Recovery of a woman's body after childbirth. Restoration of the figure after childbirth: a course for a flat stomach, firm breasts and luxurious hair

Recovery of the body after childbirth

In the process of bearing a child and in the process of childbirth, a significant hormonal restructuring of the body occurs. Changes concern not only the reproductive system, but also other organs. Much is changing dramatically, and therefore, of course, the recovery of the body after childbirth takes a certain time: not one or two weeks. How much the body recovers after childbirth - in each case, the timing is different, but it is possible to generalize and derive a certain average rate.

• The female body after childbirth
• Myths and truth about rejuvenation

The female body after childbirth

The body of a woman after childbirth does not immediately begin to function as before pregnancy. It took a long 9 months to give rise to a new life, so the recovery will also take place gradually, in stages, and a full return to the previous state will come no earlier than in 2-3 months - and this is only in the case when the woman is absolutely healthy and does not practice.

Knowing what happens to the female body after childbirth, you can more clearly imagine the entire recovery period. Let's try to fix all the changes in the form of a table to make it easier.

Table 1.

Myths and truth about rejuvenation after pregnancy and childbirth

Now you can often stumble across the network on statements that the body of a “newly made” mother is rejuvenated. What happens to the body after childbirth - is this opinion true?

What happens to a woman's body after childbirth?

If you pay attention to how long the body recovers after childbirth, it becomes clear: in fact, it is significantly weakened by the stress experienced. A woman with latent chronic ailments may first manifest:

• arthritis and other joint diseases;
• pyelonephritis;
• hormonal problems;
• diabetes mellitus (if a woman developed during pregnancy).

If you notice that the body recovers after childbirth for a long time, perhaps just one of these diseases makes itself felt. Exacerbated and already existing old "sores", especially after the second birth: for example, hemorrhoids, herpes. By the way the body recovers after childbirth, we can draw some conclusions about the state of a woman's health. If the recovery processes take too long, you should think about a comprehensive examination.

Data from medical examinations also indicate a decrease in the level of "bad" cholesterol. Many women seem to become “smarter” with the advent of a child: they have to constantly keep abreast of events, engage in the development of the child, and therefore develop themselves.

All 9 months of pregnancy, eggs do not mature in the ovaries, which means that the reproductive function - the ability to become a mother - is extended. before all other cells in the body - this is a proven fact. Pregnancy postpones this irreversible process in time.

Almost all women, when they calm down a little after the appearance of the baby, wonder how to restore the body after childbirth quickly, especially if it “behaves” not too well and does not return to normal.

Everyone's turnaround time is different. When breastfeeding, the body usually recovers quickly.

When the uterus is completely cleansed and birth injuries heal, you can start physical education classes - little by little and very carefully. After 2 months (with complicated childbirth, with caesarean section - discussed with the doctor), sexual relations are allowed. The orgasm experienced by a woman helps to speed up the recovery and healing processes due to a powerful rush of blood to the pelvic organs.

It is advisable to take special vitamins, especially if the hair falls out more than usual and the nails exfoliate.

Keeping yourself in good physical shape for the first time helps care for the baby and walking with a stroller. Then it is worth adding a series of exercises. For example, if there is weakness of the muscles of the vagina, urinary incontinence, it is necessary to do Kegel exercises: alternately compress and relax the muscles. Another exercise from this series: you need to sort of push for about 30 seconds, then sharply relax the muscles of the vagina. After a while, the tone will return.

In order not to lose the beautiful shape of the breast, you need to wear a supportive bra, use creams and masks for stretch marks.

The situation is somewhat more complicated with fat deposits in the waist and abdomen. You can’t lose weight drastically, even if you no longer feed the child - this is harmful for the woman herself. Stretch marks and sagging skin in such cases are almost inevitable.

It is necessary to focus not on reducing the diet, but on physical activity: 2.5-3 months after giving birth, start pumping the press from a prone position (this reduces the load on the back). Daily long walking at an energetic pace, careful stretching of the muscles, pumping the press - all this will help you quickly get back in good shape.

