Restoring the body after childbirth and breastfeeding. How to easily recover after childbirth

A woman who has given birth to a child is still long time remembers all those painful sensations that she experienced during the birth process. It is this fact that sometimes makes one think twice before planning a second child, especially for young women. However, most of all new mothers are interested in a question that directly concerns how long it takes for the body to recover after childbirth. Let's try to answer it by looking at the main components of the recovery process.

It is immediately worth noting that the period during which complete recovery occurs is unambiguous female body after the birth of the baby, it is impossible to name. The thing is that this parameter is influenced by many factors. Let's look at them in order.

Firstly, it is necessary to take into account the method of delivery. So, if it was a classic birth without complications (perineal ruptures, uterine bleeding etc.), then, as a rule, it takes about 4-6 months to regenerate tissue and restore the functioning of the hormonal system. If the birth was carried out by cesarean section, or an episiotomy (suturing of the perineal tissue) was performed, then the regenerative processes may drag on for 6-8 months.

Secondly, the fact how long it takes a woman to recover after childbirth also depends on whether it was the birth of her first child, or a repeat birth.

How long does it take for hormonal levels to be restored after childbirth, as well as reproductive organs?

This question is very often of interest to mothers, because... exactly from normal operation The hormonal system affects many physiological processes in the body.

So, if we talk about how long it takes for the usual menstrual cycle, then it should be noted that within 4-6 months women experience prolactin amenorrhea. This term is usually understood as the absence of menstrual flow, which is caused by the synthesis of the hormone prolactin, which is responsible for the lactation process.

In addition, the concentration of this hormone has a direct impact on the fact how long it takes to recover after childbirth. It is worth noting that in this case everything depends on whether the mother feeds the baby with it or not. Many modern women refuse breastfeeding for the sake of preserving the shape and beauty of the bust. In such cases, restoration of the mammary glands occurs within 2-3 months. In this case, as a rule, the woman takes drugs that suppress lactation.

When talking about how long it takes for the uterus to recover after childbirth, doctors usually call the time period 6-7 weeks. It was during of this period A woman experiences lochia - bloody discharge.

If we talk about how long it takes for the vagina to recover after childbirth, then it all depends on how the birth process proceeded. In the absence of tears and violation of the integrity of its walls, which is quite rare, this process takes 4-6 weeks.

No less important, in comparison with general well-being, for women is appearance after the birth of the child. Therefore, the question regarding how long it takes to recover after childbirth sounds quite often. It is worth noting that in this case everything is individual. However, in order to return it to at least approximately its previous form, it will take at least 4-6 months. In most cases, it cannot be done without special physical exercise.

What worries a young mother, besides thoughts about the baby? When given a little time to take a break from caring for a newborn, many begin to think about their own health. Pregnancy and childbirth are a lot of stress for the body, and it can affect many aspects of health and appearance. There is a possibility of exacerbation of chronic diseases, changes in figure, and problems with teeth and hair. It is hardly possible to describe in one article all the methods that are recommended for women to quickly restore their body after childbirth. So let's talk about general health body and about working on your figure, because these are the problems that most often cause concern for women who have given birth.

Restoring the body after pregnancy and childbirth: where to start?

Perhaps one of the most frequently asked questions questions that women who have given birth ask: how to restore your figure after childbirth? But during pregnancy, other ailments may appear:

• problems with the spine, back pain;
• varicose veins;
• haemorrhoids;
• anemia (if a lot of blood was lost during childbirth);
• diabetes;
• other appearance problems: stretch marks, sagging breasts, hair and teeth loss, age spots, brittle nails;
• depression, sleep disorders and other psychological disorders.

Most of these problems are fixable. But none of them can be solved efficiently in a short time. Especially in view of the fact that after childbirth, a woman needs relative peace in order to recover from the stress to which she was exposed. Therefore, you need to start recovering from childbirth and getting in shape gradually, without changing your lifestyle too dramatically. Although physical activity is possible after consulting a doctor, you should not try to run a half marathon or lift heavy weights. gym. The body has already used up more resources than is normally necessary.

