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Postpartum: this is what happens in your body
Maybe you know the saying: nine months in, nine months out. Your body takes nine months to make a little person and then about nine months (but even up to two years!) to recover from it. Immediately after delivery you can expect a number of physical and mental changes, but in the months that follow your body will also need time to get back in balance. We also call this "postpartum". What can you expect? Immediately after delivery Sore vagina (or belly wound after caesarean section). If you have given birth vaginally - regardless of whether you have been cut or torn - you can be sore down below. A sore vagina can last a week and if you have stitches, it can last longer. Sitting or (long) walking can be uncomfortable, so take your time and try to make it as pleasant as possible for yourself. Sometimes lying down can help, but also try to walk and sit in small sections around the house. If you still feel scar tissue pulling after a few months, contact your GP or midwife. If you have had a caesarean section, recovery can take a bit longer. The wound can be sensitive and painful for the first few weeks, and you're not allowed to lift for 6 weeks after the surgery. After your c-section you might need some extra help and care for yourself and the baby. Afterpains. Immediately after delivering the baby you will still have contractions to deliver the placenta. Even after the placenta is born, you might still experience some afterpains. These cramps cause your uterus to contract, the hole where the placenta was sits properly closed and returns to its normal size. Blood is also released to cleanse your uterus. If you are breastfeeding, you will often experience cramps during the let-down reflex, because the hormone oxytocin is then released. Sweating. During and after delivery you can sweat quite a bit. This is partly due to the extra fluid you retained during your pregnancy and your hormone balance. It may also be that your sweat smells different than normal. No worries, the smell will be as it was before once your hormones settle back. In the meantime, it can be nice to wash daily with products with mild ingredients and drink plenty of water. Baby blues. Quite a lot happens to you after delivery. This combined with released hormones can make you emotional. Somewhere between day 3-5 you may suddenly feel very down. Let those tears flow and talk about it with your partner or postnatal care helper. Usually it goes away within a day or a few days. If it lasts longer, contact your midwife or GP. Engorgement. If you are breastfeeding, you may also experience swollen breasts a few days after delivery. The milk has started flowing well and the blood flow to the breasts is good, but your baby still needs to learn to drink properly. Make sure your breasts are properly emptied and that you don't pump too much, as this can lead to overproduction again. Cold compresses can help with discomfort. If you develop a fever and your breasts become red and hard, mention this to your postnatal care or midwife as this may indicate a breast infection (mastitis). Physical discomfort Also later after delivery, when you feel much stronger and better, there can be a number of physical discomforts. Urinary incontinence. During your pregnancy your pelvic floor muscles became softer and looser. Additionally, there is a lot of pressure on your pelvic floor during delivery. The result? Your bladder sphincter muscles don't work as well, since the pelvic floor supports these muscles. As a result, sneezing can now cause urinary leakage. If you have problems with this, you can contact a pelvic floor specialist. This doesn't have to be the case and can recover well. Unstable pelvis. Urinary incontinence is one thing, but you can also experience a wobbly feeling in your belly and pelvis for a number of months (sometimes longer). That's why it's important to start training gently again - as soon as it's possible. This is at the earliest after 6 weeks, once you've had a check with the midwife. See what works for you and what benefits your body. Nowadays there are nice programs that specifically focus on postpartum recovery such as the program from SterkHer. Soft belly. Your skin was stretched quite a bit during pregnancy, as were your muscles. So it will take a while before it's back in shape. If you have a diastasis (gap between your abdominal muscles in the middle), a pelvic floor physio can help bring them back together. Certain yoga or pilates exercises can also help strengthen your core again. But also remember that your belly may not look exactly the same as before pregnancy - your body has, after all, brought a baby into the world! So be kind to yourself and your belly and treat yourself with a balm or oil. Hair loss. About four months after delivery, hair loss can occur. During pregnancy your hair remained in the growth phase, but now the drop in the hormone estrogen causes it to fall out. Read all about it here. Mental changes There is suddenly a new family member, hormones