|
 |
| Breastfeeding
back |
|
Your pelvis supports your weight even in a sitting position. The
added weight of holding a baby during feeding can cause more pelvic
pain. Before you start find a comfortable chair, bring the baby up
closer to you by adding pillows or cushions rather than bending over
the baby. If you become thirsty during feeding make sure you have a
drink close by.
|
| Lifting Baby
back |
| Do not stretch your arms out to pick up the baby.
Bring the baby close to your chest before lifting. Avoid twisting
your body. To assist in lifting your baby off the change table, hold
him close to your chest to limit resistance. Hold baby securely with
one arm and place the other onto the table. Try not to extend the
arms too much as this puts more strain on your pelvis.
When lifting the child up out of the crib, put the crib side
down and pull the child toward you. Do not bend over the crib side
and lift the baby over the top. Women with older children should try
not to lift them from ground level but to ask and/ or assist the
child to stand or sit on the chair so to minimize the strain on your
back and pelvis.
|
| Tips on Caring for Your Newborn
back |
Sleep when your baby sleeps.
Get as much rest as possible.
Deal with any symptoms of postnatal depression promptly.
Ask for help when you need it.
Treat the coming of your baby as a new project and prepare for
it accordingly.
Choose a cot with a height adjustable base to minimize bending
when lifting your baby in and out.
Choose a buggy that is lightweight, easy to fold with one hand
and has a handle that adjusts to the proper height for you.
Use a bath unit that allows you to bathe your baby at standing
height to avoid bending.
Buy baby clothes with zips rather than buttons.
|
| Worrying About Housework
back |
| Worrying about how clean your house is.
Pregnant mothers have a natural inclination toward nesting. Here is
a situation where pain anxiety and stress can ruin a perfectly good
day. Truthfully speaking everyone has visited someone whose house
was not perfectly clean at one time or another. If you are worried
about visitors after the baby comes, don't. They are there to visit
you and the baby, not to inspect the house. If anything, your
friends and family should be volunteering to clean for you.
|
 |
|
Lifting | Breastfeeding | Holding |
|
| Playing with Baby
back |
| If you are not able to sit on the floor you
could play with baby on your bed. Place baby safely on the bed and
sit on a chair next to it. If you can sit on the floor
think ahead, have a piece of furniture
such as a chair nearby to help you stand
up. Play with your baby by talking, reading to her, or just by
smiling at her. Even though she is a newborn, she will respond by
listening to you and will love the attention. Your baby enjoys
hearing you sing, personalize familiar songs that are repetitious
and easy. Remember, there is no right or wrong way to play
together with your baby – the important thing is to do
something together!
To tidy toys off the floor use a broom upside-down (with the
bristles facing upwards), and push the toys to a corner or safe
place to store them.
|
| Pain, Pregnancy, New Babies & Insomnia
back
|
| The term "insomnia" includes all types of
sleeping problems, such as difficulty falling asleep, difficulty
staying asleep, and awakening earlier than desired and can be a
significant intrusion into a night's sleep and disruptive to the
normal stages of sleep Thus, the quality of the sleep is often light
and unrefreshing. This non-restorative sleep pattern can then cause
diminished energy,
depressed mood, fatigue, and worse pain during the day.
Try the Following
Try to relax before bedtime; take a walk or read a
newspaper; just do something which is not stressful.
Make sure your bedroom is not noisy. If your bedroom is
noisy and you can't correct it, wear ear plugs.
Think of places you fell asleep easily and try to copy those
places; set your room up the same way.
Make sure your bedroom is well-ventilated.
Don't use too many or too few blankets.
Your mattress should not sage.
Use a pillow that suits you, soft or firm, whichever you
prefer; or not at all, if that's what you prefer.
If you like a soft light on while you sleep, have one on. If
you prefer to sleep in darkness make sure your blinds are thick.
If you like to watch TV before going to bed, keep it light;
watch a comedy instead of a drama.
If you like to read before going to bed, keep it light. Read
to a logical stopping point, so you won't lie awake wondering
what's going to happen.
Avoid eating too much salt with your dinner and in any
after-dinner snacks.
Herbal teas such as chamomile and valerian induce sleep.
(Ask your healthcare provider before using herbal teas or
valerian)
A glass of warm milk before bed. A teaspoon of honey in a
cup of hot water is said to induce sleep.
Ask your spouse which sleeping position you sleep most
soundly in; try to assume that position upon retiring. If you
find it difficult to sleep with your spouse, try getting twin
beds or separate bedrooms for a while.
Relax before bed in a warm bath. Add baking soda or Epson
salt to the bath water. Footbaths before bed help.
Before bed, listen to relaxing music. There are types of
music that can also relax the fetus or baby.
Ask someone to read aloud to you in bed before you go to
sleep.
Visualize various parts of your body relaxing.
Concentrate on doing some deep breathing as you lie in bed.
|
|
|
|
|