Note
During pregnancy, the heart beats faster, breathing intensifies, and taste preferences may change - thus the woman instinctively tries to compensate for the lack of any substances in the body. In the third trimester, the baby compresses some blood vessels and organs to make room for itself, and therefore after childbirth it takes some time for normal blood circulation to be restored.

In the first two months after birth, respiratory and cardiovascular system are recovering after working “for two”, the uterus is gradually shrinking, another hormonal change is taking place. Psychologically, the mother also changes to suit the new role. At this time, it is better not to be overtired - especially since there is already enough trouble with the baby. Here are a few recommendations that will allow you to smoothly begin the body’s recovery after childbirth and do not require special knowledge:

• Walks. For the first couple of months, physical activity can be limited to this. Long walking is what you need to gradually begin the recovery process after childbirth.
• Healthy diet: eat often and in small portions, minimize flour, sweet and smoked foods, drink enough water. When breastfeeding, allergens (citrus fruits, nuts, chocolate, seafood, etc.) should also be excluded.
• Skin care- during pregnancy, many women suffer from it in one way or another. Peels, scrubs and masks will help restore beauty. You can do them yourself. An excellent skin care product during recovery after childbirth is a contrast shower.

Of course, you should understand that these tips will not help you completely return to your previous shape. But if you adhere to them, then in the first months there will be a psychological adjustment to healthy image life and work on yourself. The results in the form of a couple of kilograms lost and an improved complexion motivate further action in in this direction- ideally this is the creation of an individual recovery program after childbirth. Experts in this matter, such as, for example, fitness trainers and gynecologists, will tell you where to start.

How to restore your figure after childbirth and regain your former shape

The main thing in the process of regaining your figure after childbirth is to make a firm decision and turn to specialists with a good reputation. The first will not allow you to veer off the right path if you have a desire to give up exercise and eat buns all day. A professional approach doctor and trainer will eliminate mistakes that can be made in drawing up the program.

Fortunately, there are medical centers, specializing in working with pregnant women and postpartum women. Including those whose employees take a comprehensive approach to the issue of restoring health after childbirth. In such a center, you will not only be prescribed vitamins and a diet, but will also undergo an extensive examination with the participation of doctors of several specialties, create an exercise program,, if necessary, prescribe massages and, if desired, even treatment with alternative means.

Fitness, Pilates and Gym

A beautiful figure requires working out all the muscles, so one of the main means is sports. At the same time, the training should not be exhausting or too easy. It is important to find a line here: if you train half-heartedly, there will be no results. And too heavy exercise can harm the body, which has recently suffered stress. A coach will help you cope with this task - ideally a personal one, who will make individual program.

In the first months after childbirth, you should pay attention to types of gymnastics with passive load. This is, for example, yoga, Pilates, qigong. They not only smoothly strengthen all the muscles of the body, but also normalize internal balance, including psychological, which reduces the likelihood of depression and mood swings. The condition of the skin and hair improves due to the normalization of blood circulation. Such gymnastics is neither too tiring nor too gentle.

Where to study? The first thought for most people planning to exercise is, of course, at home, to save time and money. But this is not always an easy solution, especially for young mothers. After all, there is a child at home who constantly requires attention. Moreover, in order to force myself long months To engage in a specific program, you need to have enormous willpower. That's why best option- agree with the father, grandmother or nanny that at certain hours they will take care of the child, and the mother will take care of herself at this time.

Massage and... herbal medicine

When women think about how to restore the body after childbirth, they do not first think about such methods. But together with those listed above, they are very effective. IN health centers they are often prescribed for more intensive recovery.

Professional massage useful for any person, and especially for a woman who has recently given birth. If you had back pain during pregnancy and after it, then taking chiropractor. But there are other types of massage, many of which help restore muscle and skin tone and even, in some cases, reduce stretch marks. When massaged with healing oils the skin becomes smooth and silky, besides, calm comes, and the mood noticeably improves.

Phytotherapy is a way to improve your well-being without resorting to chemical medications. But most often, herbal treatment is used in combination with other methods. And, despite the apparent simplicity of herbal medicine, you should not prescribe it yourself. Incorrect dosage and uncontrolled use of herbs can cause serious harm.

