We all know that after giving birth, women traditionally have to observe the "lying-in" period, during which many organs in the body have not fully recovered. So what are the precautions for "lying-in" in winter?
【Precautions for "Lying-in" in Winter】
1. Keep the indoor air fresh
In winter, it is important to pay attention to ventilation. Even if the weather is cold, windows should be opened for at least 20 minutes every day to ensure air circulation. Especially when using heating appliances such as electric or coal, it is necessary to open the windows frequently for ventilation. When opening the windows, the mother and baby can move to another room first, and then return after the temperature in the room has risen. When ventilating the room, the mother and baby should be moved to another room or covered with a blanket to prevent direct exposure to the wind. Ventilation should generally last for 20 to 30 minutes, one to two times a day.
2. Balance rest and activity
Newly delivered mothers need appropriate exercise to ensure blood circulation. It is important to combine bed rest with suitable activities. If it is not advisable to go out in winter, the mother can choose to walk slowly around the bed and room, and practice some postpartum exercises. This can help restore the body shape and reduce the occurrence of constipation.
3. Maintain appropriate temperature and humidity
The relative humidity indoors should be controlled at 55% to 65%. The temperature in the room during the "lying-in" period should generally be maintained at 22 to 24 degrees Celsius. It is not good for the mother and baby to be too cold, as it can lead to catching a cold or even pneumonia. Comprehensive care should be provided to the mother and baby during the winter "lying-in" period.
【Nursing Points for Winter "Lying-in"】
1. Mental well-being: Relax and prevent postpartum depression
Due to physiological and psychological factors, negative emotions often occur during the "lying-in" period. Especially in winter, with cold weather and lack of sufficient sunlight, postpartum depression is more likely to happen. Symptoms include loneliness, lack of support, sadness, grievances, irritability, anxiety, sluggishness, and even mental stagnation. It is best to learn some knowledge about the "lying-in" period before giving birth. Start exercising as soon as possible after giving birth and regain interest in previous activities. Relatives and friends should provide more guidance to reduce the possibility of depression. In addition, mothers should learn some psychological counseling methods to relieve stress. These methods include playing soothing music before breastfeeding, preparing beautiful clothes to maintain personal charm.
2. Nutrition: Avoid cold foods and have a rich diet
During the "lying-in" period, mothers should eat high-nutrient, high-calorie, and easily digestible foods, and drink plenty of water. This can help the body recover faster and ensure sufficient breast milk production. Avoid eating cold foods as the postpartum body is weak and there is lochia. It is important to eat more fruits and vegetables. Fruits can supplement vitamins and dietary fiber, promote appetite, help digestion, and prevent constipation. Some women with cold constitution may feel uncomfortable eating fruits in winter. In this case, the fruits can be boiled in water before eating to make them warmer.
3. Bedding: Use a thinner quilt and avoid a soft bed
The temperature outside is cold, but the room is warm. Therefore, besides regular ventilation, the quilt should not be too thick. Even in winter, the quilt should be thinner than during late pregnancy. It is best to choose materials such as cotton and linen that are soft and breathable. The quilt should be washed and sun-dried every one to two weeks.
4. Personal hygiene: Take a bath after one week, avoid cold water
In winter, mothers can take a bath one week after giving birth. It is important to keep warm. The temperature in the bathroom should be around 20 to 22 degrees Celsius, and the water temperature should be around 37 degrees Celsius or slightly warmer. The bathroom should not be completely closed, and the bath should not last too long, preferably five to ten minutes. Avoid excessive sweating during the bath, as it can cause dizziness and nausea. Avoid contact with cold water to prevent abdominal pain, irregular menstruation, body aches, and other symptoms.
【Dietary Taboos】
1. Avoid sour, spicy, and sweet foods
Sour and spicy foods can stimulate the weak stomach and intestines of the new mother, causing discomfort. It is best to only drink red sugar water as a sweet treat. Eating too many other sweet foods not only affects appetite but also leads to postpartum obesity due to excess heat being converted into fat.
2. Avoid salty foods
Salty foods can affect the water and salt metabolism in the mother's body. Coffee and foods containing certain spices can enter the baby's body through breast milk, affecting their health and development. Special attention should be paid to this.
3. Avoid ginseng
Ginseng contains various active ingredients that can have a wide range of stimulating effects on the body. The stimulating effect on the central nervous system can cause insomnia, irritability, and restlessness. Taking ginseng during the "lying-in" period can affect the recovery of damaged blood vessels in the reproductive system, leading to prolonged bleeding or even excessive bleeding.
