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Postpartum care : essential tips for a successful postpartum recovery

soin post partum
Congratulations on the arrival of your precious baby! Starting the adventure of motherhood is wonderful, and it's essential to take care of yourself as much as your newborn. The post-partum period, or "fourth trimester", is a phase of significant transformation, requiring attention and personal care. Beginning just after delivery and lasting six weeks or more, this stage is essential for your health and your ability to care for your baby. We'll guide you through post-partum care, covering physical, natural, emotional and mental well-being, physical activity and rehabilitation. Our aim is to offer you practical advice for a successful recovery and a serene transition to motherhood.
SOMMAIRE :

Understanding the post-partum period

Definition and duration of the postpartum period

The post-partum period, or puerperium, refers to the time directly following childbirth. Medically, it begins with theexpulsion of the placenta and usually ends with the return of menstruation, known as the ” return of childxbirth “.

Traditionally, this phase is estimated to last from 6 to 8 weeks, the time it takes for the uterus to return to its initial size and shape. However, the duration can vary from woman to woman, from a few weeks to several months, and even up to two and a half years in some cases, influenced in particular by the duration of breastfeeding and the possibility of complications.

Major physical and emotional changes

The post-partum period brings with it significant physical and emotional transformations. Physically, women may experience weight loss due to expulsion of the baby, placenta and amniotic fluid, as well as water retention.

The perineum, which can be affected during childbirth, requires a recovery period that can extend from a few weeks to several months. Specific post-partum products, such as the application of cold compresses and perineal re-education exercises, are often recommended.

Hormonal changes also mark this period, causing symptoms such as mood swings, night sweats and hot flashes. Milk production and breast engorgement are frequent, as are changes in breast size and shape.

Women may also experience hair loss and skin problems as a result of lower estrogen levels.

On an emotional and mental level, the post-partum period can include disorders such as the “baby blues” or post-partum depression, requiring specific attention and support to preserve the new mother’s mental health.

Fatigue, body aches and adjusting to life as a parent are other challenges frequently encountered during this stage.

Physical care after childbirth

post-pregnancy care

Bleeding and lochia management

After childbirth, it’s quite normal to experience some bleeding, known as lochia, during the post-partum period. This bleeding can last from three to six weeks, gradually reducing in quantity and changing color from red to pink, then to yellowish or white.

Good hygiene is essential for proper management of bleeding. We recommend changing sanitary towels every 3 to 4 hours to avoid infection. The use of tampons or menstrual cups is not recommended during this period. Make sure you wipe from front to back, and wash your hands after every trip to the bathroom.

It is important to monitor the evolution of lochia. If you notice a sudden increase in the volume of bleeding or the presence of large clots, don’t hesitate to consult a healthcare professional without delay.

A balanced diet and adequate hydration are essential to support the healing process and compensate for blood loss.

Perineum care and healing

Care of the perineum after childbirth, especially in the case of episiotomy or tears, is fundamental. It’s advisable to clean the perineal area with lukewarm water and pat dry gently to prevent ionization. Intimate irritation products are an excellent natural solution!

For better healing, the application of barrier, healing or moisturizing creams is recommended. It is also advisable to avoid products likely to cause allergies, such as talcum powder, sweet almond oil and essential oils. Regular monitoring by a midwife is recommended to assess healing. In the event of fibrous scars or pain during intercourse, specific treatments may be considered.

Breastfeeding and breast care

Breastfeeding plays an important role in the post-partum period, and taking good care of your breasts is essential for a successful experience. Make sure the baby is well positioned at the breast for efficient milk drainage. Massaging the breasts while breastfeeding can help stimulate milk flow and prevent engorgement.

The first few days of breastfeeding can present challenges, such as sore nipples or blocked milk ducts. Patience is key, and it’s important to follow your midwife’s or doctor’s recommendations to resolve these problems.

A balanced diet and good hydration are also vital to support adequate milk production.

Natural postpartum care

A balanced diet to promote recovery

A balanced and appropriate diet is essential to ensure optimal recovery after childbirth. Opt for fresh, raw foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, lean proteins like chicken and fish, and dairy products. These foods are rich in the nutrients needed to restore energy, promote healing and support breast milk production.

Vary your diet to include a wide range of essential nutrients. Omega-3 fatty acids, found in oily fish, walnuts and flaxseed, are beneficial for brain health and physical recovery. Calcium and vitamin D, found in dairy products and green vegetables, play an important role in bone health. Iron, essential for avoiding anaemia, is found in red meats, legumes and fortified cereals.

The importance of rest and hydration

Rest and good hydration are essential for successful postpartum recovery. The body needs time to recover from childbirth and blood loss. Eat small, frequent meals to maintain your energy levels.

Hydration is essential, especially if you’re breastfeeding. Breast milk production is around 90% water, requiring adequate hydration to maintain stable production. Drink water with low mineral content and consider herbal teas such as chamomile, nettle or lavender for extra hydration and relaxing effects.

Natural remedies: food supplements and natural active ingredients

Some natural remedies and dietary supplements can support postpartum recovery. Adaptogenic herbs, such as holy basil, can help stabilize mood and promote milk production. Moringa, rich in nutrients and anti-inflammatories, is also beneficial for recovery and lactation.

Probiotics, found in foods such as plain yoghurt, kefir and kimchi, promote healthy intestinal flora, essential in the post-partum period. They contribute to optimal digestion and the general well-being of the new mother.

Emotional and mental well-being

Recognizing and managing the baby blues

The baby blues, common among many new mothers, manifest themselves as mood fluctuations, frequent crying and heightened emotional sensitivity. These symptoms, often due to hormonal changes and post-delivery fatigue, usually last from a few days to two weeks. If these feelings persist or intensify, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional to rule out post-partum depression.