Medicinal plants recommended by a doctor even help in the fight against chronic diseases. And for women they are often prescribed to restore their figure after childbirth during the feeding period. Herbal medicine improves overall tone, helps lose weight and get rid of skin imperfections.

Acupuncture and other methods Chinese medicine

We've all heard of Chinese medicine, but few have experienced it ourselves. However, it can be very effective for various types of diseases, as well as for adjusting the balance of all body systems - just what a young mother needs. If there are any ailments, then acupuncture and other methods of traditional Chinese medicine can affect the root cause of the disease, resulting in a significant improvement in well-being.

There are specialists in Chinese medicine in Russia, but many of them, unfortunately, do not adhere to traditional postulates and offer some of their own methods, which do not always help. If you choose a Chinese medicine therapist, make sure he or she follows centuries-old techniques.

Note
Acupuncture, or acupuncture, - the impact of very thin needles on special points on the body (most often on the back) associated with the functioning of the cardiovascular, nervous and other systems. The procedure is usually almost painless (many people fall asleep during the process), sometimes there is normal reaction in the form of itching or mild pain. Acupuncture treats about 250 diseases, and it is especially effective on early stages diseases.

What not to do

In any therapy main principle- do no harm. Seemingly good results obtained without the supervision of a specialist can lead to disastrous consequences. Therefore, you need to consult a doctor before you begin recovery after childbirth using any method, and remember that a young mother should avoid unnecessary stress, therefore:

• no strict diets, only nutritious food healthy eating;
• no heavy training, which can negatively affect the spine, heart and respiratory system;
• no rush.

The body, which worked to support the vital functions of two people at once, must carefully adjust to its normal pace. And we need to let him do it.

Proper nutrition and moderate exercise - the key to safe recovery after childbirth. If you add an individual wellness program that does not allow the development of diseases, then soon the young mother will feel as good as before pregnancy, and her figure will become beautiful again. Nothing comes for nothing, you will have to work hard to return to your previous form, but these efforts will be rewarded.

The leading doctor of the clinic (License No. LO-77-01-000911 dated December 30, 2008) Zhang Ziqiang agreed to explain what should be considered when choosing a clinic for recovery after pregnancy and childbirth.

“A professional doctor will be able to approach this issue comprehensively, since a young mother needs complete restoration of her body systems. A combination of exercise and healthy eating - that's not all. A woman should be referred for examination to specialized specialists if there are complaints about her health, and with their recommendations, continue drawing up a program.

It is advisable to choose clinics where there are specialists different directions, including massage and not traditional medicine. So, for example, in TAO, along with the representative doctors official medicine- gynecologists, osteopaths, neurologists - specialists in Chinese medicine. But the main thing here is - Don't overdo it. Chinese medicine can solve many problems, but there are really few contraindications. However, treatment according to the canons of traditional Chinese medicine should only be done under the supervision of a doctor trained in this specialty. For example, professors and doctors come to TAO directly on the recommendation of Henansky medical university. These are experienced, qualified specialists.

I would like to note that any qualified doctor - a specialist in Chinese or traditional medicine - will most likely advise a young mother to pay attention to physical therapy using exercise equipment or individual/group exercises physical therapy in the pool. Some clinics even partner with a specific fitness center to guide patients through all stages of postpartum recovery. Our clinic, for example, opened its own fitness club in order to be able to combine Chinese gymnastics with traditional views physical activity such as yoga, Pilates. This approach allows young mothers to receive a full range of postpartum recovery services from different groups specialists."

Without exception, all systems and organs that “participated” in gestation require some time to recover. What happens in a woman’s body after childbirth, and what precautions should young mothers take?

Developing in the mother's womb, the fetus changed the position of many internal organs, and now they need to return to their previous mode of operation. Obstetricians- gynecologists The postpartum period is the time during which the involution (reverse development) of organs and systems that have undergone changes due to childbirth and pregnancy ends.

This period usually lasts 6-8 weeks. The functions of almost all organs are gradually restored during this time, with the exception of the functions of the mammary glands and the hormonal system, which still have to “work” in a modified mode throughout the entire period of lactation.