are racing through your body and your sleep pattern is turned upside down. No wonder then that in addition to physical changes you also notice that you are in a different mental state. Fatigue. Recovery takes energy, as does sleep deprivation. So fatigue is not surprising. Especially the first weeks and months are heavy, because the baby probably still needs multiple feedings at night. This will eventually pass, allowing you to slowly get longer nights again. Try to go to bed on time, split the "shifts" with your partner where possible, and enlist friends and family to help you nap in the afternoon if you can. Forgetfulness. Due to hormones but also because there is a lot on your mind due to all the changes, you may be more forgetful than normal. Meanwhile, it has also been scientifically proven that the structure of your brain changes through pregnancy and childbirth (Matrescence: on pregnancy, childbirth and motherhood, Lucy Jones, 2023). So mom brain is a fact and nothing to be ashamed of. Sadness. Quite a lot changes in your life, and sometimes you may miss things from before or the time you spent with your partner, other children or friends. This is very normal and slowly there will be more space for it again. If the feeling persists, don't be afraid to ask for help from your midwife or GP. Postpartum depression occurs in 10% of women after delivery, so it's important to get help if this is the case. Postpartum after miscarriage If you have had a miscarriage, it is not only mentally heavy, you also notice it physically. Like a full-term pregnancy, in most cases you still have to deliver and it takes a while before the hormones leave your body. How long this takes varies from person to person, but give your body time to heal.
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Everything you can do to prevent stretch marks during your pregnancy
During pregnancy, a lot happens to your body. The extra production of the hormone estrogen makes your skin more supple, so it can stretch. Sometimes your skin can't keep up with the growth of your belly. Then stretch marks develop. Almost every woman experiences this to some degree, so these stripes are certainly nothing to be insecure about. How do stretch marks develop and how do you keep your skin well nourished? We explain it to you and give tips. How do stretch marks develop?Stretch marks develop when your body grows faster than your skin can handle. During pregnancy, but also due to a growth spurt in your youth or if you gain a lot of weight in a short time, you can get stretch marks. The growth causes small tears in your connective tissue that are visible from the outside. This can be visible on the belly, but also on breasts, legs and in some cases the arms. These stripes can initially be purple or red, but will usually lighten over time and take on your own skin color.Can you prevent it?Whether you get stretch marks or not is largely genetically determined. Therefore, you have almost no influence on preventing stretch marks. Creating a baby is no small feat, so it's also nothing to be ashamed of.Of course, you can take extra good care of and support your skin during the growth process. Using an oil or balm helps keep your skin supple and nourished, and although it won't prevent stretch marks, it does seem to have a small positive effect. It also helps against any itching and can reduce a pulling sensation.TipsBelow are a few tips that can help keep your skin supple and nourished during your pregnancy: Hydrate. Whether you're pregnant or not, your skin and body need moisture for the production of new cells, but also for maintaining elastin in your skin. Help your body by drinking at least 1.5 to 2 liters of water per day during pregnancy. Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize. Skin that stretches and comes under tension can become itchy or dry. It's a natural process, but one we can support a little. By not showering too hot and applying a nice pregnancy balm afterwards, your skin stays better hydrated and dries out less quickly. Contrast showers. By alternating between warm and cold water, you stimulate blood circulation and strengthen your connective tissue. Massage your skin well during the shower and wear supportive clothing, such as pregnancy underwear, or pregnancy tights or leggings. Exercise & healthy eating. It doesn't have to be intense sports, but staying active during pregnancy also promotes good blood circulation and a healthy weight. Also, nutritious and varied food can contribute to healthy skin: omega 3 fatty acids (in fatty fish such as mackerel, salmon, herring) and probiotics (in yogurt, kefir, pickles) appear to help with dry skin, for example. Daily belly massage. It only needs to take 5 minutes, but this action stimulates your connective tissue and keeps your skin well nourished. Use a mild pregnancy oil for this. Besides being a nice moment for yourself, it's also a good way to make a connection with your baby in your belly.
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How to give yourself a belly massage during pregnancy?
