Looking after the heart of a new mother after delivery

Looking after the heart of a new mother after delivery
Share
After months of anticipation, meeting your baby for the first time will surely be one of the most memorable experiences of your life. Adjusting to everyday life after the birth of a baby has its challenges, especially if you are a new mother. Although it is important to care for your baby, you also have to take care of yourself especially the heart.
 
  1. Have a health check-up according to doctor’s recommendations
    It is important to check your blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol level, and other measurements if recommended by the doctor. If there is a concern about the result, you should immediately consult a specialist. Heart diseases and conditions maybe be diagnosed in pregnant women after delivery instead of before pregnancy. More importantly, if you are breastfeeding and plan to take any kind of drug, be sure to consult with your doctor or your child’s pediatrician. While many medications are safe during breastfeeding, a few can have serious side effects for you and/or your baby.
  2. Eat healthy
    Eating right can go a long way in helping you get back your strength and energy. You should eat nutritious food in appropriate amounts. Lactating women should eat more healthy protein such as chicken, fish, eggs, and milk. Calcium is also particularly important.
  3. exercise regularly
    Begin with light exercise 30 minutes a day. Avoid breastfeeding after exercise for half an hour. This allows lactic level in breast milk to return to normal level so breast milk will taste the same. The exercise might include:
    • Walking – walking up and down the stairs instead of using an elevator or an escalator
    • Swimming or walking in a swimming pool
    • Aerobic exercise
  4. Get enough rest
    You should sleep 9-10 hours a day. Sleep when the baby sleeps. This may be only a few minutes of rest several times a day, but these minutes can add up.

 
The first few weeks can also be a time of stress. Sometimes new moms can become so focused on their role as a new parent that they forget about their own needs. However, it is important for new mothers to spend time everyday caring for herself both physically and emotionally.​

Share