Condition of the uterus after childbirth

Immediately after the placenta is separated, the uterus contracts significantly and takes on a spherical shape. After birth, the uterus already weighs approximately 1 kg, a week later - 500 g, and by the end of the postpartum period it regains its previous (prenatal) weight and size - about 50 g.

These changes never go unnoticed by a woman: the new mother feels aching pain in the lower abdomen, especially during feeding. This is due, first of all, to the fact that when a child suckles at his mother's breast, she releases the hormone oxytocin, which has a contractile effect on her uterus.

After the first birth, the cervix itself will no longer be conical, but cylindrical shape. In principle, these changes do not affect the woman’s health at all, and only your doctor can notice them.

To speed up the process, uterine contractions can be prescribed intramuscular injections oxytocin. For ardent opponents of medicinal effects on the body of a nursing mother, a simple uterine massage can be offered: with a relaxed stomach, lying on your back, having felt the fundus of the uterus (the fundus of the uterus is the uppermost part of it, located immediately after childbirth just below the navel), begin to carefully “move” it upward from the periphery to the center. This should be done very gently! Your uterus has worked very hard and now deserves special, delicate treatment!

Periods after childbirth

In the postpartum period there are spotting from the genital tract, which are called lochia. They are much more abundant than normal periods and have a specific (rot) smell. Lochia changes its character, becomes more and more transparent over time, and by the sixth week of the postpartum period has the same appearance as the discharge before pregnancy.

In the first six weeks, while the cervix and the uterus itself have not yet contracted, they can penetrate the uterus pathogens Therefore, the hygiene of the external genitalia should be strictly observed. Special postpartum pads are ideal for this period, having a size to suit all needs postpartum discharge. Regardless of how full they are, the pads need to be changed every 2 hours.

Restoration of the female body after childbirth / shutterstock.com

The restoration of menstrual function in mothers who have given up breastfeeding occurs after about a month and a half, and in lactating women - after 6 months. But the figures given are statistical averages. Of course, every woman’s body is individual, so changes in the timing of the first arrival after childbirth menses quite acceptable.

Gradually, periods become regular and less painful again, as many mothers claim. This fact associated with normalization metabolic processes in the hypothalamus - an endocrine gland located in the brain. Childbirth is always stressful, but not all stressful situations are harmful to the human body. And childbirth is the most obvious example of this. If they proceed normally, without possible complications, metabolism is restored in the hypothalamus, which reduces susceptibility to pain.

Condition of the vagina after childbirth

The volume of the vagina gradually decreases. Despite the fact that the vagina does not exactly return to its prenatal state, due to the restoration of muscle tone, after six to eight weeks the vaginal lumen becomes as close as possible to the prenatal state.

Restoration of the female body after childbirth / shutterstock.com

Doctors recommend delaying sexual relations after pregnancy for 1.5-2 months. This is exactly how long it takes to restore the female reproductive system. But if during childbirth there were injuries to the cervix, perineum and vagina, the period of abstinence is determined individually.

Regardless of the timing of menstruation, breastfeeding women release an egg from the ovary ( ovulation ) - and therefore fertilization - is quite likely even in the first months of motherhood. Be especially vigilant! Contraception, which is based on the timing of physiological amenorrhea, that is, calculated on the fact that in the absence of menstruation during breastfeeding, pregnancy will not occur, is possible only if the following conditions are met:

• if the child’s age does not exceed 6 months;
• feeding carried out upon request;
• there are obligatory morning feedings (from three to eight o’clock in the morning);
• lack of complementary feeding, supplementary feeding, and supplementing the child with water.

If these conditions are not met, then at the time of resumption of sexual activity, in order to avoid unwanted pregnancy, you must use contraception. For example, spermicides, condoms, oral contraceptives for nursing mothers, etc. Together with your doctor, choose a method of protection against unwanted pregnancy that is acceptable in your case. Remember that your body will be fully ready for the next birth only after two years.

Cardiovascular system

The increased volume of circulating blood returns to its original amount within a week after birth. In some cases, an increase in heart rate is observed.

Restoration of the female body after childbirth / shutterstock.com

Since there is bleeding after childbirth, the blood coagulation system is actively working. In the first 2 weeks, the number of hemostatic bodies (platelets) increases.