A belly massage during your pregnancy provides peace and quiet. Literally and figuratively. During your pregnancy, a lot happens in your body, but also in your mind. To do lists, preparations, not feeling great physically or mentally. To not lose yourself, it can be good to check in with yourself and your baby. With a belly massage you do that naturally, and you also take good care of your skin. Read below how to do it. About Jill van der Veen We spoke with Jill van der Veen, who started her own platform Mom • Me • Soul in 2014. Her mission is to provide relaxation to pregnant women with a focus on good recovery, so she can live from her true potential and stand in her power. A belly massage is not only practical to keep the skin supple and soft, but mentally it is also nice to make a better connection with the baby. 'The biggest wish I hear from pregnant women is; I want to enjoy optimally, or even more than the previous pregnancy,' Jill says. ''Massaging your belly is one of the small moments when you make contact with the baby and thus consciously experience your pregnancy and can enjoy it even more. And it's precisely small moments that can contribute to that. It only takes 5 minutes a day and can even be done standing or before you go to sleep, in bed. The more often you do it, the easier you can make contact with the baby. And it contributes to self-care; keeping your beautiful skin soft and supple, and creating a moment of peace. Slowly you will build a routine, and you can also take this with you once the baby is born to bring you both into relaxation. This is a gift for yourself, your baby and your beautiful, powerful body.' Belly massage step-by-step plan Step 1. Make yourself comfortable; phone off, dim the lights and put on nice music. Get into a comfortable position, on the couch for example, with your back slightly raised and enough pillows to support your back completely. It is important that there is no gap between your back and the couch. Finally, place a thick pillow under your knees so that your lower back is relieved. Step 2. Think of your intention. Do you want to experience more relaxation? Or take a moment to think about what's happening in your belly? Maybe you can give a wish to your unborn little one. Step 3. Warm your hands and let the energy flow through by rubbing your hands together. That also feels nicer on your warm belly. Step 4. Before you start massaging, make contact with the baby; place your hands on your belly, talk in your thoughts or out loud, or sing a song. If something is on your mind, share it with the baby. Or tell what you're going to do and what your intention is. Step 5. Apply a nice pregnancy oil or balm to your hands, warm it up between your hands and then rub it over your belly. Step 6. Vary with different grips: circles clockwise, counter-clockwise, zigzag, stroke downwards, stroke along the groin. Step 7. Repeat your intention and massage to the rhythm of the music.
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What skincare can you safely use during pregnancy?
Being pregnant can be a beautiful experience, but it also comes with questions and worries. One of the things that may come up is what you can and cannot apply to your skin during your pregnancy. We've listed the ingredients you can safely use and which ones to better avoid. Avoid: Retinol (Vitamin A) Skincare products with retinol (also known as vitamin A) are not recommended during pregnancy. This is because retinol can penetrate deeply into the skin. What the exact effect of vitamin A is on an unborn baby is still not entirely clear. Therefore, it's best to skip it during your pregnancy. Safe alternatives to retinol Does this mean you can't do anything for your skin in the coming months? Fortunately, there are plenty of ingredients that are safe to use and still have an effective action. You can use niacinamide against acne and blemishes, and vitamin C to help prevent pigmentation and brighten the skin. Let that glow shine! Avoid: Salicylic acid (BHA) Another ingredient you should avoid for now is salicylic acid, also known as BHA or beta-hydroxy-acid. This active ingredient has an exfoliating effect and is also often used for blemishes and acne. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, salicylic acid in very low concentration (2%) can be safely used, but not all over the face. Because it's easy to make mistakes with this, most dermatologists and doctors still advise against using this ingredient during pregnancy. Better safe than sorry! Safe alternatives to salicylic acid Instead of salicylic acid, you can choose glycolic acid or lactic acid (AHA). Prefer not to exfoliate with active ingredients, but still want to remove dead skin cells? Then choose a gentle scrub or face wash based on sunflower oil. Avoid: SLES SLES is a surfactant that creates the foam in your shampoo, soap or detergents. Products with SLES can be irritating for some people or cause a tight feeling on the skin (source: RIVM). Due to hormonal fluctuations, your skin may already feel drier and tighter during pregnancy. SLES is safe to use, but if you have drier skin due to hormonal fluctuations during your pregnancy, you may want to avoid this ingredient for now. Safe