Pregnancy is one of the greatest dreams of women, but there is always a big concern: the postpartum period. What will happen to my body after childbirth? Will I be able to handle everything on my own? Will I be able to breastfeed?
There are so many questions and fears that affect women at this stage, so we are going to try to clarify some points and, in this way, help you get through the postpartum period with fewer worries and as much peace of mind as possible, because during this time the thing she will need the most is peace and quiet to recover and care for her little baby.
The postpartum period lasts on average 40 days, also known as the quarantine or confinement, which comes together with postpartum menstruation. Many old myths and care practices are still followed today, some already confirmed as mere unfounded stories are no longer followed these days1.
Postpartum Myths and Truths
In the past, women spent 40 days without washing their hair after childbirth out of fear they would suffer headaches lasting the same period. According to older generations, if you broke the confinement, you would suffer with intense pain not only during that period but for the rest of your life. Today, it has been proven there is no connection, and now women wash their hair as soon as they are allowed to get out of bed and maintain their hygiene as usual.
Another very important fact to clarify is about nutrition. In the postpartum period, a woman should indeed be more careful with the foods she consumes, not only for her recovery and healing in cases of caesarean or episiotomy stitches, but mainly because everything she eats will be passed to the baby through breast milk2.
At this stage, women should drink plenty of water, which not only hydrates them but also increases milk production. Make sure to include fruits, vegetables, and especially dark green leafy vegetables, along with preferably lean meats in your diet. Avoid fried foods, sodas, sweets, and very spicy foods, as these can cause gas in the baby, leading to severe colic and a lot of crying.
Regarding sexual life after childbirth, there are also many myths, when in fact the issue is quite simple. The couple can resume sexual activity right after the end of the confinement period, which can last from 30 to 40 days, once the bleeding stops, why not? Just don’t forget to use contraception if you don’t want to get pregnant again. There are some contraceptives suitable for breastfeeding women, which should be prescribed by your doctor3. On the contrary to what people say, it is a big myth that breastfeeding women cannot get pregnant; women can start ovulating as early as 7 to 9 weeks after giving birth, so it is not a safe method for preventing pregnancy.
Now for a topic of great interest to all mothers experiencing the postpartum period: does breastfeeding really help you lose weight? Yes, it is absolutely true. Obviously, if the woman also exercises and eats properly, the weight loss will be even faster and in a healthier way, but breastfeeding itself helps a woman return to her pre-pregnancy weight faster, as producing one liter of milk for her baby burns about 700 calories.
Speaking of physical activity, which is another commonly discussed myth, it is often said that women in the postpartum period cannot do any physical activity, and this is another big mistake. Of course, you should not come home from the hospital and go out for a run, since your body is still recovering from childbirth, but after about 6 weeks you can start with light exercise, like walking, swimming, water aerobics, yoga, and other activities that will not only help with weight loss but also help you get back in shape even faster.
Overall, postpartum requires more special care right after the baby is born, especially with stitches if necessary. Otherwise, the mother can maintain a normal life and routine without so many neuroses and worries. The important thing is to enjoy your baby and this moment and be happy!
See also: Postpartum Menstruation – When Does It Return to Normal and the Risk of Getting Pregnant