Doctors closely monitor the condition of the postpartum woman during this period, especially if the woman has undergone a cesarean section, in order to prevent thromboembolism - a complication caused by the formation of blood clots, during which the lumen of the blood vessels closes.

Bladder

In the first days after childbirth, a woman may hardly feel the urge to urinate, since the tone of the bladder is reduced. This bladder condition can be aggravated by prolonged labor.

A woman should go to the toilet every two hours in the first days after giving birth, even if there is no urge to urinate. Otherwise bladder will overflow, which, in turn, will prevent normal contraction of the uterus and the discharge of postpartum discharge, and this all contributes to the occurrence of various inflammatory complications.

Hemorrhoids and constipation after childbirth

Constipation is probably the most common problem among new mothers. Their cause may be insufficient contractility of the uterine muscles. In addition, for nine months, the intestinal walls, which were under enormous pressure, expand significantly after childbirth, and now, although not for long, the intestines occupy a much larger volume. And the muscles pelvic floor, tired after childbirth, do not want to work again.

A warm shower that relieves tension, an abdominal massage that tones the intestinal muscles, and a reasonable diet can help cope with constipation. This massage is quite simple. It consists of circular stroking of the abdomen in a clockwise direction. As you exhale, the pressure intensifies, and as you inhale, it weakens. A diet rich in fiber (pumpkin, green apples, prunes, zucchini) will help you cope with constipation.

Another common problem is hemorrhoids. Unfortunately, many women experience prolapse of hemorrhoids after childbirth. During the first week, these nodules shrink, do not require special treatment and do not cause significant discomfort. If hemorrhoids cause pain and discomfort, consult a proctologist. A specialist will help you choose effective way fight against this disease.

Breasts after childbirth

The mammary glands are subject to significant changes after childbirth. Already during pregnancy, a number of changes occur in them that prepare the mammary glands for milk production.

Restoration of the female body after childbirth / shutterstock.com

In the first days after birth, only colostrum is released from the nipples - a unique substance that ensures the colonization of the child’s intestines with normal microorganisms and protects little man from harmful bacteria. In addition, it fully satisfies the baby’s nutritional needs.

Colostrum is a substance thicker than milk yellow. Colostrum contains little liquid, which perfectly protects the newborn’s kidneys from stress, has some laxative properties and helps the baby easily get rid of meconium - the original stool. Colostrum contains a huge amount of immune and nutritional nutrients and is rich in growth factors.

Milk begins to be produced already in the first week after birth - in response to the baby's sucking movements (if he grasps the nipple correctly). Therefore, the main rule in successful breastfeeding Feeding is considered not by the clock, but on demand. With this type of feeding, there is no need to pump. Breastfeeding allows baby and mother to develop a close relationship with each other.

If everything is not going smoothly in organizing your baby’s nutrition, be sure to seek help from a lactation consultant. Now in many Russian cities there are special breastfeeding support centers.

When might you need a doctor?

IN postpartum period There may be situations that require medical intervention. Monitor your own well-being, take your temperature at least in the first week after birth, because almost everything possible complications manifest themselves precisely by increasing temperature.

Carefully monitor the condition of the seams (if, of course, they exist). Presence of blood stains on the bandage, redness of the skin in the seam area, sharp pains- reasons for visiting a doctor.

The entire period of bearing a child, the woman’s body is exposed to heavy loads. Changes are taking place that have a dramatic impact on physical condition mother. The birth of a baby is stressful for the whole body. Much attention among specialists it also causes recovery after childbirth.

The process takes a long time and requires a serious attitude towards health and doctors’ recommendations. A young mother and her loved ones should be attentive to emerging painful symptoms and immediately notify the doctor to prevent serious complications.

The reverse development of organs, as well as all body systems that have undergone changes during pregnancy and childbirth, is called involution, which occupies the entire postpartum period. Return to prenatal state occurs within 6-8 weeks. An exception is the hormonal system, as well as the functions of the mammary glands in a nursing mother, whose increased activity is necessary throughout lactation.

Uterus. It is the uterus that has undergone the greatest changes during pregnancy. Its size increases more than 500 times throughout pregnancy. After birth, the weight is about 1 kg. The internal cavity after the birth of the child is filled with blood and represents an exposed wound in the place where the placenta was attached.