And one more important point: a young mother must definitely find time for herself to sleep, relax a little in silence, just lie down. Therefore, do not strive to do everything yourself, ask the household for help in caring for the baby. The more and better you rest, the sooner you will recover, and your former health and energy will return to you.

Numerous books for new mothers tell how to properly care for a newborn, but not a word about how a woman can get back in shape after having a baby. But recovery after childbirth is an important process on which the well-being and health of a woman who has recently given birth depends. How to quickly enter the usual rhythm of life?

Restoration of the female body

The biggest changes are taking place in the reproductive sphere. Immediately after the birth of the baby, the uterus contracts and decreases in size. Recovery of the uterus after childbirth lasts 42 days, after which it acquires its normal weight. All this time, a woman can feel pulling pains in the lower abdomen. After a full contraction of the uterus, all discomfort will go away by itself without treatment.

The entire postpartum period lasts 6 weeks. At this time, blood clots gradually come out of the uterine cavity, and its inner layer is rejected. During this period, there will be first abundant, and then moderate bleeding from the vagina (lochia). If lochia persists 42 days after the birth of a child, you should definitely see a doctor.

The cervix also returns to normal, but this process is much slower. In the postpartum period, it only begins to change. Full recovery of the cervix occurs at 12 weeks after birth. During this time, the neck acquires a cylindrical shape, which persists until the end of life.

Restoration of general tone

Rational nutrition is of great importance for the restoration of the body. The diet of nursing mothers involves not only food restrictions, but also the intake of vitamin complexes. During lactation, you can continue to take vitamins for pregnant women - they contain all the necessary nutrients. Another option is to purchase special vitamins for nursing mothers. Do not forget about iron preparations, as well as iodine. Many complex vitamins already contain these substances in their composition, so you do not need to take them additionally.

Take your vitamins daily for a year after your baby is born.

In the summer, you can get vitamins from fresh vegetables and fruits. It is worth giving preference to local products grown in your own garden or purchased on the market. Nursing mothers should be especially careful with exotic fruits - they can cause an allergic reaction in a child.

Restoration of the menstrual cycle

The restoration of menstruation after childbirth is determined by the feeding regimen of the child. In women who feed their baby with an artificial mixture from birth, the return of a normal cycle occurs after 1.5-2 months. During this period, the hormonal background returns to normal, and gonadotropic hormones begin to be produced again. The ovaries are launched, the egg matures and exits into the abdominal cavity. The earliest recovery of the cycle is possible 6-8 weeks after birth.

When breastfeeding, the restoration of the menstrual cycle is delayed for a longer time. On average, in women who are breastfeeding a child, menstruation comes 6 months after birth. These figures are very approximate. For some nursing mothers, the recovery of the body after childbirth happens after 3 months, while others have to wait for the return of a normal cycle for at least a year. Each of these options is the norm, provided that breastfeeding is maintained.

A woman learns about the restoration of the cycle only after the onset of menstruation. That's just the first ovulation occurs two weeks before menstrual bleeding. During this period, a woman can easily become pregnant. With the return of sexual activity, you should definitely think about reliable contraception for the entire period of lactation and after it.

Consult a gynecologist for the selection of safe and reliable contraceptives.

Restoration of the hormonal background

The restoration of the menstrual cycle directly depends on the level of hormones in the female body. The inevitable decrease in progesterone after the completion of pregnancy triggers a number of processes that are not always favorable for a woman. Many new mothers experience severe mood swings after giving birth. Some women note constant longing, others simply do not find the strength to do any business. A frequent problem of this period is insomnia. All this is due to sharp fluctuations in hormone levels and is considered normal in the postpartum period.

Breast reconstruction

The mammary glands undergo maximum changes after childbirth. In the postpartum period, they increase in size and fill with milk. The first three days it will be colostrum, then it will be replaced by real milk. When feeding on demand, milk will come in the right amount and will be able to provide all the needs of the child over the next 6 months.

