Things to pay attention to for postpartum women in summer
First: Don't keep yourself covered all the time
Many people believe that postpartum confinement requires staying covered and avoiding drafts. In fact, this idea is very wrong. Sweating is a normal physiological phenomenon in hot weather, and it has benefits for the body. Sweating can effectively remove excess water accumulated during pregnancy.
In terms of clothing during postpartum confinement in summer, it is recommended to wear long cotton clothes and pants, preferably in thinner materials to avoid irritation to the joints caused by drafts. If the weather is extremely hot, clothing should be adjusted based on individual body conditions. Staying covered all the time can easily lead to heatstroke.
Second: Moderate physical activity during postpartum confinement
Experts recommend that women who have had a vaginal delivery can start walking and engaging in light activities on the second day after giving birth. This will not only be harmful to the body but also promote a faster recovery. Although simple exercises like walking are allowed during this time, strenuous activities such as lifting heavy objects or doing household chores are prohibited as they can easily lead to uterine prolapse.
Third: Eat in moderation and avoid overeating
After giving birth, the baby needs to consume the mother's breast milk. Many women think that they need to eat a lot in order for the baby to have enough milk. However, there are specific dietary requirements during postpartum confinement. It is best to consume specialized postpartum milk powder and vitamins, as well as high-calorie and easily digestible foods, to ensure an adequate milk supply for the new mother.
Overeating during postpartum confinement can not only harm the baby's health but also make it more difficult for the mother to regain her figure. It is also important to eat fresh fruits and vegetables and drink plenty of water in daily life. Additionally, consuming sesame oil before bedtime can effectively prevent constipation.
Fourth: Don't consume too much brown sugar water during postpartum confinement
Brown sugar water is a food that is very suitable for women to consume. It has good effects on nourishing qi, replenishing blood, promoting blood circulation, and removing blood stasis. It is suitable for consumption during postpartum confinement, as it not only has good blood replenishing effects but also promotes the discharge of lochia and the recovery of the uterus. However, it is not recommended to consume large amounts of it during this time. Taking brown sugar water should be done in moderation to avoid damaging the new mother's teeth.
In addition, consuming a large amount of brown sugar water during postpartum confinement in summer can cause excessive sweating and further weaken the mother's body. It can also increase the amount of lochia in the body and even lead to heavy bleeding. Experts recommend that postpartum women consume brown sugar water for a period of 7 to 10 days in order to maximize its health benefits.
Fifth: Pay attention to hygiene during postpartum confinement
Doctors tell us that we can start taking showers on the third day after delivery. However, if you have had a C-section, you must wait until the incision is completely healed and the stitches are removed. If you choose to take a shower, the time should be limited to around ten minutes, and the water temperature should be as high as possible, avoiding cold water. After showering, promptly dry your body and hair to avoid catching a cold. If you are doing postpartum confinement in summer, it is recommended to take a shower every day to ensure that the pores are clear and the body can sweat better.
In addition to bathing, it is important to pay special attention to dental hygiene during pregnancy and postpartum confinement to prevent tooth loss due to calcium loss. Rinse your mouth after meals to maintain oral health.
Sixth: Maintain indoor air circulation
Many people tend to confine themselves to a room during postpartum confinement, thinking that this is beneficial for their health and can effectively prevent postpartum illnesses. Experts tell us that during summer postpartum confinement, it is acceptable to use air conditioning or fans, but they should not be directed towards the body. The indoor temperature should be maintained at around 26 degrees Celsius. If the humidity in the air is high, measures should be taken to reduce it, and the indoor humidity should be kept at around 55%. The air filters in air conditioners and the blades of fans should be cleaned regularly to prevent the growth of bacteria.
How to regulate the body during postpartum confinement
There are many unreasonable practices in the process of body regulation for women who have had a C-section. Particularly, prolonged bed rest during the confinement period can lead to pelvic deformities, swelling, weakness in the limbs, and other conditions. It is also necessary to correct the practice of not bathing or washing hair for a month. Women who have had a C-section can take showers during postpartum confinement, but they must use showers instead of baths. Prolonged accumulation of bacteria on the body can cause cross-infection of bacteria and easily lead to various skin diseases in babies.
Women who have had a C-section can wash their hair during postpartum confinement, but the water used should be sterilized water that has been boiled at a high temperature. Water sources that have cooled down and have not been sterilized, such as tap water, should not be used. The same applies to bathing.
After resting for a period of time, women who have had a C-section need to get up and move around a bit, especially in the morning and evening. Spending ten minutes doing some yoga or simple exercises can effectively help women recover their figure and prevent adverse consequences such as bone hyperplasia, body swelling, and weakness.