The first days are bloody copious discharge, so-called lochia. Gradually they become smaller, turning from reddish-brown to transparent in color.

This process goes away on its own, but if a week after birth large blood clots more than 3 mm in size, you must immediately consult a doctor. This symptom indicates incomplete removal of the placenta.

The return of the uterus to its original shape and size causes pain in the lower abdomen. Breastfeeding your baby on demand helps speed up recovery. This is due to the fact that the hormone oxytocin is produced during breastfeeding. Oxytocin injections, if necessary, are prescribed by the attending physician. Also for a faster and more complete return of the uterus to normal condition A special massage is recommended.

The process of clearing blood clots accumulated in the cavity takes from 3 to 5 days. Within a week, the weight decreases to 500 g. Full recovery occurs by the end of involution. The cervix returns to its original state by 12-13 weeks. The shape of the neck itself also changes, from conical it becomes cylindrical, which does not cause any pain.

Vagina. After 1.5-2 months, the vaginal lumen returns to its prenatal size. Although full recovery lumen size never occurs, interfere sexual relations it won't be a married couple.

The chosen infant feeding regimen is critical to the restoration of the menstrual cycle after childbirth. The mother's hormonal levels quickly return to pre-pregnancy levels if the baby is on artificial or mixed form feeding.

When feeding the baby with adapted artificial formulas, the restoration of menstruation after childbirth occurs in a period of 6 to 8 weeks. Hormonal levels drop to normal levels, and gonadotropic hormones are produced. The functionality of the ovaries is restored, the egg undergoes maturation and is released into the abdominal cavity.

A woman's period after childbirth returns on average after 6 months. It is considered normal when the menstrual cycle can resume after 3 months or after 1 year. The term is affected individual characteristics body of a young mother.

Menstruation after the birth of a child is less painful, as many women note. This is due to the fact that metabolism is restored in the hypothalamus and the feeling of pain is reduced.

After returning to sex life After childbirth, the couple needs to use protection. Which means of contraception are suitable in each specific situation should be found out from the attending physician, who will advise the couple.

Problems with stool

One of the most painful problems for a new mother is constipation. This is due to significant expansion intestinal walls. The intestines immediately after the birth of a child take up much more space than usual. The muscles that facilitate bowel movements and the pelvic floor muscles need time to return to function.

Eating foods that cause a laxative effect, such as pumpkin, prunes, and zucchini, helps relieve constipation. But this method is not suitable for nursing mothers, as it can have a negative impact on the baby’s health. The child may have problems with the stomach and stool.

The best way is a warm, relaxing shower that relieves tightness and tension. Experts also recommend doing abdominal massage to restore intestinal tone.

Gently stroke the tummy clockwise. Exhale - press stronger hand, inhale - ease the pressure. Repeat 5-10 times.

Hemorrhoids are another problem that occurs after the birth of a child. Hemorrhoids Quite often they fall out during childbirth. Small nodules usually disappear within the first week. Large nodes that cause pain require professional treatment. In this case, you should consult a proctologist who will prescribe a course of therapy.

Answers to the question of how to restore normal stool after childbirth can be found on forums for young mothers who are faced with this problem or on specialized websites. Women share their own experiences folk remedies. But consultation with a specialist is necessary to resolve problematic issues.

Hormonal background

Changes in hormonal levels occur with initial days pregnancy. After the birth process, the process of returning to normal indicators. Hormones responsible for the production breast milk and lactation, continue their activities.

Experts note that hormonal imbalance arising after childbirth is common occurrence. Stabilization of hormonal levels is carried out by the body itself without external intervention.

In some cases, consultation with a gynecologist and endocrinologist is required, who, after examining the woman’s health status, decide how to restore hormonal background mothers after childbirth and prescribe a course of medication.

The following symptoms will help determine that there is a problem:

1. Rapid weight gain or sudden weight loss.
2. Unusually heavy sweating.
3. New problems with hair. Both hair loss and excessive skin growth are possible.
4. Decreased libido.
5. Severe fatigue.
6. Change psychological state. For example, irritability, apathy, tearfulness, depression.