Many women who have given birth remain dissatisfied with their figure. Breast recovery after childbirth is quite slow, and the mammary glands will never return to their previous shape. Hormonal changes during pregnancy, feeding the baby in the postpartum period - all this inevitably affects the condition of the breast. Is it possible to somehow influence this process?

Therapeutic gymnastics is the safest way to restore the muscles of the chest and abdomen in the postpartum period. Exercises can be started already 1.5 months after childbirth at least 3 times a week. Simultaneously with training the chest muscles, you can do gymnastics for the back and abdominal muscles.

Exercises to strengthen the muscles of the chest and back

• Stand up straight. Place your palms in front of you at chest level. Forcefully push your hands against each other. You can hold a tennis ball between your palms - this will make the exercises more effective.
• Interlock your fingers at chest level. Try to break the lock with force.
• Stand facing the wall, lean on it with your hands and push with all your might.
• Slowly raise and lower your shoulders.
• Perform circular movements with your hands in different directions.

All exercises are performed 8 times. It is best to do gymnastics in the morning, after breakfast. The whole process should be enjoyable. No need to do chest exercises through force, in a bad mood or during illness.

Figure restoration

Restoring a figure after childbirth is a question that worries every woman. In nursing mothers, subject to a full and rational diet, the restoration of the muscles of the chest, back and abdomen occurs within a year after the birth of the child. In the same period, the weight returns to its original state. Can this process be accelerated?

Experts do not advise to force events and strive to return the figure immediately after childbirth. Nature intended that a woman should have certain reserves of adipose tissue in order to be able to feed a child in any circumstances. Trying to lose weight and restore abdominal muscles immediately after childbirth can lead to menstrual irregularities and other health problems. Recovery after childbirth should take place slowly and smoothly, in a rhythm comfortable for the woman and without sudden jumps. Strict diets, heavy physical activity at this time are not recommended.

• Lie on your back and bend your knees, pressing your lower back to the floor. Slowly lift your buttocks, lower back and chest up. Hold at the top for 30 seconds.
• Lie on your back, press your lower back to the floor. Put your hands behind your head. Slowly raise and lower straight legs.
• Lying on your back, draw shapes on the ceiling with straight legs, tensing your abdominal muscles.
• Lie on the floor and put your hands behind your head. Sit down slowly, without helping yourself with your hands, and also slowly lower yourself back down.

Recovery after childbirth includes not only exercises for the muscles of the abdomen or chest. To normalize the immune system and the menstrual cycle, it is important not to forget about rational nutrition. The composition of daily meals should include all the necessary vitamins that ensure the normal functioning of the body. In winter, you can take vitamins designed specifically for women in the postpartum period.

Psychological recovery

Physical exercise helps to get the body back in shape and restore the muscles of the chest, back and abdomen. Rational nutrition, vitamins and biological supplements can maintain health and strengthen the immune system. But how to restore the emotional sphere of a woman after the birth of a child?

Psychological recovery after childbirth is an important stage in the life of every young mother. The following tips can help you avoid postpartum depression.

1. Find time to rest. Let your spouse and other relatives help you. Delegate household chores to others, if possible.
2. Take care of yourself. Women who take care of their bodies bounce back faster after having a baby.
3. Communicate. Go to visit friends, arrange joint walks with children. Find a club for young mothers in your city or organize it yourself.
4. Don't forget your hobbies. Create an opportunity for yourself to escape from maternal everyday life and the hassle around the baby.
5. Learn to rationally allocate your time and energy.
6. Eat right and take vitamins as needed.
7. Try to perform all physical exercises in such a way that it gives pleasure and brings peace. Yoga helps a lot with this.

The period in the first 6-8 weeks after childbirth (postpartum) is an important stage in the restructuring of the body, both physically and emotionally. The organs of the reproductive system return to prenatal state.