alternatives to SLES Naïf skincare products - such as our shampoo and conditioner - are made with sodium coco-sulfate. This is a variant of SLS, with ingredients derived from coconut oil. This ensures that our products foam nicely while being gentler on the skin. Avoid: Parabens Many creams and shampoos contain parabens, which are used as preservatives. This is essential in skincare products because they prevent the growth of fungi and bacteria. Yet parabens have gained a bad reputation in recent years. Both scientists and consumers have been debating the possible hormone-disrupting effects of these parabens, and for example the risk of developing breast cancer. At this moment there is insufficient information to determine whether parabens are actually hormone-disrupting substances and the link between parabens and breast cancer has never been scientifically proven (source: RIVM). The EU has even legally stipulated that the claim "paraben-free" can no longer be made by manufacturers because it unnecessarily gives a negative connotation to the use of these ingredients. Alternatives to parabens For now, it seems unnecessary to avoid parabens. Would you prefer not to have parabens in your skincare? You can recognize them on the ingredient list with the following names: methylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben or benzylparaben. We prefer to play it safe, so Naïf products contain no parabens. Oxybenzone Many sunscreen creams contain oxybenzone. This non-mineral UV filter penetrates the skin and absorbs UV rays. Oxybenzone is safe for babies, children and adults but can cause skin irritation in some people (source: RIVM). Additionally, there is scientific research into the negative effects of oxybenzone on coral (source: Science of the Total Environment), a reason why this ingredient is banned in sunscreen in Hawaii. Alternatives to oxybenzone As an alternative, you can look for a mineral sunscreen with a UV filter based on zinc oxide. These sunscreen creams provide optimal protection against both UVA and UVB radiation, without really penetrating the skin. Zinc oxide forms a layer on the skin that reflects harmful UV radiation like a mirror, and thereby also minimizes the chance of a skin reaction. This article cannot be used as a substitute for specialist medical advice. If you have any doubts about a product or ingredient, always consult a doctor.
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These 8 tips help you be kind to yourself during pregnancy
Pregnancy is a big deal. Some people experience few problems, while others encounter all known ailments. However your pregnancy progresses, be kind to yourself! It's okay if you don't feel good one day or if you're struggling a bit. So much is happening in your body. To help you, we've collected 8 tips on how you can give yourself and your changing body some extra love during pregnancy. 1. Embrace and accept We know, this can sound so awful when you're hanging over the toilet for three months (or longer) and feeling nauseous. Been there. But in hindsight, you can do nothing but accept the situation. Hold on to the fact that it's all for a good cause and will eventually pass. 2. Get your sleep Really! Especially in the first trimester and at the end of pregnancy you can be quite tired, give in to it! Put your social contacts on the back burner and let the housework be for now. Your body is working hard and could use the rest. Suffering from insomnia during pregnancy? We've collected some tips for that too. 3. Pamper your changing skin Your skin gets quite a beating during pregnancy. Hormones and growth can cause dryness or itching, so it's important to give extra attention. Use our relaxing body oil to pamper yourself and support your growing belly with our belly balm. Suffering from restless legs? A bath with magnesium bath salt can help! Read more tips about skincare during pregnancy here. 4. Take a few days for yourself What? Yes, this sounds impossible indeed. Yet it's not a bad idea at all. When the baby arrives, there will be little time left for yourself, so some me-time won't hurt. See if you can get away to a nature cottage or book a pregnancy retreat. 5. Mind, body, soul from home Maybe you have no desire to leave the house, but want to cocoon nicely. Then of course you can stay home. Listen to podcasts or meditations, follow pregnancy yoga from your own home or take an online pregnancy course. Nice from your bubble. 6. Pregnancy massage Ever thought about a pregnancy massage? Do it! Let yourself be pampered and give your body the relaxation of a massage. Also good if you're retaining fluid. 7. Stop apologizing! Those hormonal outbursts are completely normal. Yes, they're annoying, but you really don't need to keep apologizing. Not even when you have cravings, by the way. Let it go and know: this will pass too. 8. Your body is undergoing change and that's just how it is So accept it! It can sometimes be difficult to see your body change. Some women feel their most beautiful when they're pregnant, others feel like a beached whale. Try to find the things you do think are beautiful. And the most beautiful thing of all is of course that your body is changing to provide your child a safe place to grow.