The appearance of one or more symptoms is a signal that you need to see a doctor. Self-medication in this matter is strictly contraindicated.

Where to start?

Restoring the body after childbirth requires integrated approach to a woman’s condition, so it’s worth determining where to start. To begin to regain physical shape, you need to consider the following factors:

1. Balanced diet. Nutrition should be high in calories, healthy, helping the body recover faster. It is necessary to remove spicy foods, sweet baked goods, and fried foods from the diet.
2. Some, trying to lose weight quickly, sit on strict diet, which is not recommended by doctors. After childbirth, the body needs the entire complex of vitamins and minerals, which a diet with food cannot provide strict restrictions. The main condition of any diet for a nursing mother is not to harm the baby.
3. Adding vitamins and vitamin complexes into the diet.
4. Exercise.
5. Massage, use of traditional methods.
6. Use of creams and oils.

Restoring your shape should begin with simple walks and a light massage that will not affect the seam on the skin of the abdomen after a cesarean section. Classes should be short, the main load falls on the abdominals, buttocks, thighs, and shoulder girdle. For women who are breastfeeding, exercises for pectoral muscles not recommended during breastfeeding.

The first exercises to get back in shape after childbirth should not be done earlier than 2 months. After a cesarean section, the start time for exercises may be delayed until complete healing postoperative sutures. In addition to the external suture on the skin of the abdomen, the main thing is the complete healing of the scar on the woman’s uterus.

Premature exercise often leads to inflammatory processes internal organs. The training at first should not be longer than 5 minutes. Gradually the training time increases. It will take months for your beautiful figure to recover.

To recover after childbirth, you should start a set of exercises in a gentle manner, with a light load. The number of approaches should be minimal. The load increases gradually. When pain or bleeding Exercises must be stopped and seen by a doctor.

Breathing exercises. Despite the apparent ease, they bring good effect. Not recommended after cesarean section and when diagnosing diastasis, when there is a divergence of the rectus muscles in the anterior abdominal wall. Breathing exercises consist of alternating deep inhalations and exhalations and holding your breath for a few seconds. Repeat 10-15 times. Do it only while lying on your back.

Walking. When walking with a child, a mother can alternate the rhythm of her steps. Go faster, slower, the main thing is not to bring the body to exhaustion. A walk should bring joy and last no more than 30 minutes in the first days in order to benefit the body.

Walking up the stairs is very useful. First, you can climb 1-2 floors. You should not run up the stairs, especially in the first months after childbirth. Simple walking helps to quickly bring the body back to normal and get back in shape.

For practicing at home:

1. Warm up. Hula hoop exercises are often done as a warm-up. It’s good if the hoop is weighted. Simple side bends can be done both as separate elements of gymnastics and as a warm-up before exercise to strengthen the abs.
2. Abdominal exercises. There are entire complexes aimed at restoring the shape of the abdomen after childbirth. At first, you can do a few simple exercises, such as planks, hip raises, and crunches. Wall squats are a good way to regain your body shape. You can start doing strength elements after your health improves.
3. Restoration of breast shape. The mammary glands change greatly in appearance. You can visually notice an increase in the shape of the breast, its sagging. There is a special one for the chest muscles. therapeutic exercises. A properly selected bra helps you maintain your shape. A tight, small bra can only lead to mastopathy.

When to start and how many approaches to do for each element, the woman decides herself, based on her internal state and in the absence of signs of malaise. Only regular exercise will help the body recover faster.

Restoration of psycho-emotional state

Through diet, exercise, cosmetic and cosmetic procedures recover quite quickly physical forms, slimness and beauty. Experts note an increase in the number of women experiencing postpartum depression, which affects the well-being of the mother and child, who is very close to the mother emotionally.

Depression also affects the relationship between spouses in the family. It can be difficult for a young mother to get out of this state on her own. Here, the help of loving relatives is needed, especially the husband, who will take part of the care of the child upon himself.

A peculiarity of the appearance of depression after the birth of the first baby can be considered the young mother’s lack of confidence in her abilities, who is afraid of everything. With the advent of the second baby, depression appears quite rarely and is usually associated with family relationships. A late child in the family most often mobilizes the mother to fast recovery health.

