Mama, I am so sorry for your loss.

As someone who has gone through this experience three times and I know right now you’re feeling devastated.

I believe the isolation and loneliness of a miscarriage can be just as painful as the physical loss of your baby.

 It’s especially hard to cope if your pregnancy was in the early stages and no-one or few people around you knew.

I want you to know I’m there for you.

I made this guide for Mama’s who are experiencing a miscarriage but don’t quite know what to expect.

These miscarriage recovery tips are for you to know what to expect and take care of yourself during this hard time.

The emotional recovery of a miscarriage will last longer than your physical recovery. Take as much time as you need and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.

I want you to know you are strong and you can survive this.

12 Useful Miscarriage Recovery Tips

1. Prepare for Miscarriage Symptoms

You’re going to experience cramping during your miscarriage.

If your pregnancy is very early on (less than 6 weeks) this may be similar to period pains.

If your pregnancy is further on you’re going to experience cramps which are a lot more intense than usual.

You may feel these cramps in your tummy, back, hips or thighs. I’d recommend you take painkillers to manage the pain.

For extra comfort, I’d recommend using a reusable heat pack which can cover these areas and provide you with some cramp relief.

2. Stock up on pads

It’s very important that you use thick pads to catch your bleeding after a miscarriage. Maternity pads or incontinence pants (like these) can be ideal.

You need to use thick sanitary pads not only because you’ll be bleeding heavier than you normally do, but you need to monitor your blood loss for signs of infection.

That means tampons are a no go. Not only can you not keep an eye on your blood loss, but they massively increase your risk of infection.

Plus thick maternity pads will offer some cushioning to your vagina which may be tender.

3. Prepare for heavy bleeding

Following on from managing the bleeding directly. It’s best to be prepared for just how much you might bleed.

The blood loss may also be quite erratic and catch you off guard when you’re least prepared.

I’d advise you keep a bag of spare underwear and clothes close by, should you need to change.

One of the most common time to have a heavy gush of blood is when you’re in bed.

Needless to say, you don’t want to be reminded of your miscarriage by a big stain on your mattress.

A quick option to keep your bed protected is to use an old towel for protection.

Honestly, I’d never have survived my miscarriage without using a waterproof bed pad (like this).

These pads are a godsend when your bleeding is at its worst, to manage big leaks. I even used one on my car seat for extra reassurance.

4. Keep taking your vitamins

If you were taking pregnancy vitamins, I highly recommend you keep taking them.

If you’re not taking a multivitamin, I’d highly recommend you start this one now. Your body is going to need all the nutrients and energy it can to help you to physically recover from your miscarriage.

Your immune system will take a huge hit, so don’t be surprised if you feel run down for weeks after.

Miscarriage may affect your appetite and impact on the nutrients you get through food. Keeping up with your vitamins will give your body what it needs to recover.

5. Take iron tablets

All that blood loss will have a big impact on your iron levels.

You may start to feel the symptoms of anemia such as

• Extreme Tiredness
• Racing heart
• Short of breath
• Cold
• Dizziness

Your doctor may routinely take blood to check for this after a miscarriage. But if you want to avoid these symptoms I’d recommend you take an iron supplement.

Some Iron supplement can make you constipated and just generally feeling like crap. These are the iron tablet I recommend for women particularly if you’ve had a big blood loss.

Adding iron-rich food (Meat, spinach, lentils, broccoli) to your diet will help keep your iron levels high. To boost your uptake add in food rich in vitamin C.

6. Rest is Vital

You may want to start trying to distract yourself as much as possible from the physical and emotional side of your miscarriage.

I can’t stress how important it is for you to let your body rest.

Keeping on at your normal pace is going to leave you exhausted.

Your body is going through major trauma and just like any other health issue, it needs time to rest to help you to heal.

7. Gather your support network

This is a massively emotional time for you and your partner. It’s likely your other half will be feeling lost and unsure how to help.

Use each other for support. Asking them to help you grab a few items will make them feel useful when they feel they can’t do much for you.

It’s completely normal for either of you to have periods of feeling better and then suddenly having a mood crash. Talking through your feeling will work wonder for you both.

You may even want to talk with a close family member or a friend.

Keep your circle close to those you trust and know will have your back.

If you feel you need to talk to someone anonymously these are great support options

• All options Talkline  1-888-493-0092
• Miscarriage and Abortion Hotline 1-833-246-2632
• Pregnancy Loss Website Resources 

8. You may need surgery

This sounds terrifying and probably not what you want to be reading right now.

The important thing is to know what your options are after a miscarriage so you know what may be needed for your recovery.

Some miscarriage occur naturally and your baby will pass without any medical input.

You may require medication to help your cervix open and to help your baby pass.

The last option is a surgical procedure known as a Dilation and Curettage (D&C). This is usually carried out as day surgery.

A D&C is minor surgery which requires your doctor to open your cervix and remove any pregnancy tissue from inside your womb.

It’s likely you may need a D&C if your baby does not pass naturally or medication has not worked.

Your doctor is the best person to advise what treatment options you have after your miscarriage.

9. Be aware of warning signs

If you have no medical intervention to manage your miscarriage you’ll likely stay at home to recover.

During this time it’s important you are aware of red flag symptoms that mean you need urgent treatment.

Look out for:

• Heavy red blood loss – soaking through a thick maternity pad every hour needs attention.
• Feeling unwell/ fever– a fluey like feeling can be a sign of severe infection which needs treating.
• Offensive blood loss – This is another sign of infection and likely you need antibiotics
• Large clots – Golf ball-sized clots are not normal and need medical attention, it’s likely some tissue has been left behind. Left untreated this will cause further bleeding and severe infection.

I’d recommend keeping a small hospital bag ready with essentials such as clothes, underwear and money, just as a precaution that you may need to go to hospital as an emergency.

10. Take Time out

In addition to the rest, you need to take time out from your daily life to recover better.

If you already have a child its best to keep them in regular daycare or have someone babysit for a few hours to let you have time to recover.

If you work, call your employer and discuss what your options are. They may grant you some compassionate leave or even holiday entitlement.

 If you can afford to consider negotiating some unpaid leave if you have.

The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) allows eligible employees to take up to 12 weeks unpaid per year to care for their health, including miscarriage.

11. Keep hydrated

One of the most basic things you can do during any kind of physical recovery is to keep yourself hydrated.

Your mind will be clearer, you’ll have more energy and you’ll prevent yourself from becoming constipated, especially when your activity levels are low.

Keeping yourself hydrated during your miscarriage recovery is important for helping your womb to shrink down and control your bleeding.

12. Avoid sex

Getting intimate may not be the first thing on your mind during such a traumatic time.

But it’s likely you’ll be wondering how soon you can start trying to conceive after your miscarriage.

You can ovulate around 2 weeks after a miscarriage, however sex this soon can increase your risk of internal infection.

The ACOG advises that you wait at least until you have another period before trying to get pregnant.

Remember that you may have recovered physically but have you recovery emotionally from your miscarriage. This is a huge consideration for you and your partner before trying for another baby.

—

I hope that these tips provide you with some degree of comfort during this awful time for you.

Miscarriage is never you’re fault. You may find it useful to know some lifestyle changes you can make to reduce your risk of a further miscarriage.

I wish you all the best with your recovery and hope one day you get to meet your Rainbow baby.

The post 12 Useful Miscarriage Recovery Tips for Pregnancy Loss appeared first on Stork Mama.

Rest is not some you do well.

You’re a let’s go get sh*t done, kinda gal, right?

And yes that serves us well in life, however, it can also become a huge issue when you have a new baby.

You’ve probably read a million times to slow down, relax, and sleep when your baby sleeps.

But what if that just isn’t you?

This guide is all about helping you to get that much needed postpartum rest and slowing down without feeling like you’re going crazy.

How much rest do you need after birth?

This will vary depending on the type of delivery and experience you’ve had.

You may be lucky and breeze through labor and have the lovely calming birth you always dreamed of.

Unfortunately, you may have a long road of physical or even mental recovery from your delivery.

Around 6 weeks postpartum is the textbook time your body will have recovered from your pregnancy.

But remember that doesn’t mean it will have completely recovered from your birth.

After birth, you’re going to feel pretty rough.

 Everything will hurt, you’ll be exhausted and all your baby will want to do is feed every few hours.

That’s why postpartum rest is vital to healing your body physically.

It’s no wonder that so many new moms end up with postpartum depression when they have no time to recover.

Postpartum Confinement

You’ve probably heard of your mom your grandma talking about ‘lying in’ when they had a baby.

This is a traditional practice when moms would have postnatal bed rest for around ten days to two months.

It’s something that quickly went out of fashion when women were needed for the workforce.

However, it also means the art of postpartum rest has long been forgotten.

Now I’m not saying you need to stay in bed for 2 months to recover from your birth.

Mainly because it’s a great way to go about getting yourself a DVT.

These tips should help get form postpartum rest after your birth.

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9 Postpartum Rest Tips

1. Prep for Postpartum

You’ve probably already got your birth bag packed, your birth plan written and know your route to the hospital for when your contractions start.

But are your stocked up for your postpartum recovery?

You can read my list of postpartum essentials here.

But in addition to all the creams and sprays that will keep you feeling normal after birth, I’d highly recommend my guide to postpartum bed prep.

Let’s just say you’re gonna want to buy one of these lifesavers now.

2. Try breastfeeding

If you’re still undecided about how you’ll feed your baby, then I’m going to tell you about an amazing benefit of breastfeeding.

Nursing your baby naturally helps you to slow down.

That right. When you start to breastfeed you release a hormone called prolactin which makes you feel super relaxed and sleepy.

Isn’t that amazing that your body already has systems in place to make you slow down.

The prolactin hormone also helps you to get a better quality of sleep during the night.

If you’re unsure where to start check out my guide on breastfeeding prep during pregnancy.

3. Block of your calendar

You’re a type A, I know you do everything by your calendar or diary.

If it helps you feel in control you don’t need to give it up.

What you do need to do is book in times of rest as you would any other appointment or visit.

Make it big and take whole days off.

You don’t need to sleep, however, there is a lot that can be gained from sitting or lying in a peaceful room.

Use this time to read, have skin to skin with baby, write or watch trashy daytime TV.

Have just one or two days where you want to get things done, like that newborn photoshoot you’ve booked.

It’s all about investing your time well now so you can do more soon.

4. The Mess can wait

A home that’s clean and tidy is great, but it’s not good for your postpartum recovery.

Your first go to should always be that this is where your partner should be helping you out.

Family and friends can also lend a hand if they are offering you help. Take it, don’t be proud.

If you can’t quite hand over the control of housework, put limits on yourself.

Set timer to only allow yourself to do 10-15 minutes a day to keep it light.

5. Avoid the Visitor Trap

Make it clear to your visitor that you need to rest, you are not there to be a servant for them.

Don’t be afraid to excuse yourself to go for a nap or just to have some alone time with your baby.