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Carefully crafted: the ingredients in our pregnancy range
Introducing: our new pregnancy range! Perfect for a relaxing me-time moment or to gift to someone expecting. Our brand new shower foam, body oil, belly balm and bath salt are especially formulated for the sensitive, pregnant skin. But what’s in it and why? We’re happy to highlight some ingredients for you. Squalane & Jojoba oil The Naïf Relaxing Body Oil and the Nourishing Belly Balm contain squalane and jojoba oil. Squalane supports the hydration balance of the skin and protects against dehydration. Jojoba oil nourishes deeply and strengthens the natural skin barrier, for optimal care during pregnancy. The hydrating function of the ingredients help with stretch marks. Stretch marks are caused by the rapid growth of your belly, skin tension, and genetic predisposition. Although they cannot be completely prevented, these products support your skin during these changes. Magnesium The Naïf Magnesium Bath Salt contains just one ingredient: bath salt! The high magnesium content creates a light and relaxing bath that even helps muscles relax and relieve pain. Many women suffer from pain and cramps (restless legs) during pregnancy and magnesium helps counteract these symptoms. Magnesium also has a calming function, which is why it can help you sleep better at night. Very helpful if you’re suffering from pregnancy insomnia or to prepare for those disturbed nights of sleep! Glycerin & Sodium Lactate The Naïf Caring Shower Foam is back! With the warming scent of jasmine and cedar wood, your shower transforms into a moment of relaxation. The ingredients glycerin and sodium lactate help cleanse and take care of your skin. Glycerin provides deep hydration and keeps skin soft and supple, while sodium lactate keeps your skin's natural moisture level balanced. That way you can enjoy a relaxing shower and skin that is taken care of.
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Insomnia during pregnancy (pregnancy insomnia), what can you do about it?
Pregnant and suffering from insomnia? You're certainly not alone! During pregnancy, many women experience sleepless nights. The frequent urination, endless to-do list and your snoring partner certainly won't help, but where exactly does this insomnia come from? And more importantly: what can you do about it? We asked ourselves the same question and that's why we investigated! Insomnia is common during pregnancy. According to Cleveland Clinic, 25% of women experience sleepless nights in the first trimester. In the third trimester this rises to 80%! There are different 'types' of insomnia: not being able to fall asleep, waking up frequently, waking up early. It varies from person to person and from pregnancy to pregnancy whether and where you experience it. And with a bit of bad luck, you'll have all three. Where does it come from? During the first three months of pregnancy (the first trimester), insomnia is mainly caused by changes in hormone levels. Estrogen and progesterone play a major role here, the hormones that are also responsible for the menstrual cycle. During pregnancy you produce up to 1000 times more estrogen than before. Especially in the first trimester there is a large increase that then becomes somewhat more stable. Estrogen and progesterone also affect your sleep cycle and the increase in these hormones can disrupt your normal sleep rhythm, resulting in insomnia. The first trimester In the first trimester the baby is still very small. Your uterus does grow significantly in these first months. Because the embryo is still very low, the growth puts extra pressure on your bladder. Hello, nighttime toilet visits, goodbye sleep. And don't forget all the other complaints you may experience at the beginning (if you're lucky) of pregnancy (yes, those hormones again) such as nausea and heartburn. That doesn't really promote sleep either. An (early) pregnancy often comes with worries. There are so many things to think about and arrange (midwife, postnatal care, childcare, you name it) and besides, it's also quite exciting, is everything going well? All these worries and thoughts can cause your cortisol levels (stress hormone) to rise and keep you awake worrying. Try to talk about it, or do breathing exercises or mindfulness for example. A notebook next to your bed can also help, write down all your worries and your to do list and (hopefully) let them go until the next morning. Finally sleeping again In the second trimester, sleeping often becomes a bit easier. The hormones stabilize, the uterus moves increasingly upward, reducing the pressure on your bladder and with a bit of luck you also don't have as much trouble with those annoying complaints that made the first months quite difficult. This doesn't mean that insomnia doesn't occur at all in this middle phase of pregnancy. The baby in your belly becomes increasingly active, very nice, but often this happens precisely when you want to rest and then that little one keeps you up. The second trimester is also known for other ailments, such as as restless legs. Making it harder to fall asleep. Or maybe not? Yes, we said it before: in the third trimester, insomnia figures rise to 80%. Something to look forward to then ;). But.. you're not the only one lying awake during the final stretch. How does it happen? Your belly is getting bigger and bigger, finding a comfortable sleeping position can be quite a challenge. It is recommended to sleep on your left side. Belly sleepers probably had to give up their favorite position much earlier, but even if you like to sleep on your back or right side, you may now notice that these positions are no longer comfortable. On your right side you may have more heartburn, and on your back the weight of the baby can cause important blood vessels to be pinched. Don't worry, you can safely continue to lie in this position, as your body will naturally give a signal if something is not quite right, but it can cause a nauseous feeling (just when you thought you were finally over that..). And then you don't sleep so well. Also, in the third trimester you may experience more aches and shortness of breath. All reasons why you sleep a bit less well and less deeply. What can you do? Okay, so a thousand and one reasons why you're awake during pregnancy, but the most important question of course is: what can you do about it? Make sure you have a nice and relaxing bedtime routine. Don't scroll endlessly, but take a shower or bath before bed and read a book. It really doesn't matter how you spend the last hour, do what makes you feel good. A cup of relaxing tea (you might have to pee later at night), write down your thoughts or events from the day, take a short walk or listen to a nice meditation. See what works for you! As tempting as it is: try not to take long naps. Yes, it's quite a challenge not to lie down for an hour when you're so tired, but try to stick to power naps of a maximum of 30 minutes. Enough to get some fresh energy again, but not so much that you find it harder to fall asleep in the evening. Suffering from heartburn? Try eating small portions throughout the day (instead of three large meals, you could switch to six smaller meals for example). Also, it's better not to eat anything within two hours before you want to sleep, and avoid fatty or spicy food! It may seem obvious, but avoid caffeine at least eight hours before bedtime. Can't find a comfortable position, maybe a pregnancy pillow can help you. With this pillow you can support certain parts of your body a little extra, for example your belly or your back. Also, if you have pelvic complaints, a pillow between your legs can help relieve the pressure. There are different types and shapes to help you get the right support. Suffering from restless legs? Try a (foot) bath with our magnesium bath salt! It's know to help to relax muscles! If your insomnia significantly affects your daily functioning or mental health, always contact your midwife or doctor! They can help you further with tips or medication.