Recovery after childbirth in the first few weeks is due to the following processes:

1. Restoration of the uterine mucosa and its return to its original size will be accompanied by bloody discharge. The duration of the period of discharge of lochia is from 5 to 30 days. In the first few days after childbirth, the discharge is abundant, has a bright scarlet color, after which it becomes brownish and becomes scarce.
2. The internal organs, pressed by the rapidly growing fetus in the last trimester of pregnancy, return to their original places, take on a “pre-pregnant” form.
3. Organs that work in an enhanced mode to ensure normal metabolism for both mother and fetus (heart, liver) are rebuilt to a standard mode of functioning.
4. Soft tissue injuries, cracks, microtraumas heal.

Recovery after childbirth

Recovery of the body after childbirth is a long process. A few simple tricks can help speed it up.

Hair

During pregnancy and the first months of a baby's life, a woman's body is depleted, a lack of vitamins and minerals leads to profuse hair loss. Effectively solve the problem of taking cystine and a complex of vitamins. Systematic head massages will enhance the effect of drugs. Circular, translational movements of the hands throughout the head for several minutes a day guarantee the supply of blood to the hair follicles, due to which they are strengthened.

Leather

Most women face the problem of increased pigmentation on the face. Similar phenomena disappear on their own, 3-4 months after childbirth. It is clear that every newly-made mother seeks to quickly bring herself into a “pre-pregnant” form, and even 3 months in this case is an eternity. Cosmetic masks based on Shea butter, rosehip and jojoba oils will come to the rescue. These substances will accelerate recovery after childbirth, give the skin elasticity, a uniform healthy color.

Breast

Doctors agree that the breast takes its former shape a year after the end of lactation. In order for the recovery process to be quick and effective, cosmetologists advise applying breast skin care creams throughout the entire period of breastfeeding.

Stomach

The abdominal muscles return to normal on their own after six months. The perineum supporting the abdominal muscles should return to normal. A set of simple exercises that activate the abdominal muscles will speed up the process. Almond oil-based products will help solve the problem of stretch marks. Lost collagen cells will be restored, and stretch marks will disperse. Warming creams in combination with deep massage will quickly solve the common problem of cellulite for all mothers.

Vagina

During pregnancy and labor, the vagina undergoes dramatic changes. The growing fetus presses on the walls of the vagina, increasing it in size, when the baby passes through the genital tract, damage and ruptures are not ruled out. A few months after childbirth, the muscles of the vagina shrink on their own, returning to their original size. At first, its excessive deformation and constant dryness inside cause considerable discomfort to a woman and a man. A set of Kegel exercises will help restore the old sensations during intercourse. It would be useful to visit the nearest sex shop and purchase a jade egg or vaginal balls that increase the effectiveness of exercises.

The complex is based on the task of tension and relaxation of the vaginal muscles. Effective Kegel exercises will strengthen the muscles of the perineum, the vagina will quickly return to "pre-pregnant" forms, the young mother will lose the common and extremely unpleasant problem of involuntary urination.

Regulation of the menstrual cycle

For the entire period of pregnancy, menstruation stops. After the birth of the baby, the body returns to its previous state, signaling readiness for the onset of the next pregnancy. Recovery of the cycle after childbirth is determined by the duration of the lactation period. This rule applies to mothers who feed in a strictly established mode: 1 time in 3-4 hours, night time is no exception. If the new mother is not breastfeeding (the most common reason is lack of milk), the onset of the first menstruation should be expected 6-8 weeks after birth. The cycle will be fully restored by the second month.

If the child is on mixed feeding, the onset of menstruation should be expected after 3-4 months. Most women who suffer from severe pain during menstruation, after childbirth, note a significant decrease in spasms or their complete absence. The duration of the menstrual cycle also undergoes changes: if before pregnancy and childbirth, menstruation began once every 21 or 31 days, with the birth of the baby, the duration of the cycle is set to the “golden mean”, amounting to 25 days. The duration of bleeding should be 3-5 days. Tampons are shown to be used six months after the onset of critical days. Scanty (1-2 days), as well as excessively heavy (7-8 days) menstruation are not the norm and signal the need to consult a specialist.

The body of each woman is individual, therefore, it is impossible to determine a specific date for the restoration of the cycle.

How to quickly restore the figure after childbirth?