Lots of visitors during postpartum recovery can be overwhelming. Having boundaries in place for those who want to visit will save you a lot of stress from trying to people please.

6. Get quality sleep

Being told to ‘rest when baby rest’ is not the most helpful tip when you’re a new mom.

Knowing how to get a better quality sleep will do you the world of good for your recovery.

If you’re breastfeeding my number one tip would be to buy a side-car crib (Grab the Amazons Choice Crib now). That way you can feed your baby through the night without having to disturb your sleep too much.

They are also great if you have a C-section or a sore back from delivery as you won’t need to bend over to lift your baby.

Lavender oil is known to have amazing effects on your postpartum sleep, bonding with your baby and stabilising your moods.

Using an aromatherapy diffuser in your bedroom at night is a simple and natural way to get these benefits.

7. Don’t ignore the red flags

I know you’re that type of person that just gets on with it. But ignoring red flags of postpartum recovery is dangerous.

This includes:

• Bleeding
• Increasing pain
• Breathlessness
• Mood changes

If you or your partner have any concerns seek medical help straight away. Don’t put it off. Being reassured everything is ok is better than leaving it until it’s too late.

Your mood changes can be a huge setback and you may experience unexpected emotions like anger and resentment to your huge life change.

Please seek help or talk to a friend if you’re worried about how your feeling.

8. Eat, Drink and be merry

If your breastfeeding you’re going to be hungry and thirsty pretty much all the time.

You can prep for your postpartum rest by making freezer meals in pregnancy.

You can also ask family and friends if they can bring over a dish to help out and stop you from reaching for the takeaway menu.

Hydration wise, always keep a big water bottle beside you (I love this one). This will help reduce fluid retention and keep you well hydrated when nursing your baby.

Dehydration can make your postpartum brain fog and tiredness a thousand times worse.

9. Keep on moving

If you’re a bit of a gym bunny you might want to lay off the heavy lifting for a few weeks.

That doesn’t mean you have to stop altogether.

Gentle exercises such as yoga, Pilates, walking and swimming will help you remain active without putting too much strain on your body.

Talking your new baby on a gentle walk is great to get you both fresh air. There may even be some walking group in your area to meet other new moms.

The post Proven Postpartum Rest Secrets for Type A Moms appeared first on Stork Mama.

That’s because giving birth means facing your fear of the unknown.

I’m telling you mama, whether this is your first or your fourth pregnancy, the anxiety you feel about what will happen during birth never passes you by.

Let’s face it you know your birth is going to be hard work.

We’ve all heard the horror stories of the ‘ring of fire’, and doesn’t that just sound like literal hell.

The good news is that you can prep so you have some tricks up your sleeve to make your labour a lot easier.

This guide will focus on tips to help you survive the second stage of labor.

That’s the part when you reach 10cm dilation and you’re ready to start pushing your baby out.

You know the dramatic part that movies and TV shows love.

But let’s forget the drama. I find most moms like the second stage better than the first stage contractions as you feel like you’re actually ‘doing something’.

If you’re not quite ready for stage two click here to find tips on surviving the first stage of labor (that’s the slower part with all the contraction).

This article is great for your partner to read too as it can give them a better idea of what to expect during this part of labor and how they can help you out.

Ok, let’s get started.

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14 Ways to survive the second stage of labor

1. Take raspberry leaf tea

The good thing about you reading this tip now is that you’re hopefully not already labor.

Or at least not pushing yet! I’d be super impressed if you were.

If you’re around 32-36 weeks pregnant I’d recommend you start drinking raspberry leaf tea every day.

If your pregnancy is high risk check this with your obstetrician first.

Raspberry leaf tea has been used for centuries to help with women’s issues and one of the benefits is to speed up the second stage of labor.

It works by stimulating the muscles around the uterus, so it’s best to hold off using it until the last few weeks of pregnancy.

Ideally, you’d start by drinking one cup a day until you build up to 3 cups a day.

I was really sceptical of using raspberry leaf tea with my first pregnancy but of all three of my labors the hardest one was the only one which I didn’t drink the raspberry leaf tea.

Perhaps that was just luck, but I know if I have another baby I’ll be sipping that tea as soon as I hit those 32 weeks.

2. learn to breath

This tip sounds so simple but honestly if you take one piece of advice from this guide, make it this one.

One of the things I’m constantly telling labouring mom is ‘remember to breath’.

Think about it, imagine you’re walking around the house barefooted and you bang your toes against a piece of furniture. What’s the first thing you do?

That’s right you inhale in and hold your breath. It’s an instinct.

When you feel the pain of contractions you tense up because you know the pain is coming and then you hold your breath.

Holding your breath actually raises your blood pressure and can make the contractions feel worse.

Once your baby’s head starts to emerge you want to slow down.

The best advice I’ve heard is to do small controlled breathes as I’ve your blowing out a candle.

Imagine it as if you’re blowing out the candles on your baby’s birthday cake.

It sounds silly but this controlled breathing during the second stage will relax your internal muscles and make it easier for baby to pass through your pelvis.

3. don’t be scared to poop

One of the biggest fear I hear from labour moms is that they will poop as they push.

I know it’s probably played on your mind since you found it was even a ‘thing’.

Let’s face it, no one wants to do a poo in front of a room of other people.

The reason you’re afraid of pooping as you push is you expressing that you’re afraid of losing control during birth.

Don’t listen to those people that say ‘your dignity will go out the door in labor’, because it absolutely doesn’t have to.

I will reassure you by saying that:

1. Your medical professional will not care. It’s fairly common and they’ll be super discreet about cleaning it up quickly.
2. Passing stools in labour actually means your pushing in the right place and freeing up room for your baby’s head to come out.

If the thought still scares the living daylights out of you then you can check out my guide on how to prevent pooping during birth.

4. get yourself in a good position

Birth positions have been a highly debated topic in birth circles for years.

There are benefits and drawback to all different types of positions during the pushing stage.

What we do know is that when women give birth without any interference they will instinctively stay in an upright position as they push their baby out.

I’d recommend an upright position if you don’t have an epidural as this can slightly reduce your second stage. This is usually standing, kneeling, squatting or sitting upright.

Any position that encourages gravity to help your baby out will make it easier for baby to get around the boney turns in your pelvis.

When you’re lying on your back or with feet in stirrups your working against gravity which is hard work for you and baby.

If you need to have an epidural the best position is lying on your side with your leg supported open. This will open up your pelvis and make room for baby.

Ask your birth centre what options they have for moms with an epidural as modern equipment like birth bars can help you to mobile but with support.

5. use a warm compress

When your baby’s head starts to emerge that’s called crowning.

Most moms will describe this as the ‘ring of fire’ because of the intense burning sensation you’ll feel down below.

This feeling is caused by your baby’s head stretching the skin around your vagina and perineum (that flat but of skin between your vagina and butt).

You may find that a warm face cloth or a compress held onto the perineum as you push will help to ease this pain.

Another great side effect of using a warm compress is that you reduce your risk of having any vaginal tearing as your baby is born.

If you buy the reusable perineal compresses you can use then for your postpartum recovery too.

6. make some noise

Giving birth is an extreme workout.

The thought of making weird noises in front of others may make you feel uncomfortable.

The good news is that making noise during labor can help relieve your pain. However, it has to be the right type of noise.

It may sound weird that there is a right and wrong type of noise to make, so let me explain.

Low, deep almost animalistic moans and grunts will keep your jaw loose which helps your body to relax, including your perineal muscles.

If you go full-on high pitched wailing, your body is going to go into fight or flight mode and tense your muscles.

You’ll find yourself making incontrollable grunting noises as you push your baby out.

Try to make sure these grunts are directed toward your bottom and not into your throat otherwise you’re gonna wonder why you’ve lost your voice the next day.

7. Avoid Directed Pushing

When your baby is ready to be born, you’re going to experience how amazing your body really is.

That means you won’t need to be told when to push because your body is going to do it automatically.

That’s right you’ll start to push uncontrollably and won’t be able to stop the sensation.

Some medical practitioners still like to give ‘directed pushing’ instructions. That means telling you to hold your breath and push for a certain period of time.

Although direct pushing isn’t all bad, it can really help if you have no sensation from an epidural.

If you haven’t had an epidural it’s best to follow your instinct and push when your body tells you to.

Carry on with instinctive pushing until your baby’s head begins to crown and then with supported pushing.

This means your birth attendant following your lead when you are pushing, but talking you through to keep you focused and in control.

That’s where you’ll need to use your candle breaths we discussed above along with little pushes.

It may be tempting to give one almighty push to get the birth over and done with. However, encouraging small controlled pushes will help your baby’s head to slowly stretch up your skin and reduce the risk they tear you a new one.

8. don’t clock watch

Giving birth can take a long time, especially if it’s your first baby.

I blame the media who make out that your water break and your baby arrives 5 minutes later.

During the first stage, you’re counting down the hours until you finally get told you are 10 cm.

That means you’re ready to push right?

Well not quite.

Everyone focused on their contraction getting them to 10cm, however you contracts also need to make sure you baby’s head is far into your pelvis.

If your baby’s head is still high up in your pelvis when you get to 10cm you’re going to exhaust yourself trying to push your baby out.

If this happens you’ll probably be giving time for your baby’s head to ‘labour down’. This is usually around 1 hour.

When you do start to push you’ll have less distance to push your baby down, but this can still take up to another 1-2 hours.

And so, even once you get to fully dilated you baby can still be another couple of hours away.

So don’t watch the clock, it will only stress you out.

9. let the epidural run low

Should you opt for an epidural, you need to remember that this will numb you from the waist down.

That means when it comes time to push you might feel nothing and have no idea if you’re pushing well.

Your birth attendant may let you do some practice pushes to see or feel if your baby’s head is moving lower as you push.

If they can’t see anything, feeling your baby’s head requires a vaginal examination which you may find too invasive.

Depending on the type of epidural you have it may be possible to let the medication run low without topping up before you push.

This can help you gain back some sensation so you to feel a little more and feel more in control and push better.

It’s best to discuss this with your caregivers as going too long between top-ups can you’re your epidural wear off completely meaning you’ll have little to no relief as you push.

10. No Routine Cuts

You probably already know that a vaginal birth means there is a risk that you may tear as baby’s head is born.

Some hospital will perform a routine vaginal cut (episiotomy) to try and prevent a severe tear happing.

This practice is outdated and studies have shown that a routine episiotomy can cause a larger tear. Plus you’ll need to have vaginal stitches, which you may never have needed.

Your birth attendant should be skilled at supporting you and your baby’s head to minimise your risk of tearing.

If you’re geeking out on labor tips you can check out my guide on how to prevent tearing during birth.

11. Try perineal massage

I like to think of labor as a marathon. Its intense work for a couple of hours and you do best by training first.

One area that gets a lot of attention in labour is the perineum. That small area holds a lot of muscles, skin and tissue that work hard during pregnancy and birth.

