Postpartum
The first few weeks were extremely hard for me. The postpartum felt somewhere between endless magic, complete happiness and tears. First I had to come to terms with myself and my body and process the experience of giving birth.
- The body still hurts a lot the first few days from the cesarean section or the birth injuries.
- On the third day, the milk shot sends its regards and comes overnight with chills and high fever as well as aching breasts.
- Last but not least, the nipples are sore from the constant breastfeeding.
- Not to forget that a little sweet person is 100% dependent on you and demands your full attention every second.
Conclusion: Everything is not so easy in the first weeks. Nevertheless, the hormones help a lot, they compensate for the lack of sleep and you just function and enjoy to the fullest this incredibly beautiful cuddle time. The partner is also supportively involved with making tea and preparing food and changing diapers.
Postpartum – Despression
Everyone experiences the hormonal chaos differently after giving birth. For some, the fears are more pronounced and for others the incredible joy and happiness of being a mother. Therefore, tears are part of the daily routine during the first two weeks. Often they are tears of happiness, because you are so happy that you could hug the whole world. Holding a healthy super cute baby in my arms was the greatest gift. I just couldn’t believe my luck.
Breastfeeding
Not everyone can breastfeed. But those who decide to breastfeed need a lot of patience. From day to day it became easier, more pleasant, because a certain routine took hold. I often asked myself if I was doing everything right. In general, it is important not to be nervous or tense when breastfeeding. This is transmitted very sensitively to the baby. If the mother is tense, the baby notices it immediately and is restless and cries a lot, so breastfeeding is also more difficult.
Besides breastfeeding and changing diapers
The first small walks with baby are on the agenda. Fresh air and feeling the sun’s rays on your nose is good for mother and baby. But remember to take it easy, it’s called postpartum for a reason and your pelvic floor will thank you later.
Top 14 Must-Haves
Long and wide panty liners – The idea wasn’t particularly sexy but they are important. Use the very thickest ones you can find. because postpartum says hello. (calculate 1-2 per day x 3 weeks).
Nursing pads – I found the Babylove (dm) quite okay, but have also resigned myself to the fact that now and then my t-shirt had a stain. But there are also washable nursing pads made of fabric.
Nipple ointment – from Lansinoh and the nipple balm from into life was best.
Breast gel pad made from thermal beads – Essential if you have breast inflammation. Heat in the microwave before nursing and cool after nursing.
Breastfeeding bra – Indispensable if you ever go out the door.
Breastfeeding pillow – The little mice are very light at the beginning, so you need a support to put them to the breast at the right height.
Ointment Schuessler Salze NR 11 – Apply the ointment several times a day to heal my sore nipples. Promotes wound healing and fights bacteria that could stop it all.
Silver nipple cap from MAMMACITA® – To support natural wound healing, simply apply between breastfeeding meals. This can protect sore nipples from sticking with nursing pads or cloth. Put 1-2 drops of breast milk on the silver cap and place it on the nipple.
Cotton nursing tops – approx: 10 pieces from h&m. I wear them sometimes with and sometimes without a bra.
Cotton underpants – approx: 10 pieces from h&m.
plastic nursing caps from medela – essential if you have sore nipples
Bochhorn clover capsules – for milk production
Vitamin C capsules – Cetebe for the immune system
Breastfeeding tea – Babylove dm
Trisamkeit – No room for visitors
The long-awaited baby is finally here and the family is already waiting in the wings and queueing at the front door 🙂 Please decide depending on the day how comfortable you feel with the thought of strangers and familiar people entering your apartment.
Follow-up appointments – midwife
Congratulations! Having a postpartum midwife these days is very fortunate. Talk to the midwife about your worries and fears, and ask her questions. She knows the answer to every question and you will learn super much about your baby.
Paperwork
With the birth of a baby comes a few bureaucratic tasks that unfortunately have to be done promptly.
- Apply for a birth certificate,
- Apply for child support,
- Apply for parental allowance,
- Inform health insurance
- Send the birth certificate to the employer
Tip: many forms can be filled out before the birth, so that only the last info needs to be updated during the postpartum period.
Postnatal – extremely important!!!
Through the 9 months of pregnancy and birth, your pelvic floor muscles have been put under a lot of strain. Therefore, you may be incontinent in the postpartum period. – However, this does not have to be the case for every woman. In most cases, the incontinence goes away as soon as the pelvic floor starts to build up more tension again. Postnatal exercises are a remedy and should be taken seriously.
Tip: Mama & Baby Postnatal – Yoga courses stabilize the pelvis