The key to a beautiful figure after childbirth is to take care of it during pregnancy. A balanced diet, swimming pool visits, special gymnastics courses, skin care for the chest and abdomen using oils and cosmetics, and a contrast shower will help the future mother quickly restore her figure after childbirth.

Specialists in obstetrics and gynecology recommend wearing a supportive bra and anti-varicose stockings from the 20th week of pregnancy.

Restoration of the figure after childbirth. Main directions:

1. Balanced diet. During pregnancy and lactation, the body must receive a complex of vitamins and trace elements. An important condition for the restoration of the figure is the rejection of sweet and starchy foods. It is recommended to eat 5-6 times a day in small portions. Ideally, the amount of food eaten should fit in a saucer. In the first few hours after childbirth, it is indicated to drink freshly squeezed juices, distilled water, fruit drinks, dried fruit compotes.
2. Postpartum bandage. An effective tool that has stood the test of time. Properly sized bandage supports the muscles, preventing them from sagging. Experts allow you to wear it from the first day after childbirth for 2 months. When going to bed, the bandage must be removed, because during sleep the muscles do not sag as much as during the day. You need to put on fixing underwear while lying down, when the abdominal muscles are relaxed to the maximum. This will securely fix them in the correct position. It is not difficult to distinguish a high-quality bandage: it is invisible under clothes, easy to put on, has elastic seams, comfortable fasteners. Production material - lycra, microfiber, polyester.
3. A set of exercises. Restoration of the figure after childbirth is impossible without gymnastics. Simple exercises can be done at home. Body shaping exercises should be started a month after childbirth. It would be useful to consult a gynecologist, who will confirm the readiness of the woman's body for stress. Intensive training, accompanied by high physical activity, is contraindicated for nursing mothers.

Exercises on a stationary bike or treadmill are effective. At the initial stage of training, it is necessary to give the body a minimum load, gradually increasing it. Exercises for strength and endurance (weights, dumbbells, bench press) are excluded in the first six months after childbirth.

Strictly following the tips described above will help a young mother quickly get her body and body in shape with health benefits, without harming a little bundle of happiness.

A woman's body undergoes various changes during pregnancy. Changes occur in almost all organs and systems of the body.

After childbirth, it is important to restore your body as quickly as possible.A loving young mother should give joy to the child, and not get hung up on her problems and not go into d depression.

Recovery after childbirth

The work of the nervous, cardiovascular, respiratory, excretory, immune, digestive systems of others is changing. Let's talk about this in more detail.

Nervous system

In the postpartum period, she is very vulnerable, after a large number of stresses experienced, the most important of which are. So, you need to start using B vitamins, vitamins containing calcium, magnesium, potassium, if there are no contraindications. Such a complex will very quickly restore the nervous system.

If a woman is breastfeeding and cannot use pharmacy vitamins, then you should start consuming foods containing them.

For example:

• vitamin B found in boiled meat, fish, cereals, bananas, potatoes;
• calcium found in milk, cottage cheese, cheese, halva;
• magnesium- in figs, legumes, rice, wheat bran;
• potassium- in baked potatoes, fish, melons.

The cardiovascular system

To cope with postpartum hemorrhage, the blood clotting system begins to work actively. Therefore, an increase in heart rate is possible, as well as an increase in the number of platelets - bodies responsible for blood plasma clotting. Moms who have undergone, now need constant medical supervision.

Any disruption in the functioning of the circulatory system can lead to a very serious complication - thromboembolism. The formation of blood clots in the thickness of blood vessels in some cases leads to death.

Recovery of the cardiovascular system occurs when vitamins, potassium and magnesium enter the body.

If it is also impossible to consume vitamins from a pharmacy, then you need to include foods containing these vitamins in your diet as much as possible (given above).

Bladder

Many women in the postpartum period are concerned about a very delicate problem associated with a decrease in the tone of the bladder. If, when carrying a child, an enlarged uterus exerted pressure on the bladder, now, without this factor, its sensitivity begins to decrease.

Bladder sensitivity can be affected by pain medications sometimes used during childbirth.