Perineal massage is a great way to prep this area for labor. In fact, it is known to reduce the risk of you tearing, bruising or needing an episiotomy during labour.

Your postpartum recovery will be so much better if you don’t have vaginal stitches, pain or more worryingly incontinence.

You can use natural massage oils to manipulate the skin and tissue around you perineum from around 34 weeks of pregnancy.

The idea is to use your thumbs to work in a U shape to soften and stretch the tissue. This should be done once or twice a week for up to 5 minutes per massage.

12. get your baby in a good position

We’ve considered your position for pushing but you need to think about how to get your baby in the best position for pushing.

Ideally when you begin to push you want your baby to be head down with their back facing toward your tummy.

The best way to encourage this position id by using optimal fetal positioning techniques in pregnancy and during labor.

The queen of these techniques is Gail Tully over at Spinning Babies.

Gail encourages you to keep positions that allow your baby to hammock in your tummy. This is done by keeping your bump forward most of the day and not lounging backwards.

Following Gail’s birth techniques can help you and baby to keep your baby in the ideal position which makes the second stage a lot easier for you an baby.

13. sort out your birth room

Have you given much thought to your birth room environment? Does it make you feel like your somewhere clinical or does it feel homely?

A birth room which appeals to your sense and makes you feel calm and relaxed will help boost your natural oxytocin levels for you to labor better.

You’ll have a better birth if your room is

• Warm
• Private
• Quiet
• Dark
• Safe

Ideally, you’ll have a birth partner who makes you feel safe and secure. You can add little touches such as essential oils, wearing our own clothes and using your own pillows.

Try to keep chat to a minimum and make sure the door and curtains are closed.

Your birth provider should make the room warm for baby arriving.  Make sure they don’t turn up the room lights full whack. If they need lighting a lamp can direct light where needed whilst offering you a warm glow.

14. Get hands on

Once you baby’s head begins to crown you may instinctively want to feel what’s going on down there.

Feeling your baby’s head moving down can give you a boost that things are moving along.

If they thought of feeling your baby’s head is grossing you out, you can ask your care provider to be ‘hands-on’ during the delivery.

This usually means your Doctor or midwife will hold and guide your baby’s head to keep the speed of the delivery well controlled.

This is best used if you’re pushing too hard or your baby is simply coming too quickly and potentially causing a tear.

Studies have shown that hands-on alone doesn’t rescue your risk of tearing, however when using together with supported pushing a slow and steady delivery will reduce your risk of tearing.

–

I hope you found this guide useful and I’d appreciate it if you can share with any pregnant moms who would like it too.

If you have any tips you found got you though the second stage of labor please feel free to share them below and I’ll add them to the guide.

I wish you all the best for your labor.

The post 14 Tips to Survive the Second Stage of Labor appeared first on Stork Mama.

Who knew that buying underwear after you’ve had a baby would be so confusing?

So many choices: mesh underwear, disposable underwear, compression underwear.

And don’t even think about using your regular panties unless you want to have to replace them all.

Think about it, you probably have a separate set of underwear you use for period days, right?

And your postpartum underwear needs just as much consideration.

As your first layer of clothing, postpartum underwear will protect your tender tummy after birth and cope with your postpartum bleeding.

During those tender few days, you want your choice to be the right one.

What is the best postpartum underwear? First, check out this list of 5 top options that other moms rate.

ANY of the 5 Postpartum panties on the list are great options that you should be very happy with.

5 Best Postpartum Underwear Reviews

1. Fruit of the Loom Beyond Soft Panties

Pros: inexpensive, very comfortable, soft, durable, machine washable

Cons: big made, thin waistband

Our Verdict

The Fruit of the Loom Beyond Soft Briefs are a great inexpensive option for postpartum use. The cotton and polyester fabric is very soft and comfortable to wear.

The full brief style makes them sit very high up on your tummy. This is perfect for that first couple of weeks until your tummy shrinks back down.

We found them suitable for use after both natural and C-section births. They are easy to wash and are suitable for the machine.

For a great price, you get 6 pairs of panties in a range of nice modern colors. Beware as these pants do run large and they won’t shrink much in the wash.

2. Always Discreet, Incontinence Underwear

Pros: discreet, no need for pads, convenient, comfortable

Cons: scented, not eco-friendly

Our Verdict

The best disposable postpartum underwear has to be Always Discreet disposables. These act like underwear and a pad in one. No need to deal with leaks or stains panties, just dispose of them once you’re finished.

These postpartum panties are the best solution if you want convenience after having your baby. They’re great to wear in the hospital until you get home, so no need to bring home dirty underwear.

The material is non-woven so no need to worry about pulling your stitches. Plus, because they are thin, they are super discreet to wear, so won’t leave you feeling self-conscious about looking like you’re wearing a diaper.

We would highly recommend these, even just for night use, so you don’t leak any blood onto your bedsheets.

If you want more tips on how to save your bed sheets postpartum check out postpartum proof bed guide.

3. UpSpring Baby C-Panty

Pros: protects your scar, helps to heal, reduces swelling, comfortable

Cons: expensive, sizing

Our Verdict

If you have a c-section birth you’ll love the Upspring Baby c-Panty.  To heal quickly after a cesarean section you want to make sure you have good blood flow and reduce the swelling. This underwear will help you do that as they are made from compression-grade material. 

Protecting your incision site is a real worry with postpartum underwear. You don’t want anything that will irritate, rub or pull at your stitches. This underwear has an area of silicone gel lined right where your incision site will be to help your wound heal quickly.

Your whole tummy benefits from the compression as these are high-rise postpartum underwear. Not only does this design provide you with a bit of postpartum binding but it protects your wound by stopping your underwear from rolling or bunching.

Moms who have worn these post section swear by them. The biggest concern was the price tag, but they are worth investing in at least one pair.

4. Intimate Portal Maternity Under Bump Panties

Pros: low rise, breathable cotton, comfortable, easy wash

Cons: not suitable for C-section, sizes run small

Our Verdict

If you’re looking for an alternative to full coverage postpartum underwear then the  Intimate Portal Under the Bump Maternity Panties are a great option.

Unfortunately, the postpartum period is a time you need to wear panties and pads, even if you don’t normally do so. This can make you feel really uncomfortable.

These panties are a great compromise. You’ll have enough fabric to support a maternity pad, without all the excess fabric that can bunch and roll.

The band sits just under your hip line and is quite discreet under clothes. The breathable, cotton fabric makes them very soft and can aid the recovery of any perineal stitches.

I wouldn’t recommend these if you have a C-section as you’ll have no protection over your wound which can slow your healing.

5. Kindred Bravely High Waist Postpartum Underwear

Pros: breathable fabric, soft and comfortable for vaginal and C-section births

Cons: sizes run small

Our Verdict

The Kindred Bravely High Waist Postpartum Underwear is one of the best options for all types of delivery. The material is so soft and easy to wear, which is great for vaginal or abdominal stitches.

These panties offer a good level of coverage. Plus they are also pretty cute compared to other options on the best list.

The material is breathable so that you won’t get hot and sweaty with them on. That’s really important to let air circulate around any wounds to help them heal.

This underwear offers a good level of support without being too tight. The seams are well made and don’t dig in or roll down.

I do recommend opting for the size above your normal, as the leg hole fit is slightly smaller.

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Postpartum Underwear Basics

Types of Postpartum Underwear

Underwear comes in a range of styles each with its pros and cons. Let’s take a look at each type to find the one which suits you best.

Disposable Postpartum Underwear

As the name suggests these are single-use only underwear. You can buy them as a single mesh panty or as incontinence panties which double as maternity pads.

This style is very lightweight to wear and convenient for use in the hospital or nighttime.

You don’t need to worry about washing them or dealing with bloodstained underwear or linen.

This type is fine for short-term use, and we would recommend them for the first week after your baby arrives.

Full Brief Postpartum Underwear

A full brief panty can be work both when you are pregnant and once you’ve had your baby.

These pants are large and offer full coverage usually above your belly button. An elasticated fiber is a good feature as it allows the underwear to grow and shrink with you.

Full briefs offer support all over your tummy as well as protecting a C-section would without seams rubbing.

They also provide good support for maternity pads.

Compression Postpartum Underwear

This type has a strong and supportive fabric that compresses your abdomen.

These are similar to a postpartum girdle but with less compression. These can benefit you by improving your blood flow, helping your muscles to recover, and reduce swelling.

Compression underwear offers full-length coverage, reaching just underneath your breasts.

This can be used as shapewear to smooth out your lump and bumps to get back into your regular clothing.

Hipster Postpartum Underwear

No they don’t wear non-prescription glasses or have beards!

They are a low-rise style that sits on or below the hips. This type of panty gives minimal coverage.

For women who don’t want to wear underwear that cover their whole tummy, it provides enough fabric to hold a pad in place.

This style is discreet and lightweight to wear.

We don’t recommend this style for C-section recovery as the band may rub on your wound area irritation.

Best Postpartum Underwear Fabric

Cotton Postpartum Underwear

A common underwear fabric as it is soft and breathable. Cotton is a great option for preventing infection or caring for stitches. The downside of cotton it that it can stain easily.

Mesh Postpartum Underwear

Mesh underwear is very light and thin. It doesn’t offer much support, but it can be thrown away after use.

Spandex Postpartum Underwear

Also known as elastane, it’s a man-made poly fiber.  Elastane is well known for providing support and stretch to underwear. It is also known to be moisture resistant.

Microfibre Postpartum Underwear

This is often a polyester or nylon blend. It’s well known for being soft and naturally wicking for sweat. It’s a great durable alternative to cotton.

Read: Best Postpartum Girdle For New Moms

Postpartum Underwear Buying Guide

Underwear is the layer of clothing that will come into contact with your skin.

It needs to be comfortable, fit right and be practical.

After birth you’ll be failing more tender than usual, you may even have an incision, and you’ll have to deal with post-birth bleeding.

Fit

The fit of your underwear will depend on the size and style you have chosen. Ultimately you want the underwear to stay in the places you would like it to.

That means no riding up or rolling down, a common problem with plus-size underwear. 

A tighter fit can provide support but may also dig in and be uncomfortable. A loose fit can offer comfort but may not be very discreet under clothes.

Cleaning

This is important as you’ll need to keep your underwear free from blood or bacteria. 

You’ll want your underwear to withstand frequent washing and prevent staining. 

Underwear that is machine washable, stain-resistant, and odor-proof scores highly.

Support

Consider the areas where you would like to provide support.

You may want full abdominal support, especially for C-section to provide protection for your wound.

Support may also slim you down to help you fit back into your old clothes. Even perineal support can help stitches recover.

If you want minimal coverage, ensure the underwear provides enough support for a maternity pad.

Price

Like any underwear, you can get good performers for both budget and luxury price ranges.

If you plan to wear underwear through the end of pregnancy and postpartum, you should invest in a good pair.

If you want short-term use, then inexpensive underwear may be suitable.