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First steps - our guide for the first weeks of your pregnancy
Congratulations, you're pregnant! The first weeks of this journey can feel like a whirlwind full of emotions, questions and perhaps a few surprises. Don't worry, we at Naïf have put together a little guide to help you navigate this exciting start well. 1. Celebrate the moment and decide for yourself when you want to announce it Perhaps your pregnancy comes as a surprise. Or perhaps you've been looking forward to it for a long time! No matter the circumstances, it's okay if the news hasn't quite sunk in yet. Take time to let the news land. And if you're ready to celebrate, whether with your partner, your family or by yourself, then do it! When you should announce your pregnancy is completely up to you. Some people want to shout the news from the rooftops right away. Others prefer to keep the pregnancy to themselves for a while. And both are completely fine! You may hear that you should wait the first twelve weeks, but you get to decide what feels right for you. Discuss with your partner what feels like a good way forward for you and your relationship. 2. First appointment Schedule an appointment with your gynecologist or midwife. They will be with you throughout your pregnancy, answer your questions and give you valuable advice. 3. Healthy habits Remember to eat healthy and drink plenty of water. It's easier said than done, especially in the first trimester when nausea might keep you from eating a balanced diet. Try to drink enough and eat some fruits and veggies, but also try to not be too hard on yourself. Exercise during pregnancy is completely safe as long as you're not overdoing what you're used to. Listen to your body and adjust if necessary. And ask for advice if you feel like that could help! Pregnancy can be pretty harsh on your skin. Your body is not only growing, but your skin can also get dry and itchy. Make sure to hydrate from the start with a pregnancy oil. It's also a great way to connect with your baby during busy days. 4. Sleep and relaxation Especially the first trimester is know for its exhaustion. I mean, your body is making organs from scratch. Because of hormonal changes, there's also the possibility you might experience some insomnia. Give yourself grace rest whenever you can. 5. Inform yourself There are so many great books, websites and communities that can help you prepare for the coming months. From guides about baby clothes to childbirth preparation classes – the possibilities are endless! It might be a bit overwhelming, but take the information that feels right and forget about the rest. Your midwife can also help you find suitable information and classes. 6. Seek support Talk to other expectant mothers, friends or family members about your feelings and questions. Sometimes it can be reassuring to know that others have had similar experiences. And you can be sure: no matter what worries or questions you have, you're not the first or only one to have them. 7. Enjoy the time The first weeks of pregnancy are the beginning of quite a journey. Take time to enjoy the moment and prepare yourself for all the beautiful changes that lie ahead. Sometimes, however, the first weeks of pregnancy are also marked by nausea or other discomforts and you feel like you can't enjoy anything at all. Most of these symptoms disappear after the first twelve weeks. Look forward to the second trimester and try to do something nice for yourself as often as possible!
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Magical Time Despite Baby Blues? Why the Postpartum Period Is So Important!
Congratulations on your little miracle! Now a time has begun that is just as important as pregnancy itself: the postpartum period. And so you can really enjoy this time, we've already compiled the most important information for you today. Read here what "baby blues" is, why the postpartum period is so incredibly important for you and your baby, and where you can get great support for your postpartum period: Why Postpartum Period?Your body has just accomplished something wonderful - the birth of a new life. Now it needs time to recover. So many things happen in the postpartum period that you might not notice at first: Your uterus, for example, has to shrink back to its original size and that takes several weeks. That's why you can feel how your belly slowly changes again. By the way, your belly is also happy about a gentle massage during the postpartum period, which also stimulates lochia. Your midwife will surely be happy to show you how to do it best.Give Your Body Time to Heal!Your body is also healing from the possible wounds that occurred during birth. Whether you had a vaginal or cesarean delivery, your birth canal needs time to heal. Rest and care are essential here to avoid infections and restore your body.Emotional RollercoasterBesides, your hormone balance is going crazy. Estrogen levels plummet after birth and that can affect your mood – that's also called "baby blues". This usually occurs about three to five days after delivery. Not all women experience it, but if you do, you might feel that everything is very overwhelming and new right now. Let the tears flow and if you want to, talk to your partner or your midwife about your feelings.At the same time, prolactin rises to boost milk production and support breastfeeding (if you want to breastfeed).Lifelong BondBut you know what? The postpartum period is much more than just physical recovery. It's a time when you and your baby can build a strong bond. It gives you the chance to get to know each other and establish a close connection that plays a huge role in life ahead.So, take time for you and your baby. Let others take care of you, allow yourself to rest and enjoy this time to recover. It's not a waste of time, but an investment in your own health and your child's. You've accomplished something great, give yourself this time now – you deserve it!Of Course You Can Ask for Help!If you don't have support at home or your partner can't provide as much support as you need, contact your health insurance – you can also do this before delivery: so-called maternal care workers will take care of you and/or your household so you can focus better on your baby. Here you can find out what requirements there are for this and how you can apply for the help.We at Naïf sincerely wish you to be able to enjoy the postpartum period with all its ups and downs!
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