It is because of this that a woman may experience:

1 Constant urge to urinate. You feel a constant desire to empty your bladder, but the amount of urine excreted is quite meager.

In combination with painful sensations, this symptom may be a signal that inflammation has begun in the excretory system.

It is best to inform the doctor about this in order to exclude the possibility of infection or to treat it in time.

2 No urge to urinate. The urge to go to the toilet may not occur at all, even with a full bladder. This problem does not require a special approach in treatment, and usually resolves after a few weeks after childbirth.

3 Pain when urinating. Burning and other unpleasant sensations are caused by the ingress of urine on unhealed wounds and sutures. To reduce soreness, a woman can urinate while standing in the shower with her legs apart. In this case, urine will touch the genitals less. And the soreness of the bladder itself, extending to the lower back and lower abdomen, may indicate the development or urethritis.

Interesting! How to clean the stomach after childbirth

4 Urinary incontinence. In order to speed up the recovery of the excretory system, it is necessary to train the bladder. Especially for mothers who are breastfeeding, it is important to monitor the amount of fluid you drink.

It is advisable to drink at least 1.5 liters of pure water per day.

Reducing the volume of fluid can lead to a deterioration in lactation, and to improper functioning of the bladder. Visit the toilet at least once every 2 hours. Urination must be performed even if you do not feel the urge. Stagnation of urine leads to the development of infections, which is very dangerous now for the female body.

Be mobile: a sedentary lifestyle does not have the best effect on the functioning of the bladder and intestines. Move to the best of your ability. In the first week after childbirth, loads are not recommended, but soon you will be able not to limit yourself to walking.

An excellent way to normalize the functioning of the bladder is to perform Kegel exercises - this is a technique for restoring the muscles of the small pelvis. These exercises will significantly improve sex after childbirth.

Also important is how quickly you empty your bladder after giving birth. The sooner you manage to do this, the sooner the recovery processes will begin and their course will be more correct.

Immunity

The immune system will recover very quickly if the diet is replenished with vitamin C or foods containing it: fruits, vegetables, berries (especially black currants).

But we must remember that vitamin C should be consumed daily, as it does not have a cumulative function.

It is believed that citrus fruits are the richest in vitamin C. But when breastfeeding, eating citrus fruits can harm the baby, because lemons, oranges and grapefruits are, first of all, very strong allergens. Also, the restoration of immunity is affected by the amount of vitamins A and D entering the body.

You can undergo a special immunological examination, which will determine the degree of decline in your immune status. If any pathologies are found, the doctor will prescribe immunomodulatory drugs.

Recovery of menstruation after childbirth

Named lochia, usually last for the first 3-4 weeks after childbirth. In the first days after the birth of a baby, lochia is almost entirely composed of blood. Later, the discharge becomes more transparent, there are more leukocytes in them. By about 21 days after giving birth, the lochia becomes completely transparent, and in the future they will have the same character as the usual female discharge.

At this time, you need to especially carefully monitor intimate hygiene. Now the uterus and cervix are in an "open" state, so bacteria and microbes can easily enter its cavity.

For intimate hygiene, special pads for the postpartum period are ideal. They differ from ordinary ones in size and degree of absorption. Gaskets should be changed as often as possible (once every 2-3 hours), regardless of how full they are.

The restoration of the menstrual cycle usually occurs within 5-6 months with breastfeeding, and for 1.5-2 months with artificial feeding.

The first postpartum periods can be quite painful, heavy and irregular. Gradually, the cycle is normalized, and ovulation will also be restored again.

Interesting! yoga after childbirth

How to restore the skin and remove stretch marks?

The skin after childbirth loses its turgor, stretch marks may appear. Quickly remove the stomach will help postpartum corrective bandage or cling film.

Bandages are a good means of correcting the figure in the postpartum period. Also, a bandage can be prescribed for medical reasons, for example, with complaints of back pain. Before you buy a bandage, it is advisable to consult a doctor.