Benefits of Good Postpartum Underwear

1. Support

Your underwear will provide support for your postpartum tummy or vagina. Women with cesarean or perineal stitches may fear them bursting open. Without good support, you will reduce that anxiety.

2. Protection

Coverage of your wound is important to prevent it from being bumped, or stitches snagged. If your wound is seeping, underwear can help to keep bandages or dressing clean and dry.

3. Cope with Postpartum Bleeding

You’ll need to wear pads to catch your postpartum bleeding regardless of your delivery.

Tampons are not recommended due to the risk of infection.

Thick or large pads are recommended to deal with the heavy flow for at least the first week. You’ll need underwear to accommodate using these, as unfortunately, a thong won’t cut it.

Check out our reviews on the best postpartum pads to use after birth.

4. Comfort

Postpartum panties are made from soft fibers and elasticated. This helps them to fit like a glove, a very comfortable glove.

Trust me; you don’t want to wear pants that dig into your most tender stomach or rub against your swollen crotch.

5. Save Your Lingerie

Do you use your nice lingerie when you’re on your period?

Good lingerie is expensive, and you don’t want to be using it to get stained with blood or mishappen from maternity pads.

Postpartum underwear will save your nice lingerie and you can even throw it away without feeling guilty.

5. Sweat Proof

Did you know that ‘Mom sweats’ are a thing after birth? You’ll sweat (and pee) profusely to get rid of all that extra water weight.

That may mean you get an extra sweaty crotch or bottom.

Sweat-wicking or breathable fabrics for your underwear can help to minimize any discomfort this will cause you.

6. Slimming

Postpartum compression or shaping underwear can help you pull in your tummy, waist, and hips.

These areas can be a little flabby after birth as you gain weight to support your pregnancy and breastfeeding.

By slimming them down, you can get back into your regular clothes and feel a little more human again after nine long months.

Postpartum Underwear FAQ

What is postpartum underwear?

You will wear postpartum underwear after birth. They are not regular panties. Postpartum underwear is will cope with:

• bleeding
• postpartum discomfort
• vaginal  or abdominal stitches
• support for your postpartum body

Regardless of what type of delivery you have, you’ll find a pair of postpartum underwear that will aid your recovery.

Do I need postpartum underwear?

No. That’s the simple answer.

You can use your regular underwear.

However, I strongly recommend you buy postpartum underwear to avoid your regular underwear getting stained and misshapen.

If you buy disposable postpartum panties, you avoid having to buy extra postpartum pads and trying to remove stains.

Think of how much your nice underwear would cost to replace if they get ruined.

The amount you’ll pay for postpartum underwear is a fraction of that price. It’s a bit of an upfront cost that will save you money in the long term.

Where to buy postpartum underwear?

You’ll probably find suitable postpartum panties in most big lingerie departments, pharmacies, or grocery stores.

I recommend you buy from Amazon.  They have a huge selection at the lowest prices, and it’s a discreet service.

Another big benefit to Amazon is they will let you return the underwear without issues, which other stores may not let you do.

The post 5 Best Postpartum Underwear Reviews appeared first on Stork Mama.

That pretty much sums up postpartum.

Regardless of the birth you have, you’ll be sore, tired and want to be as comfortable as possible.

I don’t want to scare you, because I know you’re at the stage of prepping for birth. And your focus is on what will happen during your labor. Or even making sure everything is ready for your little bundle of joy. But have you given any thought to your recovery after birth?

Let’s face it postpartum care is the forgotten ‘Cinderella’ period of pregnancy. Perhaps because you want to look forward to the positives, like an adorable new baby to squish and smell.

Mmmmmm ::new baby smell:: Sorry where were we?

Oh yeah, It’s all a bit taboo. Like periods. Nobody discusses it do they? I suppose it’s because most new moms are kinda embarrassed to talk about their leaky nips or swollen va-jay-jay.

Well, you’ve hit the jackpot because I’m a total pregnancy geek. And I love talking about postpartum. Actually, I most definitely overshare about postpartum and your bodily fluids.

I’m not gonna apologize for that. Because I think it’s essential for new moms.  I want you to know how you can prepare to make your postpartum easier. Nobody wants a slow postpartum recovery, right?

You need to know these things when you’re pregnant.

Why? Well, you’ll barely have a minute to yourself once your baby arrives. Make it a priority and prepare. Just like your birth plan or packing your hospital bag checklist.

I’ve gathered this list of items I think are pretty amazing for helping you to heal from birth.

Whether you are a first-time mom or a seasoned pro, I’ll prepare you for any postpartum leak, pain or surprises. Trust me you’ll learn something from this list you never knew happened after having your baby.

This guide is pretty awesome for new moms, so share the love and Pin it. That way you can come back to it later.

Let’s get started.

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25 Postpartum Care Essentials

For All Moms

These are essentials all new moms will benefit from. They take care of those postpartum issues you’ll need to deal with regardless of the type of birth you have.

1. Maternity Pads

Regardless of the type of birth you have, you will bleed after birth. It’s caused by the shedding of your womb as it shrinks back to normal size.

Maternity pads help you absorb and monitor your blood loss to ensure its normal. They also provide cushioning and protection for tender lady bits and stitches.

Check out my best postpartum pad reviews .

2. Postpartum Underwear

The underwear you choose for after delivery needs to handle your bleeding and protect your tender tummy and vagina.

Postpartum underwear offers comfort and support for perineal and C-section wounds (These ones are AMAZING!). For super convenience try disposable underwear, which doubles as a maternity pad and underwear.

Check out my favorite postpartum underwear reviews.

3. Pregnancy Vitamins

Nothing beats a healthy diet for helping your body to recover from birth. However, new moms are often so tired it’s easy to forget to eat or slip into a routine of ordering takeaway. Supplementing with pregnancy vitamins ensures your body is getting the right nutrients to recover and support breastfeeding.

Check out my top rated prenatal vitamin reviews.

4. Stool Softener

It’s common for a new mom not to have any bowel movement for up to four days after delivery. This temporary constipation is the result of weak tummy muscles, swelling, hemorrhoids or fear.

A high-fiber diet and plenty of fluids are your first port of call.

However, if that’s not cutting it a stool softener or mild laxative can help get things moving along, and reduce your ‘first poop’ anxiety.

5. Postpartum Girdle

A girdle may seem like something your grandma wears, but it works. A special postpartum girdle offers physical support for your back and tummy after birth.

Other benefits include helping with split tummy muscles, improving posture, reducing swelling and supporting stitches.

A posttpartum girdle can also help smooth out your lumps and bumps to get you back into your regular clothes.

Check out my best postpartum girdle reviews.

6. Bed Pad

Your postpartum recovery will leave you feeling like you leaking from every orifice. Bleeding, leaking nipples, excessive sweating.

That’s right. Excessive sweating. Bet no one told you about that treat!

Protect your mattress from any nasty stains or smells with a protective bed pad like this one.

They are available as disposable or reusable types, which absorb any leaks during the night. Plus it saves you needing to change bed linen every day.

Want to learn more about protecting your bed from postpartum leaks? Check out my fool-proof strategy here.

7. Compression Stockings

Excessive postpartum swelling is another joy you may experience. At worst compression stockings will reduce the discomfort in your legs and feet.

At best, they can prevent you developing a deadly blood clot after birth.

If you’re less mobile or had a forceps, ventouse or C-section, your doctor may advise you to wear these for up to six weeks after delivery.

8. Kegel Kit

Now let’s get done to the real nitty-gritty, embarrassing side of birth recovery: weak pelvic floor muscles.

These are the muscles which cause stress incontinence, painful sex, and prolapse in later life.

Strengthen these muscles with a weighted Kegel kit. You won’t be able to use it until six weeks after delivery, but we highly recommend this to improve your future gynae health.

Check out my top Kegel exerciser reviews for use after birth.

9. Painkillers

Don’t underestimate how sore you will be after birth. This may be from your C-section wound, vaginal stitches, perineal pain, muscle strain, after pains or breast pain.

Don’t assume your doctor will prescribe pain relief, have some available at home just in case.

For mild to moderate pain opt for paracetamol (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil).

If you require stronger pain relief, you may need a prescription something like Percocet or Vicodin.

10. Water Bottle

Sometimes you need to remember to start with the basic to aid your recovery. This includes making sure you are drinking enough water at all times.

Make a large water bottle your best friend and it will pay off.

Keeping hydrated will improve your breast milk supply, reduce swelling, prevent headaches and improve your alertness even when tired.

Read: 9 Postpartum Warning Signs You Can’t Ignore

Postpartum Essentials for Vaginal Births

Natural, forceps and ventouse births are all classed as a vaginal delivery. Perineal care is a top priority as this is the most affected area.

You may also need to care for stitches due to tears or cuts. These items provide ease perineal discomfort and prevent wound infection.

11. Sitz Bath Soak

A Sitz bath is a shallow tub for the perineum (the piece of skin between your vagina and anus.

It offers many benefits, including improved hygiene, faster healing, and relief from pain, itching or irritation caused by stitches.

A postpartum sitz bath soak contains ingredients to reduce swelling and discomfort from delivery.

A shallow bath is suitable if the discomfort is mild. If the perineum cannot withstand your weight use it with a sitz bathtub on your toilet.

12. Donut Cushion

When your perineum is swollen and uncomfortable, it’s best to keep pressure off it.

A donut cushion helps you to sit down with any pressure on the perineum. This is a lifesaver if you have a tear or episiotomy stitches.

It also helps with relieving the discomfort of hemorrhoids causes the strain of pushing your baby out.

13. Cooling Spray

You’ll need to be prepared for when your bottom bits are hurting when you are out and about. Taking a sitz bath isn’t always convenient.

So try a cooling perineal spray to give your lady bits instant relief.

You may prefer a longer-lasting perineal balm however, they are best to use once swelling reduces as they can be uncomfortable to apply.

14. Numbing Spray

If a cooling spray just doesn’t cut it, then numbing spray is the way to go.

Numbing spray is a great option if your delivery has left you with perineal stitches or bad hemorrhoids. It helps to numb the area with a cooling sensation and also relieves the itchiness of stitches.

It works so well that some hospitals may even give you a can of this to take home with you.

15. Tucks Pads

All that fluid you have gained over nine months has to go somewhere, which means you’ll be peeing like a racehorse at first. The thought of having to wipe on such a tender, swollen and sensitive area may fill you with dread.

Witch hazel pads are a perfect alternative to harsh toilet roll.

They provide immediate relief from irritation and itching of stitches or hemorrhoids.

16. Peribottle

If you would rather use water rather than toilet roll or wipes to clean yourself, grab yourself a peribottle. Your hospital may provide you with a small, basic plastic bottle.

We recommend using a travel bidet type with a sprayer that can be directed at specific areas.

Use them when urinating to prevent your stitches or grazed areas stinging.

17. Perineal Cold Pack

Cold therapy is perfect for treating hot, swollen, tender areas on the body. Perineal cold packs are perfect for putting on top of a maternity pad.

