Tips for postpartum breasts

Postpartum is often like a house moving, "temporary disaster." That is why it is important to use all possible tools to "survive" and enjoy this stage full of so many changes (in our body and spirit). And it is that although doctors usually speak of the "quarantine" (the forty days that follow the delivery or the birth of the baby) some authors and specialists assure that the puerperium extends for a minimum of two years.

I, who am the mother of a five-year-old girl and a year-and-a-half-year-old boy, am inclined to think that when we become a mother, our lives change forever. And although the transformation is in my opinion for the better, it implies a “major adjustment”. There are those for whom it will be easier and "faster" and there are those for whom, like me, it will take us longer to return to "normality".

Regardless, whatever the case, it is important to take precautions. For this reason, I share a list of useful tips for when we are #postpartum mom (if this tag is placed on Instagram, a list of publications related to the topic will appear):

Lean on your affections. Never as before will we need as much support from our partner, our parents, siblings and close friends as at this time. In order to take advantage of this “great tool” there are two important things: the first, to lose the fear of asking for assistance and the second to accept and value that help. For example, if the grandmother or the father offer to take care of the baby while we take a shower, avoid correcting them with "I won't carry it that way", "you don't know how to sleep it" and other phrases like that.

Make sure to rest. Not surprisingly, the saying "when the baby sleeps, the mother sleeps" has become a cliché. But the moment a newborn baby finally falls asleep, there are so many pending; showering, cleaning the house, washing, cooking, we end up doing everything except sleeping. That is why it is so important to let ourselves help, because in order to take care of someone as helpless (and demanding) as a baby, we first have to take care of ourselves.
Surround yourself with "positive people." The raising of a child is one of those matters in which we are all inclined to have an opinion. And while comments are usually made with the best of intentions, they can often hurt "susceptibilities."
Therefore, it is best to avoid situations that can be stressful and rather surround ourselves with those who share our feelings.
When the doctor authorizes it, leave the house. The "daily baby walk", as it is often called, is not only necessary for the child, but also for the mother. Some doctors indicate it after three months or when the child has his first vaccinations, but others assure that if it is a safe or controlled environment, it can be done much earlier. In my case, with both of my children, that "walk", which used to be to a nearby park or a relative's house, was a "savior", since taking care of a baby and being in an apartment or closed space all day can be overwhelming.

Share with other moms. Ideally, the contact is physical, in baby gyms early stimulation classes, mom-baby classes, in support groups or similar. However, virtual support, through social networks and mobile applications should not be underestimated if it means an “escape route” or a positive influence for the mother in postpartum. Nothing better to feel accompanied and understood than talking with someone who understands exactly what it feels like.
Seek expert help if necessary. Expert help is as important as that of our loved ones, especially in medical or health-related matters, that is why it is important to choose a pediatrician with whom we feel comfortable and if we decide to breastfeed and have difficulties, consult a consultant for lactation.
Be (you) patient and treat yourself with affection. This is perhaps one of the most important "reminders" when we are postpartum. It is a new baby, a demanding and exhausting situation physically, mentally and emotionally so it is important to understand it and be loving and kind to ourselves. This means feeding ourselves properly, taking the time and care we can, and forgiving ourselves whenever necessary: ​​when the baby cries and we don't know why, when the house is in a mess, when we can't find time for the older brother.
Set priorities. The big priority, at least in the beginning, is the baby (and his siblings if there are any) after that comes everything else. Sometimes it will be your partner, other times it will be home, work, extended family, or friends. No one can do "everything," at least not at the same time.
Learn to "let go." If there is any lesson that motherhood gives us, it is to understand and accept that we are not "in control" of most of the things that happen in life. We want a natural birth and it turns out to be a cesarean section, we want to breastfeed and it is not possible, we want an impeccable house and we cannot have it.
Do not forget to enjoy and thank. Once we "let go" and we understand that perfection does not exist and that all we can do is do our best then we know that we should enjoy and be thankful for the stage we are living because soon we will realize that "they grow too fast".
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Argentine psychotherapist Laura Gutman is one of the authors who has explored in greater depth what the postpartum stage means in a woman's life. His books "Motherhood and the encounter with one's shadow" and "Puerperios and other explorations of the female soul" are an invitation to discover ourselves, understand ourselves and often forgive ourselves. Although his books are not easy to find in bookstores, his website www.lauragutman.com.ar has a good number of articles and resources of interest.

By: @stefant2007