To survive postpartum depression, you need to consider the following:

1. A woman should have free time during the day to relax and take care of her appearance. Let the tired mother sleep during the day or make herself a nourishing mask while the father goes for a walk with the baby.
2. Find a hobby based on your interests. It doesn't have to be knitting or sewing. A woman can do crafts and get carried away with flowers. The main condition is to take your mind off the chores around the house.

Since the child has been born, most women now want to become what they were before. However, the body and soul need time to... For 40 weeks, the entire body was programmed for pregnancy. For nine months, the child grew inside you, adapted and shaped your body in accordance with its needs, and after giving birth, the need for this disappeared.

As a matter of fact, it is quite logical that your body will now need some time for reverse restructuring. But, nevertheless, many young mothers do not believe in a successful recovery after childbirth, looking at themselves in the mirror for the first time. The belly sags, the muscles are flabby, the breasts are huge. Instead of being proud of the work the body has done, most women want to regain their usual figure as soon as possible. However, everything takes time, and it’s not for nothing that people talk about the second nine months.
Uterine recovery after childbirth, postpartum contractions and postpartum cleansing

The greatest changes in the body occur in the first days after childbirth. But for a few more months the body is rebuilt, returning to almost its original state.

The uterus probably has to go through the biggest change. Immediately after birth, she is still huge, like a balloon, and her weight is 1-1.5 kg. Over the course of six weeks, it shrinks to the size of a pear, and its weight drops to 50-70 g.

In order to withstand such enormous changes, the uterus needs help. The so-called postpartum contractions serve to reduce its blood supply and remove muscle fibers that have become unnecessary. Immediately after childbirth, a prolonged (approximately 5 minutes) contraction of the uterus occurs, but in most cases women do not notice this. Postpartum contractions, which occur approximately on the third day after childbirth, are felt only by those women who have already given birth before. However, there is another type of labor pains that occurs only when breastfeeding. They are caused by a hormone produced in a woman’s body during breastfeeding, which leads to a noticeable contraction of the uterus.

As a further positive effect of postpartum contractions, a gradual decrease in intrauterine bleeding can be noted. The wound surface inside the uterus secretes a special wound secretion. Postpartum cleansing, or lochia, lasts four to six weeks and contains a ton of bacteria. Therefore, hygiene is extremely important. Neither the child nor your breast should come into contact with lochia under any circumstances.

Postpartum cleansing is not menstruation - the latter is restored in women who are not breastfeeding only six to eight weeks after birth, and in breastfeeding women - even later.

After childbirth, the mother's birth canal has injuries: the uterus is swollen or even has tears, it had to be stitched up, the labia and vagina are a continuous wound. These internal injuries heal very quickly in most cases.

A much bigger problem for most women is the incision of the perineum or its rupture, which is stitched up after childbirth. Some women have no problems with this even a week after giving birth, while others, on the contrary, suffer for several more weeks.

Most women tolerate everything directly related to childbirth easily. But they suffer greatly if childbirth affects their appearance. Even taking into account the fact that immediately after childbirth they lose several kilograms of weight, since not only has the baby left the body, but the uterus has also shrunk, extra blood has disappeared and amniotic fluid, path to ideal figure still very far away. Eleven to twelve kilograms will disappear without problems, but other kilograms will have to work hard.

Your body has changed. The shape of the abdomen has changed, the breasts have enlarged, and ugly pregnancy stretch marks are visible on the hips, abdomen, buttocks and breasts. Such “beauty defects” are not so easy to eliminate. Pregnancy stretch marks, which initially have a bright purple color, fade over the years and acquire a pearlescent color - but in any case remain for a long time as a memory of pregnancy. Time heals all wounds.

Childbirth does not always go according to the plan destined by nature. The young mother also has a scar from her caesarean section. It is located in the so-called bikini area, that is, at the border of pubic hair. It will take some time for this scar to heal completely and its red color to fade. At first, this scar is still very sensitive if you press on it, so you should take this into account when choosing underwear and swimsuits. Let us remind you once again: if the first child is born through cesarean section, then the second pregnancy does not necessarily end the same way. Caesarean section. After two to three years of rest, the scar will easily withstand the load of a second pregnancy.