They will instantly cool down the area and provide comfort and relief. They are available as single-use pads for short-term use, or reusable packs, which have washable covers.

18. Hemorrhoid Relief

Hemorrhoids usually develop in pregnancy and worsen with delivery. The strain of pushing causes blood vessels to dilate and piles to form.

Prepare for the worst with a hemorrhoid treatment. Popular treatments include creams, suppositories, and sprays.

If you want a more natural remedy try Butchers Broom.

Postpartum Essentials for C-Section Births

If you have a planned or emergency C-section, you will need post-surgery essentials. These items focus on wound care after delivery. These items will help heal your scar and prevent infection.

19. Scar Cream

It’s a given that your C-section wound will leave a scar on your tummy. The final appearance of the scar is down to your skin type and the surgeon’s skill.

However, a topical scar cream can be used, once the wound heals, to minimize the scar.

They work by hydrating the scar skin cells and encouraging new skin growth. This allows the old scar skin cells to shed and fresh skin to appear below.

20. Silicone Tape

The depth of a C-section wound can often cause the scar to become hypertrophic. This gives it a red, thick and raised appearance.

Good wound care can prevent this from happening. Studies have shown silicone tape  is very effective at reducing the appearance of scars.

This type of treatment is particularly good for preventing your scar widening over time.

Postpartum Essentials for Breast Care

Whether you choose to breast or bottle feed, your breasts will fill with milk after delivery. Breast care is essential to prevent any issues with breast discomfort or infections.

21. Nursing Pads

All new moms will leak breast milk a few days after birth. Nursing pads are like maternity pads for your breast, helping to absorb any leaks.

If you plan to formula feed, you only need a small supply, and if you breastfeed, you’ll need them until you stop.

Check out my guide to deciding between disposable or washable nursing pads.

22. Nipple Cream

It will take a few days for your nipple to ‘toughen up’ to baby’s constant feeding.

A nipple cream helps to create a moisture barrier for your tender nipple.

Good breastfeeding support  and nipple cream will help you speed up the healing of sore or cracked nipples caused by poor attachment or positioning.

Check out this guide to choosing the best nipple cream for breastfeeding.

23. Breast Therapy

Engorgement is one of those postpartum ailments all new moms have to deal with. Your breast will fill with milk if you choose to breastfeed or not.

Breast therapy pads can give you relief from engorgement. Heat them to encourage milk flow, or cool them to provide pain relief.

Click here for a guide to buying the best breast therapy pads.

24. Sleep Bra

As your breast fills with milk, it can make it uncomfortable to sleep. While you’re leaking, you will need to wear nursing pads overnight to prevent getting milk on your bed.

A nursing sleep bra is what you need. They are soft and comfortable with easy access to the breast for your baby if you are breastfeeding.

25. Handheld Massager

Breastfeeding engorgement is a real problem for all postpartum moms. Whether you choose to breastfeed or not, you’re gonna have engorged breasts at some point.

The best way to tackle engorgement is regular feeding. However, a good ol’ breast massage is a great way to keep those clogged ducts at bay.

The problem is that massage can hurt your fingers after a few minutes. This means your less likely to massage at the firm pressure your breasts need. That’s where a hand-held massager comes in handy.

A small hand massager , like this one, is fantastic for unclogging those ducts. You can even use it before a feed or pumping to get as much milk as possible for your baby.

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The post 25 Postpartum Care Essentials: Ultimate Moms Recovery Guide appeared first on Stork Mama.

You want to make sure you know your options for giving birth but have you thought about what choices you have after birth?

You’re probably so focused on just getting through the labor and meeting your little one, that you haven’t given it much thought.

You’ll be trying to soak up every last detail of your child’s birth while being flat out exhausted. It’s unlikely you’ll notice the buzz of your nurse or midwife as they try to get all their post-birth tasks done.

One of those jobs will be to give your baby their first baby.

But, what appears to be a simple offer, can change postpartum outcomes for you and your baby.

What? A Bath?

Yes, really.

I’ve created this guide on delayed bathing for newborns to help you make the best decision for you and your family.

If you’re not quite at the stage of writing your birth plan yet, then pin this page so you can come back to it later, when you’re ready.

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10 Benefits of Delaying Your Baby’s First Bath

1. Reduced infection

Did you know that your skin is the body’s biggest defence barrier against disease and infection? Newborns skin are epically vulnerable to our world as their immune system is so immature. Combine this with the fact that their skin is extremely delicate and you’re creating the perfect storm.

You’ve probably noticed new babies are often covered in a white substance. This is what we call vernix; it’s pretty much nature’s protective barrier for your baby. When you wash your baby, you’re taking away that protection, when you should try to leave it on as long as possible.   

Also, any baby wash will be made up of chemicals make up can disturb the natural balance of your baby’s skin. This can and make your baby more susceptible to skin infection or irritation.

And yes I’m talking about the ‘natural’ baby washes too.

2. Prevent dry skin

We’ve already discussed how amazing vernix is at preventing infection, but it’s also an amazing moisturizer for your baby’s skin. Once you feel it, you’ll realize it’s very similar to a thick skin moisturizer, except without the dollar dollar price tag.

Babies are often born with dry skin, especially when they are overdue. If you hold on the baby bath, you can simply moisturize the vernix into your baby’s skin to prevent their skin drying out.  Your baby’s skin will be so peachy and soft you’ll just want to gobble them up!

Also, this total isn’t scientific and just a nurse-midwife observation, but I find that if you delay your baby’s first bath, they will hold on to that new baby smell for much longer. So if you’re a baby smell addict like me, you can thank me later.

3. Less Crying

So this vernix stuff seems to be getting all the credit for awesome baby things. But bathing your baby too soon will also remove amniotic fluid which has benefits too. This liquid, which is pretty much made up of your baby’s pee, has provided a cushion for your baby in the womb. However, it’s also packed full of proteins and cells that are vital to mom and baby.

In fact, studies have shown that when a baby smells moms amniotic fluid, it provides amazing comfort for the baby and reduces the amount they cry.

Trust me, if you find anything that soothes your baby’s transition in the world then utilize it. Plus if you and your baby have had a tough labor, a calm and settled baby makes the transition to motherhood much easier.

4. Improves breastfeeding

From what we’ve already discussed, you’ll know that it’s beneficial for your baby to keep those natural bodily fluids in place as long as possible. If you intend to breastfeed, you are nearly 10% more likely to succeed if you delay your baby’s first bath.

A big reason for that will be due to how responsive your baby is to these smells. They will help your baby to instinctively react to their surroundings and display reflexes such as rooting and suckling which will kick-start your breastfeeding journey.

5. Improve bonding

Have you heard of the golden hour after birth? This is the most magical time in a mom and babies life when you can connect through skin to skin, feeding your baby and explore each other through your senses.

This time is really about taking it all in for mom and baby, so you start to stimulate all those vital hormones in the brain that are the foundation for loving and warm relationships. This time should be spent cradled in the comfort of moms (or dads) arms and not being subjected to an unnecessary bath by a health professional.

In fact, the longer to can continue skin to skin care within the first 24hours without the disruption of a bath can provide a lot of benefits for your baby.

Related: Best Baby Wash for Newborns

6. Stabilizes blood sugar

Your baby has to make huge changes in their body to adjust to life outside your body. One of the major impacts is that they have to survive without a constant source of food from the placenta. Because of this, your baby’s blood sugars can drop quickly in some situations.

Your baby has already used up a lot of energy from birth, but bathing them can be cause them to cry and use up more energy. A loss of energy results in sleepy babies who are reluctant to feed, which makes the problem worse.

Once you combine this loss of energy with disrupted skin to skin and washing away reflex stimulating fluids, it’s no wonder your baby might not want to feed.

That then means going down a slippery road of painful baby blood sugar assessment; longer hospital stays, supplementation and disruptions to your breastfeeding journey. It seems dramatic, but a simple task like bathing your baby too soon can result in this cascade of intervention. Simply holding off on the bath for a few hours at least can prevent this, or at least it won’t contribute.

7. Regulate temperature

Inside your womb, your baby is very warm at around 34F (1C) warmer than your body temperature. Helping them to maintain their temperature when born is easy with lots of skin to skin.

If fact, keeping your baby warm is important for newborns as they lose a lot of heat from their large head, especially when it’s wet. Plus your baby can’t shiver, tell you that they are cold or move to a warm place. They will simply start to use up vital fat stores.

Bathing a baby too soon will lower their temperature from undressing, and loss of heat through evaporation. Just think of how you when you’re exposed to the room temperature when getting out of the bath or shower. That’s why you don’t want your baby to get a bath too soon.  

8. Decreased weight loss

Now that we’ve discussed the regulation of blood sugars and maintaining your baby’s temperature, we can talk about weight loss. It’s normal for your baby to lose around 10% of their birth weight in the first few days, but any more than this can be an issue.

Baby’s that have uncontrolled blood sugars disrupted breastfeeding or are unable to control their temperature are at higher risk of losing more weight. Again this may result in you needing to supplement or try adopt some exhausting pump schedule to up your milk supply to help your baby.

This may happen regardless of when your baby has their first bath. However, an early bath certainly causes interruption to baby’s instinctive feeding behaviors and can have a huge ripple effect on their development in those first critical days.

9. Less stressful for You

You may be lucky and have a baby who loves a bath, but otherwise, the first bath can be really stressful for you and your baby.

It can be really difficult to watch your little baby screaming their head off if the bath is stressing them out. You’ll want to comfort them as much as possible but probably won’t be able to until the bath is over.

Even worse ? Some hospitals need to bath your baby in a different room, this separation can be quite distressing for you both.

The experience may also depend on your nurse’s attitude to bathing your baby. Nurses are well aware that baths cause baby’s temperatures to drop, so they are super-efficient at handling the bath, but they may be hurried with your baby to get things done swiftly.

If you prefer to have the bathing experience when you are all as relaxed as possible and can take your time, then hold off until you are both relaxed.

10. Improved postpartum healing

Delaying your baby’s first bath can allow you to have lots of skin to skin at the most vital time. This close contact helps you release the hormone oxytocin. This is what causes the awesome bonding we discussed above.

Natural oxytocin release also helps improve your milk supply, boost your mood, reduces your postpartum bleeding and return you uterus to its pre-pregnancy size. All of these can contribute to a quick postpartum recovery for you.

RELATED: How To Bath Your Newborn Baby at Home

5 reasons you don’t want to delay baby’s first bath

This guide is here to inform you about delayed baby bathing, but that doesn’t mean you need to feel pressured into holding off on your baby’s bath. Let’s look at some reasons you may not want to delay your baby’s first bath.

1. Body Fluids

We’ve discussed the benefits of body fluid for your baby, but that doesn’t mean you will be able to cope with them especially if it weirds you out. It’s ok if you want your baby cleaned down a bit before you hold them.

 I find that if the body fluids are an issue for you, then its best to as your nurse to clean baby up as soon as possible so you can hold your sweet little baby without feeling grossed out.

