The greatest inexplicable happiness in a woman’s life is the experience of holding your very own bluish, covered in placenta, and crying, bundle of joy after a very exhaustive childbirth process.

Well, once you get over the exhilarating experience, the next one year will be another phase of breastfeeding, late nights, irregular sleep patterns, how-to-lose-that-pregnancy weight, slight hair fall, etc. 

Its time you took care of yourself, even as you spent every exhausted hour looking after your baby.

Breast Feeding

If you are breast feeding, well, take good care of your nipples and breasts.  Wear a good-fitting and comfortable bra. Wearing bra pads is advisable to prevent embarrassing situations.

Always wash or at least wipe your nipples after the breastfeed is over with a good soft clean cloth.  If you have problems with breastfeeding, and are using a breast pump always, ensure that you do the wiping of your breasts before (to remove any sweat), and after, to keep it relatively clean.

Keep your breasts from sagging, after the weaning process has begun, by doing stretching exercises that involve the chest muscles.  Be careful while doing resistance or weight lifts, if you are new to the fitness regime. Yoga sessions are the best and have good results.

Bone Health

Calcium supplements in the postpartum phase are essential, because the breastfeeding will cause depletion of the calcium reserves. This, if left un-replenished, can lead to depleting bone mass and muscle strength. The body of a woman undergoes huge stress with the delivery process. The pelvic bones, in particular, need a lot of recuperating.

The neglect shown in taking calcium and mineral supplements can result in dislocations, hairline fractures and other vulnerable conditions. A mother cannot afford to fall ill at this time, when she has to take care of a completely dependent newborn. The age-old practice in India of giving a sticky ladoo of dates, dry fruits, and khus khus ensures the new mother receives the nutrients to recuperate with strength and healthy bones.

Hair Problems

The luscious growth that one experiences during pregnancy slowly starts reducing postpartum. There is no stopping this, since it is because of the hormonal changes occurring pre and postpartum. Only regular maintenance of oiling, shampooing with mild shampoo, and taking the multi-vitamins can maintain your natural tresses. 

A good idea will be not to allow your hair to be wet too long after a shampoo, since if you get a cold, it can pass down to your child through your breast milk. The age-old practice of drying your hair by leaving it over ‘sambrani’ powder on hot burning coal pieces is really good. It dries your hair faster and also leaves your hair smelling good.