Know the Postnatal Changes in the Body

UMMATIMES - In the early postpartum condition, the uterus is still enlarged for several weeks. The condition of the abdominal muscles and skin is still stretched along with the pelvic muscles and it all takes time for them to return to their original condition. In this case, postnatal exercise is needed about a week after giving birth to strengthen the muscles and return to their original shape. In addition, breastfeeding can also help speed up the recovery of the body's condition, because breastfeeding causes the uterus to contract and accelerates its return to normal size.

On the first or second day after delivery, you will urinate frequently, this is because the body is removing the extra fluid that has been stored during the last nine months. But on the other hand, there is an increase in sweating and thirst, this condition occurs when the body is working hard to produce milk. Therefore it is very important for women who have just given birth to drink more fluids to replace the lost fluids.

After giving birth, the breasts will feel fuller, warmer, heavier and softer this is because the breast is filled with milk that is prepared for breastfeeding. The feeling of heaviness and burning in the breasts usually subsides after obtaining a regular breastfeeding schedule

Delivering then taking care of the baby and major body changes can leave a woman feeling very tired. The body's need for a chance to rest both physically and emotionally is very much needed. In addition, hormonal changes can cause a woman who has given birth to feel depressed.

Emotional Change

In the first weeks after childbirth, 70% to 80% of women experience some level of emotional changes called "baby blues" or in other words postpartum sadness. Baby blues is caused by a combination of fatigue, anxiety and changes in hormone levels in a woman's postpartum body. Symptoms of the baby blues can be seen when a woman who has given birth often feels sad and crying, a lack of motherhood that appears, is often anxious and restless and is often haunted by the fear of responsibility that must be borne by a newborn baby. Worry about her worries about not being able to be a good mother for her child, worry about the future of her child is also a sign that a woman is experiencing the baby blues.

All of these feelings are natural, even though they sometimes seem scary, but these feelings are only temporary and will disappear by themselves. Get plenty of rest and seek support, especially from your husband about this condition. Do not let the feelings above continue to be allowed to drag on, if this is allowed then a woman will go into the next stage of depression called postpartum depression. If this condition occurs, then treatment must be carried out by psychiatrists and psychologists.