Things To Relieve Stress And Pain After Birth

After giving birth, there are some things that you can expect to happen. These include:

• Involuntary urination and defecation: During delivery, your muscles stretch and strain, especially if it was a long delivery. You will find that you may have some difficulty controlling your pee and bowel movements and may have one or two accidents along the way.
• Haemorrhoids: These are common in the rectum and anus and are usually unexpected but will stop after a few weeks.
• Episiotomy: Sometimes, during birth, a mother’s perineum, or the skin between her anus and vagina, is torn or cut. Though it will be stitched, it can cause considerable pain and discomfort when sitting or even coughing.
• Sore breasts: Your breasts become engorged due to milk production, which may result in sore nipples.
  Constipation: This usually happens a few days after delivery, and hemorrhoids and Episiotomies can make this extra uncomfortable.
• “After pains”: Even after giving birth you will continue experiencing contractions in your uterus.
  Vaginal discharge (Lochia): Expect a heavier blood flow than your period, which fades to yellow and then normalizes in a few weeks.
• Weight: The weight does not just disappear when you drop the baby and will take a few weeks to go away.
• “Baby blues”: After delivery, it is common for new mothers to be irritable, sad or anxious due to hormonal imbalances in their bodies. This is completely normal and goes away within a week or two. This is different from the more serious Postpartum depression which lasts much longer and requires psychiatric care.
• Reduced sex drive: This is very common as pain, stress, anxiety, depression, and tenderness will turn a new mother off from having sex.

Luckily, there are a few things you can do to relieve the stress and pain that comes with giving birth:

POSTNATAL MASSAGE

Jamu postnatal massages have become a very popular way to relieve stress and pain in Singapore.

The post-delivery massage focuses on the physical and mental well-being of the new mother and involves the stimulation of various body parts and the use of hot stones, oils, and herbs.

The massage helps to reduce weight from the baby bump and drain lymphatic fluids that cause swelling and tenderness.

Anxiety, depression and other mental ailments associated with childbirth are also addressed during these massage sessions.

You can also opt to have your post-natal massage at home, which, according to some, is the best post-natal massage as it invites positive energy into your home.

JOINING SUPPORT GROUPS/ SEEING A COUNSELLOR

Pre and postpartum depression are not uncommon. It is okay to admit that you are not handling your pregnancy well mentally and you need some help to rectify the issue fast.

By visiting a counselor or joining a support group, you will find ways to overcome this and be happy and enjoy your time with your newborn.

Additionally, they may help to relieve stress and suggest other ways to relieve pain and stress.

You may also pick up a few tips and tricks along the way by consulting someone who has the knowledge or has been a mother themselves.

EXERCISE

Some people believe that mothers should be put on bed rest after giving birth and refrain from exercising.

However, there are some, not labour-intensive, exercises that can ease a new mother’s mind and relieve pain.

Keeping yourself active while you are pregnant and after you have given birth is very important.

Just make sure to not do any strenuous sports or exercises, instead you can do yoga, brisk walk or even enjoy the comfort of being in your own home or a gym by doing indoor cycling. You can also do stretching, taking your baby for a walk in your stroller, Kegels, or gentle yoga.

While the pregnancy phase itself is crucial to keep your body healthy for yourself and the baby, you should also be doing regular exercises and sports after giving birth so you will be able to bounce back in no time and show off your post-pregnancy body.

ME TIME

While it is important to give your baby all the attention he or she requires, you must pay attention to yourself for the sake of your mental well-being.

So, share duties with your partner to give yourself time or take your “me time” when your baby rests.

This can be achieved by taking a walk, catching up on an interesting TV series, indulging in a good book or even taking a hot shower to reflect on the miracle that is life.

MAKE USE OF WARM AND COLD COMPRESSES

After you have given birth, your body will surely start to ache and you will be in lots of pain, but that is just part of the process. Know that this is completely normal and in time your body will be as good as new.

In the meantime, however, you can apply a cold or warm compress to areas that ache, are sore or tender in order to soothe and relax your body.

The pregnancy phase may get stressful and painful, but all your efforts will be worth it for your newborn, so don’t give up and continue pressing on. With these ways, you will surely be able to relieve your pain and stress in some ways!

Closing Words

New mothers, always remember to never neglect your health, be it mentally or physically.

Your baby’s health may be key, but so is yours. Take care of yourself and you can take even better care of your newborn.

So, if you are interested in looking for post natal therapy packages or a postpartum belly massage, swing by our homepage to browse our offerings for the best postnatal massage Singapore mummies love (as can be seen by their reviews left on our site).