualities, White Oak Bark encourages tissue proteins to tighten, thus strengthening vascular walls. The oak tannin binds liquids, absorbs toxins, and soothes inflamed tissues.
Open up a capsule of the over-the-counter herb, mix with Vicks Vapo-rub (sounds horrible, but it COOLS the burning INSTANTLY!) and apply externally for a cooling effect. (If you're not already, wear a panty liner, since the mixture is the color of ‘poo’ and may stain your panties!) If you have internal hemorrhoids, use Vicks as a lubricant and insert one inside the anus to restrict those veins as well.
This SERIOUSLY works!
Baby blues is pretty usual during the first couple of weeks. If after the second week you are not feeling improvement or are feeling yourself sinking, there is no need to feel embarrassed or ashamed. Both or either parent can struggle with these feelings. Please reach out to me, your provider and use the links below to get even more support.
You are so loved!
LINKS:
2020 Mom
Postpartum Support International - PSI
About Postpartum Psychosis (mghp3.org)
Postpartum Psychiatric Disorders - MGH Center for Women's Mental Health (womensmentalhealth.org)
NIMH » Women and Mental Health (nih.gov)
Baby Blues Connection | Help for struggling postpartum parents in Portland, Vancouver
