Abdominal Weakness
- Pelvic tilts, tightening exercises
- Good posture, good body mechanics
- Good diet
- Patience to give body time for normal restoration
Afterbirth Pains
- Slow breathing
- Relaxation techniques
Sore Nipples, Breast Pain or Difficulty
- Call for help: Lactation Counselor
- LaLeche League
- Childbirth Educator
- Nursing mother/friend
- Read one of the breastfeeding books on the reading list
Constipation
- Drink lots of fluids
- Eat fruits, whole grain food, fiber-rich foods
- Exercise: walking, pelvic tilts
- Stool softener
- Dizziness
- Move slowly
- Lie down frequently
- Elevate legs
- Have you eaten lately?
- Contact care provider if continues after a day or two
Episiotomy Pain
- Sitz bath
- Ice pack or witch-hazel compress (TUCKS)
- Kegel exercise to promote circulation
- Topical anesthetic spray or ointment
- No tampons; no douching
- Good hygiene; wipe self from front to back; pat gently to avoid an irritating area
Gas
- Drink warm fluids
- Avoid use of straws
- Exercise; walk, abdominal tightening
Fatigue
- Nap when baby naps
- Go to bed early for a few nights
- Reduce or eliminate visitors
- Make a conscious effort to stay in bed; do only absolutely necessary work for several weeks
- Get help from family, friends, or professionals for housework, laundry, shopping, childcare, and cooking
- Improve diet; increase foods rich in vitamin B, whole grains, eggs, brewers yeast
- Make use of relaxation techniques, meditation, and visualization
- Exercise to stimulate circulation; walk with baby in backpack or stroller
- Devote time to yourself; read, bubble bath, shop
Episiotomy Care
- Observe color change: bright red, pinkish red, rusty-brown, whitish-yellow, dwindles until all gone
- Call care provider if bright red color returns
- Use sanitary napkins/panty liners
- No Tampons
- Keep fresh by showering daily - wash the perineal area with soap and water
- Use peri-bottle each time at the toilet
Weight
- Eat good diet - reduce unnecessary calories, but keep the energy up
- Exercise: walking and swimming are great
- Patience: much of your pregnancy weight will be lost in the first week - the rest may take up to 3-6 months to drop away
Hair Loss
- Use conditioner
- Good diet, vitamins/minerals
Hemorrhoids
- Keep stools as soft as possible
- Use hemorrhoid preparation care
- Apply topical anesthetic
- Use witch-hazel compresses (TUCKS)
- Kegel exercises to promote circulation