There are several types of postpartum bandages:

1 Bandage belt. Represents a wide tape from an elastic stretching material. Its width is enough for the stomach and upper thighs. This bandage has a convenient Velcro fastener, so it is easy to "adjust" it to any type of figure.

2 Bandage in the form of panties. This model is worn over underwear. On the lower back and abdomen, there are usually compacted inserts that additionally support the tone.

3 Postoperative bandage. This type of bandage is designed for women after a caesarean section. It is recommended to wear it for 6-8 weeks after giving birth. When wearing such a bandage, a woman should periodically take breaks, removing it for 30-40 minutes every few hours.

There are also contraindications in which wearing a bandage should be stopped or limited. It is necessary to abandon the bandage if the following factors are present:

• Chronic kidney disease;
• Inflammation of postoperative sutures occurred;
• Frequent swelling and pain in the stomach;
• Skin diseases that are allergic in nature (the bandage causes irritation).

They should be worn for a month or two, preferably with a combination of even a small amount of physical activity. In the evening, be sure to take a shower so that there is no irritation of the skin of the abdomen.

Stretch marks removed as follows:

1. mixed in equal parts bodyaga gel and Vishnevsky ointment. The mixture is applied to areas of skin with striae for 1-2 hours (up to four hours if the skin is not prone to irritation). It is possible until the mixture is completely dry, it is possible occlusively;
2. gel or cream "Egallohit" is applied, leaving it on the skin until the next application of "Bodyaga" and "Vishnevsky" ointment. Procedures are done within a month or two.

Restoration of the figure after childbirth

After childbirth, many are faced with overweight, which leads to a deterioration in both physical and emotional state.

The all-consuming joy of the wonderful appearance of a native crumb is replaced by pleasant chores, love and care for a newborn. And the happiness of motherhood begins to coexist with the desire to be a woman, all the same beloved and one and only. Hormonal restructuring of the body during this period, the return of the endocrine, nervous and cardiovascular systems to the prenatal state is often accompanied by postpartum depression: tearfulness, irritability, endless self-pity.

How long can this period last?

The stage of recovery of all body systems after birth stress takes from 6 to 8 weeks. At that time:

• A stretched and heavy uterus weighing one kilogram shrinks and after 7 days it weighs only half a kilo. After a couple of weeks - 350 g, and by the end of the postpartum period (2 months) it acquires its original shape and weight - 50 grams. The uterine cavity restores the mucous membrane. The whole process is accompanied by postpartum discharge - lochia.
• Female internal organs, constrained during the last months of pregnancy by a baby and an enlarged uterus, take on their usual location. Some of them - acquire the original dimensions inherent in them before pregnancy.
• Organs that work "for themselves and for that guy or girl", such as the heart, kidneys, liver, gradually get used to working as usual.
• The ligaments stretched during pregnancy and childbirth, as well as the pelvic bones, which moved apart to release the newborn from the mother's bed, lose their former mobility and take a new place.
• Cracks, microtraumas and various injuries of soft tissues are tightened and healed.
• Serious gaps are covered with scars that form.
• The glands of the endocrine system undergo a major restructuring during this period. During childbirth, the female body loses one of the most important organs of the endocrine system - the placenta, which maintained the required level of hormones not only in the baby, but also normalized the balance of these stimulating substances in the mother's body. After childbirth, the remaining organs of internal secretion (glands) decrease, since during the period of expectation and the birth of the baby, they carried a double load. Only the hormones that ensure lactation continue to be intensively secreted.
• The mammary glands change, adjusting to the appetite of your crumbs, to his age. The formation of lactation occurs within 6 weeks.