Even if you are super keen on delaying your baby’s first bath, there may be some unexpected material such as meconium (baby’s first poo) that may make you change your mind.

2. Faith reasons

Your religion may have birth ceremonies after birth with including a ritual wash. Washing your baby of bodily fluids may be required as part of your faith.

 It’s best to put your plans for baby bathing into your birth plan, so your health professionals are aware of any special circumstances for your family.

3. You want a demo

Bathing a baby can be really scary because tiny babies are wriggly and even harder to control when wet. Bathing a baby as a new parent can be petrifying.

If you have a short hospital stay, it’s only natural to have your nurse show you their technique before you go home. They may even give you their favorite tips for making the process easier. You can check out my method to bathing newborns here.

4. Pressure from family

Even if you are your partner are ok with holding off on the bath, a lot of new parents feel pressured to have their baby nice and clean for their first visitors.

I totally understand that you might want to show off your baby’s full head of silky hair and not have it caked in blood from your delivery.

In this case, instead of a full bath, your baby may benefit from a simple wipe down to remove the majority of the offending materials, and then it’s a win-win.

5. Tradition

Family tradition can play a big part in what you do after birth. You may have a family tradition of taking a photo of the nurse bathing your baby. Just remember you can still get this photo even if you delay the bath. However, it may be more important if you intend to have a short hospital stay.

Related: Best Baby Tub for Newborns

3 Reasons Your Nurse doesn’t want to delay your baby’s first bath

Delayed baby bathing is becoming more common in the hospital. However, some continue with the practice of bathing your baby soon after delivery. These are some reasons your nurse may not want to delay giving your baby a bath.

1. Risk of disease

The reason most hospitals started bathing babies was a universal precaution against disease for your baby. If you delay bathing your baby, and it may be hospital policy for your nurse to wear gloves while handling your baby until they have a bath.

2. They like bathing babies

Most nurses love bathing babies because it feels great to be able to teach new parents baby care skills. Plus I have to admit that once all the gunk is gone from their hair and it all fuzzes up, it is pretty darn cute.

3. Work pressures

It’s likely that your nurse may have other families they are caring for at the same time as you. This means there time is limited, and unfortunately, it may be more convenient to give a bath after birth than later.

Don’t be annoyed if you ask your nurse to bathe your baby later and she’s caught up doing something else.

Your nurse may need to prioritize their workload, and a baby bath will probably be pushed down the list of things to do when they are busy.

How long to delay baby’s first bath

Most hospitals are recognizing the benefits of delayed baby bathing and will wait at least 12 hours before bathing your baby. However, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommend waiting at least 24-48 hours until your first bath your baby.

Ultimately the choice is up to you, just remember to weight up the pros and cons to make a decision that is right for you and your family and let your caregivers know what you want.

Pin To Your Pregnancy Board

The post Delay Baby’s First Bath? 10 Important Reasons You Should appeared first on Stork Mama.

You thought that awful skin and big zit were behind you right?

Unfortunately, pregnancy acne is a common symptom a lot of mom have to deal with.

Even if you’ve never been prone to acne before, you may suddenly suffer from acne during pregnancy.

Thanks for that one Mother Nature!

Acne can be annoying, especially when everyone has told you that pregnancy will make your skin glow.

The only glowing you’re seeing is the bright red pimples shining like Rudolph’s nose.

Jokes Aside, pregnancy acne can be awful. Not only is it painful but it can really knock your confidence too.

I’ve written this guide to help you to treat your pregnancy acne. These treatments may not completely take your pregnancy acne away, but they will make an improvement to your skin.

Let’s do this

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What Causes Acne during Pregnancy?

You probably already know that pregnancy makes your hormones go crazy.

Progesterone is one of those hormones. Your progesterone levels start increasing around 6 weeks into your pregnancy. This sudden rise can cause your skin to start releasing more sebum (oil) than it normally would.

All that extra oil can cause your pore to become blocked, resulting in all those nasty pimples.

8 Ways to Cope With Pregnancy Acne

These tips will help to tackle the effects of all that extra skin oil. Unfortunately, your pregnancy acne won’t disappear overnight; it will take some work.

These tips may seem simple, but following them consistently will help to reduce the chances of a huge pimple breakout.

1. Cleanse Twice a day

Make it a priority to start looking after your skin. You’ll need to use a gentle cleanser at least twice a day, in the morning and at night.

Thoroughly remove any makeup before you go to bed.

Regular cleansing will help keep your excessing oil production under control. It will also remove any bacteria from your face and reduce the chance of large pimples.

2. Don’t Scrub

IT can be tempting to scrub your face to try and remove as much oil as possible. Unfortunately, this will only irritate your sensitive pregnancy skin further.

Plus using facial scrubs or harsh soaps can make your pregnancy acne worse. That’s because your natural oils are removed, and so your dry skin works extra hard to replace them.

Opt for gentle or natural products with few ingredients when possible. Don’t be afraid to switch brands.

3. Use oil-free products

I’d always recommend keeping your skin well hydrated with a good moisturizer before using other products. Remember dry skin will overcompensate by producing more oil.

Your skin will then benefit from oil-free products for the rest of your skincare regime. These will help to prevent the dreaded oil slick look throughout the day.

4. Change your pillowcases

You spend a lot of your day sleeping or attempting to when you’re pregnant. As your head rests on your pillowcase, they mop up all the sweat and dirt from your hair and skin.

All of that transfers back and forward between your face each time you sleep.

Buy a new set of pillowcases to rotate as you wash them every few days. Get into the habit of cleaning them more regularly than you normally would.

This simple trick can make a huge difference to your skin.

5. Tie up your hair

Have you noticed your hair getting thicker during your pregnancy?

That’s caused by the other main pregnancy hormone called estrogen. That means there is a lot more of your hair to get greasier and touch your face.

I’d recommend tying your hair back wherever possible. It means your less likely to touch your hair or face throughout the day.

If you tie your hair back as you sleep the oils on your hair won’t press against your skin as you sleep.

6. Don’t pick

Whatever you don, try to resist the urge to pick your pimples.

I know, I know that can be torture, I totally understand as a fellow pimple popper.

However, your run the risk of causing permeant scaring to your skin when you do this. Also you pregnant, immune system is less able to deal with the bacteria and other nasties on your fingertips and in your nails.

A good cover-up will become your best friend. Always remember to use cleanse hands or makeup brushes when applying it.

7. Eat and drink right

You already know that a good diet will help your skin.

It can be really difficult during pregnancy, especially if you have mad cravings or bad morning sickness.

Try to get as much fruit and vegetable into your diet as possible. Smoothies are a great way to do this.

Avoid too much sugar and fried foods, as these can worsen your acne symptoms.

The top it all off by drinking around half a gallon of water each day. This will prevent your skin from drying out and causing your skin to produce more oil.

8. See a doctor

If a good skin care routine and diet changes aren’t helping, then you need to see a dermatologist.

They will be able to discuss pregnancy safe treatments that will tackle your acne.

Treatment soften include:

• Mediated washes
• Antibiotic treatments
• Light therapy

Your doctor will be able to advise the best treatment for you depending on the severity and your pregnancy history.

Related: 8 Annoying Pregnancy Skin Issues

Acne Products to Avoid In Pregnancy

Over the Counter Acne Products

The safety of over the counter acne products is unknown during pregnancy. It’s unlikely that the amounts that are absorbed are enough to harm your baby, but they also can’t be classed as safe.

Ingredient best to avoid during pregnancy include:

• benzoyl peroxide
• salicylic acid
• Retinoids

Check that any acne product you use is free of these ingredients.

Acne Medication

Most oral acne medication should be avoided during pregnancy.  The most common include:

• Isotretinoin
• Spironolactone
• Tazarotene

All of these medications are known to potentially cause birth defects.

If you’ve just found out, you are pregnant and use acne medication, discuss with your doctor if it’s safe to continue using it.

You may prefer to stop taking acne medication when trying to conceive or in the first trimester when the risk to your baby is higher.

6 Natural remedies for Pregnancy Acne

With all the uncertainty about how safe, certain acne products are, it may be best to go for more natural options. Check out this list of natural acne-fighting products to try for your pregnancy acne.

Tea tree

Using tea tree oil on your skin is an age old remedy for acne. This oil has antibacterial properties and will help to heal your skin.

All you need is a few drops of oil on a clean cotton pad. Dab it over the affected areas.

Don’t go overboard as too much can dry your skin out.

Zinc

Studies have shown that a good zinc supplement can help with mild acne.

Zinc is known to help with inflammation and fight of bacteria which can worsen your acne.

You may already be taking a pregnancy supplement which contains zinc so check to see if it meets your daily requirements.

A good diet of meats, nuts, and whole grains will help you to keep your zinc levels high.

Vitamin C

A good dose of vitamin C is perfect for fighting the redness caused by acne. Its properties also help to re-built healthy skin that has been affected by large breakouts.

Again your pregnancy vitamins may already contain your daily dose. Also, food containing Vitamin C will boost your daily levels Including broccoli, bell peppers, oranges, and strawberries.

A vitamin C serum is a great way to moisturize your skin overnight to prevent it from drying out after cleaning.

Probiotics

Poor gut health can be a reason for your pregnancy acne. Progesterone can slow down your digestive system causing a lot of issues for your gut.

An easy way to fix your gut health is to take a good probiotic supplement. They are well known for helping with acne symptoms.

A word of warning, your acne may get slightly worse for a few days as your gut bacteria corrects itself. Your skin should start to get better after a week or so of regular use.

Charcoal face mask

Activated charcoal is a safe and natural way to deal with your oily skin during pregnancy. The charcoal will help to draw the toxins and oil from your skin.

You can buy a charcoal face mask products or activated charcoal powder which you’ll need to mix.

Slater the mix all over your face and leave for around 15-20 minutes. Once you wash the mask off, you should moisturize to prevent your skin from drying out.

Witch Hazel

One of the best remedies to use for your acne is a witch hazel astringent.

It’s a triple threat for your acne by reducing inflammation, redness and mopping up excess oil. Using witch hazel can make it difficult for bacteria to grow which reduced your chance of infection.

Witch hazel also has healing properties which helps to recover and open pimples or scabs.

Pregnancy Acne FAQ

How Long will my Pregnancy Acne Last?

It is common for pregnancy acne to develop as soon as you find out you are pregnant. The symptoms may start to lessen around 20 weeks as your hormones level out.

Unfortunately, you may experience acne through your whole pregnancy, especially if you have a history of severe acne.

The good news is that once your baby is born your hormones will return back to the way they were pre-pregnancy. Your skin should be seeing improvements by 6 weeks postpartum.

Can I still wear makeup with pregnancy Acne?

It’s still ok to wear makeup when you have pregnancy acne. However, you may want to keep it to a minimum rather than caking it on.

Switch to lighter coverage products to allow your skin to breathe.

Take off your makeup as soon as you no longer need to wear it. Give your face more time without makeup on than wearing it.

