MemorialCare - Your Guide to Postpartum and Newborn Care

Self-Care

It can be tempting to focus all your time and attention on caring for your newborn. And this is important. But it’s just as important to take care of your own physical and emotional well-being. That’s what postpartum self-care is all about.

SCAN + PLAY

SLEEP After you bring your new baby home, try to sleep (or rest) as much as you can, even if it’s just short naps during the day. A good rule to remember: When your baby sleeps, you sleep.

SKIN Increased hormone levels during pregnancy may cause some changes to your skin color and texture, including:

• Blotchy brown facial markings • A dark line down your belly • Pimples or acne • Tiny red blood vessels • Red rashes

Even if you can’t fall asleep, you can still do nice things to help your body rest and recover, including:

• Deep breathing • Yoga stretches • Relaxation and visualization exercises Keep it simple

For most people, these changes will go away completely or fade significantly within several months. But about 30% of people can expect them to last longer. Stretch marks will gradually fade to irregular silvery white lines but usually not disappear completely.

During your first weeks at home with your new baby, try to keep things as easy as possible. Focus on caring for your newborn and giving yourself plenty of time and attention as you recover from giving birth. The postpartum period is a perfect time to let friends and family members step in and help with things like shopping, cooking, laundry, cleaning up, and taking care of pets and other people who live in your home. What can help

HAIR Pregnancy can also change your hair’s growth cycle. While you’re pregnant, your hair is in a “resting phase” that minimizes hair loss. Within a couple of months after giving birth, you may

start to lose large amounts of hair. Try not to worry if this happens. Your hair will eventually return to its normal growth cycle, although it may take 6 to 15 months.

• Give visitors a clear message for short visits • Keep meals simple and mealtimes flexible • Postpone any major household projects • Avoid caffeine (coffee, tea, soda) • Stay off social media if it is too stimulating • Ask for what you need, when you need it

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Your Guide to Postpartum and Newborn Care