The idea of that first bowel movement after delivery can be soooo daunting. What if it hurts? What if I get constipated? What if I rip my stitches? What if I can’t go? When will it happen?
Category: self-care
5 Ways to Reduce the Stress of Returning to Work after Baby
Integrating your new mom-life with work-life after maternity leave can seem incredibly insurmountable. Managing a new schedule, embracing new responsibilities and processing emotions are but three of the most common tasks we all encounter when returning to work after having a baby. It is overwhelming to think about, but it can be done successfully. It is important… Continue reading 5 Ways to Reduce the Stress of Returning to Work after Baby
The Truth about Self-Care after Birth
I stare at the clock as the hour approaches. The baby is still feeding, for some reason he has chosen to take longer this time. I still have to move the clothes from the washer to the dryer, fold the laundry that is in the dryer and cut up some vegetables for dinner. But, first… Continue reading The Truth about Self-Care after Birth
The Struggle of Postpartum Body Image
What do you see when you look in the mirror? Do you see a beautiful, strong, courageous woman, or do you see cellulite, dark circles, stretch marks and wrinkles? Do you hate what you see, or can you find the good qualities that outshine the flaws? Body image is an individual’s perception of her physical… Continue reading The Struggle of Postpartum Body Image
Finding Your Village
Being a new mom can be isolating. We tend to hole ourselves up in our homes just trying to survive on a daily basis. After several weeks of this "survival" behavior, it becomes a bad habit, and the idea of going out to meet someone seems like a mountain of a hurdle to jump. We… Continue reading Finding Your Village
Postpartum Hair Loss is REAL!
I knew it was an inevitable part of the fourth trimester, but for some reason I was still alarmed when it started. Hair loss, ladies, that is what I am talking about. Lots and lots of hair everywhere! Hair in the shower, on the bathroom floor, in the brush, on the baby! Ugh, so gross.… Continue reading Postpartum Hair Loss is REAL!
Surviving with “Mom Brain”
It is pouring rain outside as the car window fogs, I forgot the umbrella (of course), and now I have to run back into the grocery store because I forgot to grab diapers during my first grocery run. How did I forget to grab diapers? I had a living reminder staring at me from the… Continue reading Surviving with “Mom Brain”
Prioritizing Sleep as a New Mom
I don’t know about you, but I require 8 to 9 hours of sleep daily to feel rested. Sleep requirements differ between individuals, but studies show that most people require 6 to 8 hours of sleep daily to feel rested and function at their highest capacity. Sleep is imperative for our bodies to heal, recover… Continue reading Prioritizing Sleep as a New Mom
What every new mom needs to know about postpartum preeclampsia:
Preeclampsia is generally thought of as a complication diagnosed during pregnancy. However, preeclampsia can occur after pregnancy too. Preeclampsia during the fourth trimester can be devastating because it is often overlooked and under diagnosed. Preeclampsia (whether it is diagnosed during pregnancy or postpartum) puts women at risk for seizures, strokes, liver damage, kidney damage and… Continue reading What every new mom needs to know about postpartum preeclampsia:
What you need to know about Gestational Diabetes After Pregnancy
Gestational diabetes is a change in how your body manages sugar during pregnancy. It is diagnosed by a blood test drawn after drinking a sugar loaded drink at around 26-28 weeks pregnant. Gestational diabetes can either be diet controlled or require medications to control blood sugar levels during pregnancy. Women who are diagnosed with gestational… Continue reading What you need to know about Gestational Diabetes After Pregnancy