What’s “normal” when it comes to post birth body niggles?
Unless you’re blessed with a brilliantly “easy” labour, you’re likely to be left with a body that needs a bit of time to heal.
Even if you haven’t suffered with SPD, back pain or had a c section, it’s completely normal to feel tired, sore and fragile after having a baby. Your body needs time to recover – but giving yourself the tlc needed to recover isn’t always easy when you have a newborn baby to look after!
Why you need to give yourself time to heal
We’re massive advocates of the “in your own time” approach to recovery. Basically, we don’t think mums should rush to get out and about, living up to some fantasy ideal of Super Mum, unless they’re absolutely ready.
The truth is, it can take up to six months after the birth of your baby for your muscles and ligaments to fully recover. So don’t be too hard on yourself if you don’t live up to the images of celebs you see looking fresh and bouncy with their one day old baby – it’s normal to feel sore!
What areas are likely to cause most problems – and what can I do about them?
The most common post birth issues experienced by new mums are with their back and stomach muscles. If you don’t take care with your posture when you’re lifting your baby, you may find you put too much strain on these areas.
General advice is to always bend your knees when you pick up your baby, as well as making sure the changing mat and baby bath are at waist height. And it goes without saying, gentle exercise (once your GP gives you the go ahead) also helps strengthen these areas.
Physiotherapists also advise new mums not to try and lift anything heavier than their baby during the first six weeks after giving birth. This makes it a great time to pull in favours from your family and friends. Allow them to help you – this is an important time to put your feet up and let yourself be taken care of! After all, as the American comedian Milton Berle once said, “If evolution really works, how come mothers only have two hands?”
Couldn’t agree more.
The Snugglebundl
The Snugglebundl baby blanket is fantastic for post birth recovery as it’s designed to allow you to lift, lay and move a baby without having to bend or stoop. This makes it an excellent product for new mums dealing with a c section recovery and help with SPD and back pain.
Watch the video.
And to help you in this recovery we have one Snugglebundl to give away. Just enter the competition below for your chance to win one.
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