Also, remember to clean your makeup brushes regularly to remove any bacteria that is making your acne worse.

The post 8 Ways to Deal With Your Pregnancy Acne appeared first on Stork Mama.

Or perhaps you had a very quick delivery with your last baby.

Have you thought about what to do if you don’t make it to your birth center in time?

Yes, I’m talking about laboring so fast that you accidentally deliver at home, also known as a BBA (born before arrival).

Fast or precipitous labor is uncommon, but they still happen. In fact, 1 in 200 babies are born before they arrive at the hospital.

You’re much more likely to experience this if you’ve already given birth. But even first-time moms experience it too.

Timing the trip to the hospital or a premature baby may take you by surprise.

Some babies hang around for no-one. They are born at home, in the car, in the ambulance or even at the side of the highway in rush hour traffic. You’ve seen the online videos right?

This guide is gonna tell you just what to do in case you don’t quite make it to the hospital n time. You might even want to print it out and keep a copy for your partner in case it happens.

There is a lot of information in this guide, so pin it to your baby or labor board, and you can come back to it later.

NOTE –  This guide is for women who are laboring outside of their planned place of birth. It is not for women who intend to free birth at home purposely without a trained professional to help.

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How to Handle An Unassisted Birth

1. Assess what’s Going on

Although this situation seems scary, the best thing to do is try and stay as calm as possible. Knowing how to handle the situation will get the best outcome if the medical staff are not around.

Are your contractions are coming every 3-4 minutes and lasting for around 1 minute? Then you’re in active labor. You may still have time to get to your birth center, especially if it’s your first baby.

When you’re unsure call your birth center, and they will triage you over the phone.

If you have a strong urge to push, stay put and use the following steps.

2. Call 911

If you think your baby is coming now, call 911 immediately. Don’t waste time by calling your hospital or midwifery unit; they’ll only tell you to call 911.

An ambulance will dispatch immediately. If you’re not at home, try to give as much detail of your location to make it easier for them to reach you, such as street signs.

They may ask a few questions such as ‘is this your first baby?’ or ‘how many weeks are you?’

If your baby’s head is appearing, they will be able to talk your partner through delivering your baby.

Unlock the door so that the EMT’s can access your home quickly.

3. Get a Helper

If you’re on your own, get someone who can help you out. At home, it’s best to try a female neighbor

Never get into a car and attempt to drive yourself to a birth center.

4. Heat the Home

Your baby needs a warm environment to be born into. At home turn the heating on if it’s cold or cool weather. If it’s hot weather, shut any windows and turn off the A/C or fans.

If you’re in a car turn the heating on and roll up the windows.

This is an important step, don’t skip it. One of the biggest risks to your baby is that they get too cold after delivery.

5. Gather a ‘Birth Kit’

Use items you have available to you in the home. If you are in the car try to take some of these items with you en-route to the birth center. That way you’ll be prepared if things change quickly.

A plastic sheet – trash bags, shower curtains or tablecloths can be used to protect your bed, carpet or car seats.

Lots of dry clean towels – Preferably warmed if possible, these are for drying your baby.

A warm blanket and hat – Again warmed if possible. These will be used to keep your baby warm after birth.

A large bowl or bag – You’ll need something to hold the placenta after it delivers. It’s very bloody so make sure your container doesn’t have holes.

6. Get comfortable

Use your plastic sheet, lay it down and sit on top. Don’t be tempted to go in the bath a sit can make it harder for the EMT to transfer you and can cause your baby to lose heat quicker.

Choose whatever position you feel most comfortable in. Lying on you left side is good to get the most oxygen to your baby.

7. Don’t push

Now I know you see all those movies where everyone is screaming ‘PUSH,’ but you need to resist.

Your body will give you an unbearable sensation to push. Rather than forcibly pushing down, try panting instead. Similar to how you would blow out candles on a cake.

Controlled breathing will allow your baby to delivery slowly to minimize your risk of tearing.

8. Delivering baby

Make sure your helper has clean hands. They should keep their hands close to your vagina ready to catch baby should they deliver very quickly.

Don’t worry if your baby’s head is delivered without the body. Don’t feel for cord and don’t pull on the head.

The body should be born with the next contraction. You or your helper should gently catch them.

9. When Your baby is out

As soon as your baby is born bring them up on to your tummy or your chest (depending on the cord length). Your baby will be wet and slippery and needs to dried quickly.

Give your baby a good, firm rub; this will help them to take their first breath and cry.

Your baby may be a little stunned, and you may need to do this for up to a minute. Most babies will cry before then.

There is a guide below on what to do if your baby doesn’t start to breathe after this time.

Put a hat on your baby, a blanket over you both and keep them warm with skin to skin.

10. The placenta

Now your baby is born you need to wait for the placenta to arrive. It can take anything from 10minutes to an hour. It’s also common for the placenta to become stuck after a quick labor.

Try putting your baby to your breast, if they managed to suck it will release hormones that help the placenta deliver.

Don’t tie off the cord or attempt to cut it. You’ll allow your baby to get as much vital blood and oxygen as possible. Cutting the corn can also leave your baby open to infection as your equipment won’t be sterile.

You’ll feel a few more contractions, and then the placenta will deliver.

Place it into the tub or plastic bag and keep it close as it will still be attached to your baby. The placenta needs to be inspected by a nurse or midwife to make sure it’s all out.

11. Once help arrives

You and baby will quickly be assessed to make sure there are no complications from birth. You’ll likely be transferred to hospital to assess if you need any vaginal stitches, deliver your placenta or to manage heavy bleeding.

Your baby is likely to be observed closely for signs of hypothermia. Keeping baby as dry and warm as possible will help prevent this.

The experience can be traumatic, and you or your partner may require a debrief session after the event. It’s best to talk about the events with trained staff.

If your baby doesn’t breathe

Remember to give your baby a good dry and rub for a minute to stimulate their breathing. Be firm like you would when you towel dry your hair.

The good news is your placenta is still attached, and your baby will get a flow of oxygen for around 5 minutes or when the cord stops pulsing.

If baby still appears blue, floppy and isn’t breathing:

1. Wrap them up and lie them on a firm flat surface. Try to keep them warm.
2. Tilt their chin slightly upwards, making sure that it’s not against their chest
3. Cover your baby’s mouth and nose with your open mouth. Try to seal your lips on their face. Breathe out and into your baby for 2-3 seconds. Repeat those breaths 5 times. Make sure the chest moves up and down as you do this.
4. Quickly check to see if your baby is breathing on their own. If they are then put baby back skin to skin, keep them warm.
5. If your baby still isn’t breathing repeat the breaths and check for breathing for up to a minute. Start chest compressions.
6. Place your first two fingers in the middle of your baby’s chest between the nipples. Press down quickly 3 times. Then do another breath.
7. Keep doing 3 compressions to one breath until you baby breathes themselves, or help arrives.

The Law

It’s not illegal to have an unassisted home birth in the USA. In some states, it is illegal for a midwife to attend a homebirth, unplanned or not.

That’s why it’s best to call 911 for assistance in the case of an unassisted birth.

Your state may require an immediate check by a trained professional to obtain your baby’s birth certificate.

Unassisted Birth Videos

Summary

Although the thought of an unassisted birth can be scary, your instincts will take over.

Your body is designed to have babies and is capable of doing it without help. The main aim of the game is to keep you and your baby as healthy as possible. That means getting a check-up from a trained professional as soon as you can.

Follow this guide, and you’ll give you and your baby the best outcomes, should you accidentally deliver before you get to tour planned place of birth.

You got this mama.

The post How To Rock An Unassisted Birth Like a Pro appeared first on Stork Mama.

I mean everyone talks about having the pregnancy glow. In reality your pregnancy hormone are wreaking havoc with your skin.

Your poor skin goes through a lot of changes during pregnancy. Learning about these changes and how to work with them will give your skin a whole new lease of life.

Whether your skin is super sensitive or drier than the Sahara desert, this pregnancy skin care guide will help you.

I’ll discuss how to deal with skin issues in pregnancy, the best pregnancy skin products to use and what to avoid.

Now coping with your pregnancy skin doesn’t need to get you down. Follow these tips and you’ll have that elusive pregnancy glow in no time.

Let’s do this Mama

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8 Pregnancy Skin Issues

1. Sensitive Skin

Pregnancy is a prime time for your skin to suddenly become very sensitive. The sudden increase of hormones and rapid skin growth is the main culprits.

The best way to tackle sensitive skin in pregnancy is to switch to using gentle products that won’t irritate your skin. Your usual brand of products may do a sensitive or unscented range you can switch to.

Harsh tools such as exfoliators or cleansers need to go. A soft microfiber cloth is ideal for your sensitive skin.

2. Dry Skin

Has your skin got super dry?

Your pregnancy hormones are causing your body to lose moisture to your skin. Any water you take in is now being used by both you and your baby.

If your skin is very dry, that’s a sign you might be dehydrated. Your first step should always be to up your fluid intake. Make sure your drinking around 8 glasses of water each day.

I’d recommend using a moisturizer after washing your body or cleaning your face. Using a humidifier during the night will give your skin much needed moisture.

3. Oily Skin

Has pregnancy caused your skin to be slicker than Danny Zuko’s hair?

Oily skin is cause by overproduction of sebum in your glands. The cause? Yep you’ve guessed it, those pesky pregnancy hormones.

Regular cleansing in the morning and at night may help keep the grease at bay. However it may also make the problem worse for you.

If you’d want a solution for mopping up the oil, I’d recommend using blotting sheets.

You may also want to avoid using skin care products or makeup that is oil free. That way you’re not adding to the problem.

4. Pregnancy Acne

Have your skin transported you back to your teenage years?

Pregnancy acne is a common reaction to all that extra oil your hormones have made.

It can be so tempting to want to pick at your spots, but don’t. Your skin is much more sensitive and you can easily cause long lasting damage. Plus squeezing spots can leave you open to all sorts of nasty skin infections.

Avoid using over the counter acne products. The ingredients are often unsafe for using in pregnancy. A natural way to tackle the problem is a consistent skin care regimen.

If you feel your pregnancy acne is severe, my advice would be to see a dermatologist for a review.

5. Itchy Skin

Are you scratching your skin raw?

Unfortunately, your skin is stretched extremely fast during pregnancy. Your bump is probably the area most affected due to your growing bump. Your body hold on to a lot more fluid during pregnancy, which your skin has to deal with.

A good moisturizer is the best way to tackle to itching. An emollient with oatmeal can also be soothing for your skin.

You may also need to consider what laundry detergent you are using as it may be irritating your pregnant skin.

Itching can also be a sign of PUPPS (Pruritic Urticarial Papules and Plaques of Pregnancy) which is annoying but harmless in pregnancy. It can also be a sign of cholestasis, a condition that is dangerous for your unborn baby and needs to be medicated.

I’d strongly recommend getting any ongoing itch reviewed by your caregiver.