To overcome the baby blues, it’s vital to communicate your emotions, let your tears flow freely and seek support from family and friends. Taking breaks and naps can also alleviate stress and fatigue. Skin-to-skin contact with the baby and exchanges with other parents provide significant emotional support.

Take care of yourself

During the postpartum period, taking care of your appearance and physical well-being can significantly improve your mental health. Facial care, such as the application of moisturizers and masks, promotes healthy, glowing skin. Hair care, with the use of nourishing shampoos and masks, is essential to prevent hair loss and maintain hair health.

Massages, including post-natal massages, and lymphatic drainage, which helps to eliminate toxins and reduce water retention, are extremely beneficial for reducing tension and promoting faster recovery. These self-care practices help boost your fitness and confidence in your new role as a mother.

The role of family and professional support

Family and professional support are crucial to the emotional and mental well-being of new mothers. The presence of the father, particularly through paternity leave, offers essential emotional and practical support. Relatives, such as parents and friends, also help out by taking care of household chores and providing emotional support.

Mental health professionals, such as therapists and psychiatrists, are essential in the management of postpartum mental disorders. They offer tailored therapies, medication if necessary, and personalized treatment plans. Support groups and community resources also offer a platform for connecting with other mothers and receiving practical advice and emotional support.

Physical activity and rehabilitation

When and how to resume physical activity

Resuming physical activity after childbirth is essential to a young mother’s well-being. However, it is essential to adopt a gradual and safe approach. After a natural childbirth, you can start gentle activities such as walking as early as the first week, at a light to moderate intensity. For example, taking your baby for a walk once or twice a day is an excellent starting point.

For those who have undergone a caesarean section, it is wise to wait about two months before resuming any physical activity, to allow time for reconstruction of the abdominal wall. After a delivery requiring an episiotomy, resumption of more sustained activity should wait until after perineal rehabilitation, on the recommendation of your healthcare professional.

More vigorous activities, such as cycling or swimming, can be considered between the seventh and twelfth week after delivery, once uterine volume has normalized and healing has been completed. High-impact sports, such as tennis or team sports, should be avoided to reduce the risk of urine leakage or prolapse.

The importance of perineal rehabilitation

Perineal rehabilitation plays a key role in postnatal recovery. Performed by midwives or specialized physiotherapists, it aims to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, which may be weakened or damaged during childbirth. This practice is essential for preventing and treating urinary or anal incontinence, alleviating pelvic pain and improving sexual function.

Generally started 6 to 8 weeks after delivery, following the post-partum check-up, this period enables optimal recovery and ensures that rehabilitation takes place in the best conditions of comfort and safety. Objectives include strengthening muscles, preventing incontinence, improving sexual function and managing pelvic pain.

Take care of yourself with Miyé

Miyé is a brand dedicated to women’s well-being, particularly during periods of major hormonal transition, such as postpartum. The brand offers a range of natural and certified organic products, designed to meet the specific needs of women during this critical phase.

Miyé’s post-partum program includes several essential products to aid recovery and enhance overall well-being. Rebalancing Moisturizing Intimate Gel, for example, is formulated to provide comfort, hydration, reinforcement and stimulation to the intimate area. Enriched with aloe vera, prebiotics and probiotics, this gel helps restore and preserve vaginal flora, reducing post-delivery discomfort and perineal pain.

Zoom ingredient intimate gel

Miyé’s Densifying Anti-Hair Loss Serum is another key product for new mothers. This certified organic serum is specially formulated to restore hair vitality and density, while cleansing the scalp and stimulating hair growth at the roots. This helps counteract the frequent hair loss after childbirth due to hormonal changes.

hair serum benefits

In addition to these products, Miyé offers dietary supplements designed to relieve post-partum depression and sleep disorders. Enriched with vitamins B3, B6 and B8, L-tyrosine and soothing herbs such as saffron, these supplements promote emotional serenity and restful sleep, essential for successful post-partum recovery.

Miyé products are the fruit of collaboration with a multi-expert committee, including gynecologists, naturopaths, general practitioners and endocrinologists. This holistic approach ensures that products are not only natural and safe, but also effective in meeting the specific needs of women in the post-partum period.

Conclusion

The post-partum period represents a key moment of transformation for every woman, punctuated by significant physical, emotional and psychological changes. A focus on self-care is essential to ensure total healing and promote an overall state of well-being.

It’s important to maintain a balanced diet, hydrate properly, and get enough rest and sleep. Physical care, including management of post-delivery bleeding, perineal care and breastfeeding, plays an essential role in effective, uncomplicated recovery.

The importance of emotional and psychological well-being should not be overlooked, and support from family and professionals can be crucial. Participating in perineal re-education activities and gentle physical exercise will help strengthen your body and improve your overall health.

Choose natural and certified organic products, like those offered by Miyé, to support your recovery and well-being.

By taking a holistic approach to your personal care, you’ll be better prepared to fully embrace the joys of motherhood and offer the best to your child. Don’t hesitate to seek help and listen to the recommendations of healthcare professionals for a smooth and peaceful transition to your new role as a mother.

Sources

  1. https://www.ameli.fr/assure/sante/devenir-parent/accouchement-et-nouveau-ne/baby-blues-depression-post-partum-grossesse
  2. https://www.ameli.fr/assure/sante/devenir-parent/accouchement-et-nouveau-ne/baby-blues-depression-post-partum-grossesse
  3. https://www.ameli.fr/assure/sante/devenir-parent/accouchement-et-nouveau-ne/suivi-domicile
  4. https://sante.gouv.fr/prevention-en-sante/sante-des-populations/sante-des-femmes/article/depression-post-partum-un-accompagnement-possible

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