How is the postpartum period

1. To restore the body after natural childbirth on the first day, obstetricians advise complete rest until the organs take their usual position, and a cold heating pad wrapped in a towel is applied to the uterine area.
2. Particular attention is paid to thorough intimate hygiene: a daily shower and at least twice a day it is recommended to treat the genitals with boiled warm water or a decoction of medicinal plants (but agree on the herbs with the doctor!). Usually, chamomile, string or calendula are advised for this purpose. Such procedures help to avoid complications after childbirth.
3. On the fourth day, the woman in labor is allowed to get up and move a little.
4. For the next 14 days, we learn how to properly breastfeed a newborn. The nipple should be given to the baby along with the halo (dark circle around the nipple). If the child begins to suck colostrum only from the nipple, then cracks will soon form on it, which are very painful. This usually affects women who have given birth for the first time.
5. Reception of special preparations for the speedy contraction of the uterus - "postpartum contractions" is possible only as directed by a doctor. Some products have a bitter taste, which can harm the baby - he may refuse to breastfeed. Postpartum depression can be managed with a sedative, which should also be recommended by a doctor.
6. From the moment of delivery to 8 weeks or two months, heavy physical exercises are contraindicated! However, movement while caring for a child, vigilant supervision of him will be an excellent physical activity for a woman. During this period, it is necessary to avoid hypothermia, which provokes the inflammatory process.
7. After two months, you can start restoring an elegant figure.

• It is necessary to exclude foods that cause allergies in the baby: chocolate, honey, citrus fruits, coffee, strawberries, pickles, smoked meats (fish and sausage), canned food, eggs (excessive consumption), concentrated meat broth, spicy seasonings. Alcohol consumption, including beer, is prohibited.
• Easily digestible refined foods not only bring a lot of "empty" calories to a woman's body, they contribute to the difficulty of digesting food. The dangerous "rush" after you've been discharged from the hospital and found yourself at home with your baby for the first time, which forces you to grab everything on the go, leads to an unbalanced diet, the baby's whims due to a disordered diet, and a woman's catastrophic weight gain. Whether it's the healthiest cauliflower, boiled or steamed, with a little olive oil and a delicious slice of salmon.

Approximate daily diet for a breastfeeding woman

First option:

• At least half a liter of milk, curdled milk or kefir;
• 50 g or 100 g of pure cottage cheese or products from it;
• 150-200 g of meat;
• 0.6-0.8 kg of vegetables;
• Eggs or butter - 50 g;
• 0.3-0.5 fruits in any form;
• Grain bread - 0.4-0.5 kg;
• Vegetable oil 1 tbsp (20-30 g).

Second option:

• Dairy products - 2 or 3 servings (in addition to milk, we include yoghurts, cottage cheese and cheeses)
• Vegetables in any form - 3 or 5 servings;
• Meat, fish, eggs, chicken and nuts - 2 or 3 servings;
• Fresh fruits, in salads - 2 or 4 servings;
• Bread and cereals (rice, etc.) - 6 - 7 servings.

Breastfeeding and weight loss

Magic weight loss has little to do with breastfeeding, but simply counting calories and following simple laws of weight loss can lead you to the desired harmony very soon.

The production of mother's milk "eats" at least 800 kcal daily. Of the reserves of adipose tissue gained while waiting for the baby, about 300 kcal is spent per day for lactation, the remaining kilocalories must be provided through proper nutrition. Mom during breastfeeding spends about 2700 kcal per day. Reducing the calorie level below 1800 kcal and weight loss of more than 1 kg per week can lead to a rapid decrease in lactation, loss of strength and the possible disappearance of breast milk.

Losing weight without catastrophic calorie restriction provides intelligent movement. However, aerobics or brisk walking should be coordinated with your doctor.

With a weakening of lactation, the doctor will also help you choose medicinal herbs from fennel, alfalfa, nettle or fenugreek, which stimulate the release of milk.

Be sure to include in your complex of daily exercises exercises to strengthen the muscles of the chest and make sure that the back is straight. It’s not worth it to be too zealous, since excess physical activity leads to a change in the taste of breast milk - it becomes bitter.

Long walks with the baby in the fresh air in good weather will benefit the baby and help the mother recover after childbirth.

Doctors say that the almost complete elimination of the consequences of pregnancy occurs in nine months. The ideal should not be school jeans, but a slender and toned body, in addition, you must fulfill the main task of a young mother - to feed your child with the best product for a newborn. This high-calorie and protective agent against all diseases is mother's breast milk.