6. Pregnancy Stretch marks

Your body goes through many changes in pregnancy, but you’re probably praying you don’t get stretch marks. Unfortunately, it’s down to our genetic if you’ll get them or not.

These tiny pink stripes care caused by your rapidly growing skin. Although you can’t prevent them, you can minimize the impact they have.

Check out my top 10 tips for preventing stretch marks in pregnancy.

A good stretch mark cream or oil is ideal for helping your skin’s elasticity and preventing excessive damage. Keep up to your fluid levels and regularly apply your stretch mark cream to improve their appearance.

7. Pregnancy Mask

Has pregnancy caused random dark patches over your face? This is known as Chloasma or pregnancy mask.

A hormone imbalance is causing you to release too much melatonin to protect your skin against sunlight.

The best protection is to keep yourself out of the sun as much as possible. If you do need to go outdoors use clothing such as hats to shade your skin.

I’d recommend using a sunscreen with a high SPF to block as much UV light as possible. Reapply it regularly and keep your skin shade.

Pregnancy skin discoloration usually fades a few months after you give birth.

8. Redness

Is your skin super red and blotchy?

This is a common skin issue for pregnant women due to your increased blood flow. Your body is making 50% more blood in pregnancy; it’s no wonder your feeling flushed.

The best way to prevent redness is to avoid extreme weather conditions such as being too hot or too cold.

A good cooling skin product can keep the red patches at bay. Look for ingredients such as aloe vera or mint.

If you like to wear makeup, green tinted products will reduce the appearance of the redness under your makeup.

Skin Care Ingredients to Avoid During Pregnancy

There are certain ingredients in your beauty products to avoid during pregnancy. These products are known to be harmful to your unborn baby.

Your body will absorb these ingredients through your skin, so it’s best to avoid them while pregnant.

Benzoyl peroxide

This is an ingredient commonly found in acne products. It’s known to make your skin sensitive especially in sunlight. There is little evidence about its safety in pregnancy.

Parabens/ Bisphenols

These are used as preservatives in cheaper shampoos and body washes. They act similar to the estrogen hormone. This is thought to cause growth problems for babies (especially boys) if there is too much exposure in pregnancy.

Retinoids/retinol

This is a family of ingredients that should be avoided at all costs. These skin products are marketed as containing Vitamin A which is known to cause a birth defect if used in high doses.

Salicylic acid

A common ingredient in acne, cleansing, and exfoliating products. It the main type of acid not approved for pregnancy use.

Glycolic, lactic, and mandelic acids are alternatives that are considered safe for pregnancy.

Soy

Another ingredient that mimics the estrogen hormone. Too much usage is thought to increase the risk of developing pregnancy mask.

Hydroquinone

This is an ingredient used in skin lighteners. You may be tempted to use these types of products if you have a pregnancy mask. This ingredient is not recommended for pregnant women.

–

Summary

Pregnancy can do a real number on your skin. It can be totally depressing if you don’t get the coveted pregnancy glow and terrible skin instead.

This guide has discussed the top 8 pregnancy skin issues and how you can deal with them. Follow these tips, and you should get your pre-pregnancy skin back in no time

Remember to check those ingredients before you go using any new products during pregnancy.

You got this mama.

The post 8 Pregnancy Skin Issues And Incredibly Easy Ways To Fix Them appeared first on Stork Mama.

If you have or are about to, I bet you’ve put a lot of focus on coping with pain in labor.

Whether you’re a ‘give me all tha drugs!’ kinda gal or opting to go drug-free you know labor will be painful.

You’re focusing on what you want to prevent the pain, but have you thought about simple ways you could be making the pain worse?

It sounds really negative, however, it’s good to know what these things are. If you can avoid them, then you’ll cope better and require less pain relief.

I’ve created this guide to highlight the birthing pitfalls to avoid making during labor.

Let’s get started.

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9 Ways To Make Your Labor Pain Worse

1. Fear

It’s totally normal for you to be freaking petrified during birth.

I mean your whole life you’ve heard horror stories of moms pooping on the table or tearing from hole to hole, right?

Pretty much every birth on TV or movie has the mom screaming her head off.

The problem is that when you’re scared you become tense and breathe fast. Both of these reactions make the contractions feel a lot worse for you.

The fear also causes you to release stress hormones which can slow your labor and make you exhausted.

If your birth anxiety is severe, it’s best to speak to your doctor or a therapist beforehand. Cognitive therapy can help overcome your negative thoughts before labor starts.

Another option is to look into birthing classes in your area to teach you coping techniques. Hypnobirthing classes can be useful. I find mindfulness techniques are great for anxiety, and this book (I recommend the audio version) is a great read if this kind of techniques works for you.

This is a very powerful TED talk by world-renowned midwives Ina May Gaskin. It can be a bit hippyish in parts, but she makes some amazing points about modern birth culture.

2. Caregiver mistrust

Trusting your caregivers during labor is vital to help you release birth hormones (oxytocin).

If your nurse, midwife or doctor makes you feel uneasy, then your body will react and not labor well.

The mistrust creates an environment of fear and tension which heightens your pain.

Your nurse or midwife should be able to assess how well you are coping and help you through this.

Ask yourself if you feel comfortable with the policies and routine procedures of your chosen caregiver. Have they made comments that make you feel uneasy during pregnancy?

Then its best to find the right caregiver for you before your labor starts.

You may also consider hiring a doula to support you through your labor. A doula is familiar with the birth environment and stays with you all the time. This is especially important if you give birth where your nurse cannot provide one to one care in labor.

3. Birth environment

Have you considered your birth environment during labor?

You probably know who your birth partner will be, but what about the thing that makes you feel more comfortable?

Surprisingly you feel more relaxed and less tense when you’re in a homely environment.

The problem is that most hospitals are very clinical looking.

There are simple changes that you can make to your birth room, so you labor better.

First off, make sure that only people you want to be there are there. That includes your birth partner and medical staff.

If you don’t want a student in with you, let your caregiver know. Also, make sure that any staff knocks before they enter the room. Constant interruptions to you your room may slow it down.

Lack of privacy and bright lightening won’t help your labor progress. Ask your nurse to pull the curtains and dim the lights for a nice relaxed environment.

You might want to bring some home comforts such as pillows or essential oils you use in your house.

4. Pitocin

Unless there is a medical indication try to avoid suing artificial hormones to start or speed up your labor.

Using an artificial drip for labor is associated with an increased need for pain relief. That’s because your contractions are forced and don’t have the same slow built up of natural labor.

If your pregnancy is low risk and you’re heading toward being overdue, read up on natural ways to induce your labor. A good membrane sweep is a great ‘natural’ option for getting you into labor without the need for hormones.

If you do require Pitocin use during your labor, consider how this will affect your need for pain relief. Don’t feel like you’ve let yourself down if you need something strong like an epidural.

5. Posterior baby

A baby who is lying ‘back to back’ is known to cause more pain in labor.

The reason is that your baby is pressing against your spine causing back pain. In this position, your baby doesn’t open your cervix as well as a front facing position. That can make your labor a lot longer.

You can check out my tips for turning your posterior baby before your labor starts.

The idea is that you keep your bump as front facing a possible. Avoid lying on your back or position that recline your pelvis.

In labor its best to keep upright and avoid being on a bed. This may be an issue if you need to be constant monitoring during your labor. Your nurse or midwife will be able to assist you in helping your baby to turn.

Posterior babies need time to turn in labor which can make your labor longer. Your caregiver may even suggest Pitocin to speed the labor up. Of course, altogether that can lead to a much more painful experience.

My advice would be to try and prevent your baby from turning posterior before birth.

6. Dehydration

I always find it amazing how easy it is to forget simple solutions to birthing problems.

It’s common to forget to eat and drink during labor, especially when your contractions ramp up.

Dehydration is a big factor for increasing your pain levels.

Your body relies on water to make the cells work as best as they can. When your body is dehydrated, your energy and focus will suffer, making coping a lot harder.

In fact, if your body is severely dehydrated, it can actually stop your labor. That may then lead to you needing iv drips or Pitocin.

The best thing to do is to keep hydrated as soon as your contractions start. Tell your birth partner its one of their jobs to make sure you keep your fluids up when you forget.

You don’t need to drink liters during labor, but enough to prevent thirst. Your body is working really hard, so give it the fuel it needs.

Ice chips are a great way to keep your fluid levels up. Plus they will help to cool you down and make you feel more comfortable.

7. Your Breathing

I’m gonna give you a tip I give to all the laboring moms I care for.

Master your breathing, and your labor will completely change.

Think of the last time you were in pain. Did you automatically hold your breath?

I bet the answer was yes.

Holding your breath is a natural reaction to pain. However its bad news for labor.

When you hold your breath, you deprive your muscles of oxygen which heightens your pain levels.

The same is true when you breathe to fast during your contraction. Your body reacts by panicking and making your feel faint and out of control.

Learning how to breathe throughout your contractions is a great skill for coping with labor. When you breathe properly, your muscles and your baby gets the vital oxygen they need.

Focus on your breathing to get through the contraction. It helps you be rhythmic and relaxed as your tummy tightens.

Using nitrous oxide (laughing gas) is very effective at providing pain relief and helps you to focus on taking long deep breaths.

Your birth partner can help to focus you by doing the breathing with you. Your nurse or midwife will also help keep your breathing under control if you start to panic.

8. Not Using Coping techniques

I know you’ll already have a plan for what medical pain relief you’ll use, but what about natural pain relief.

It’s not surprising to know that if you don’t have any coping techniques to use then, you’ll ask for the painkillers sooner.

Yes, painkillers are great for taking the pain away, but they can add unnecessary risk to your labor. That includes restricting your mobility, increasing your risk of assisted delivery or requiring Pitocin to speed things up.

Check out my guide to 10 natural coping tools for labor.

If you have the option, consider having a water birth. It’s ideal for relaxing you and is well known to reduce the need for further pain relief in labor.

You may also love using heat pads or having your partner massage your back during your contractions.

These techniques can also help you stay at home as long as possible which allows your labor to progress better.

9. Birth Positions

Whatever you do, stay off your back during labor.

I know that most movies you see have women delivering on their back. It’s the worst position possible for you and your baby.

Lying on your back put lots of pressure on your back focusing the pain on the area.

When you lie down, your body is working against gravity that helps your baby to move downwards. Therefore lying on your back is likely to make your labor last longer.

If you need to stay in a bed, make sure you’re sitting as upright as possible. Otherwise get up and move around the room to help your labor.

Don’t feel scared to rest; you can lie on your side with a peanut ball to give your baby room to move.

Make use of birthing balls and bed bars to help your body work with gravity, regardless of your situation during labor. Any good nurse or midwife will be happy to help you do this.

Summary

As you plan for your birth, keep in mind the things that can increase your pain.

You want to use as many natural coping techniques as possible to prevent intervention and the chance to have a natural birth.

This guide has highlighted the things that can make your labor pain worse, and how to resolve it.

You can do this Mama, go get the birth you want.

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