Postpartum Dare
Taking care of your body to return it to health before conception is called 'postpartum care'. It takes about 6 to 8 weeks after childbirth. However, it can also take up to 6 months in some cases. During postpartum care, you should focus on recovering your health and preventing diseases.
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1) Rest and relaxation is a must. It is absolutely imperative that the mother gets enough sleep and rest after all the delivery process ended. A place where she can take a rest comfortably should be provided and her families, relatives or friends should pay attention to her mental stability. No physically demanding work or exercise!
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2) It is essential to properly nourish yourself after the delivery to quickly recuperate. In particular, mothers who breastfeed their baby should eat healthier and more nutritional food for themselves as well as the baby. But it doesn’t mean you can eat foods high in fat and calories as they cause postpartum obesity. It is important to plan a menu with foods rich in protein (beef, pork, chicken, fish, beans), calcium (anchovies, milk, cheese), and iron (liver, spinach), and take meals accordingly on a regular basis.
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3) You may take a shower if you went through natural childbirth. By contrary, if you had the C-section, you may take a shower on the day after your stitches were removed. Taking a bath in a bathtub will be uncomfortable for you due to lochia and poses a threat of infection. Therefore, it is recommended 4 weeks after the delivery, given that you have no other particular physical issues.
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4) You will sweat a lot during postpartum care. Therefore, be sure to keep an appropriate level of temperature and humidity and adjust your attire according to the surrounding environment.
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5) You may want to start your sex life 6 weeks after delivery. In particular, women who don’t plan to breast-feed is able to ovulate in just a month after delivery. So it is highly likely that you will get pregnant very sooner than planned. To avoid pregnancy right after childbirth, you must use contraceptives.