When I gave birth to my first child, I had a vaginal delivery and I did not take an epidural. It was the hardest thing I’ve ever done and I found myself focused on learning how to care for my daughter and also healing. I was speaking with a fellow mom and we discussed how people are obsessed with knowing the baby’s every move but don’t always keep that same energy when it comes to checking in with mama.
After the birth, I began experiencing vaginal pains. As I said, I gave birth vaginally, so I thought it was normal. I consulted with other moms, and a doula and not many people remembered feeling what I described. The pain persisted and it got to the point where I was walking slowly and sitz baths weren’t helping.
I decided to go to the hospital. A doctor told me that I had a vaginocele, which is a type of hernia brought on by straining, as well as a UTI. I thought that I was dedicated to taking care of my body, but I realized that I wasn’t doing my absolute best. I came up with a short list of ways to better care for myself and I can say that things got better.
H2O was especially helpful when I had a urinary tract infection and needed to flush my body. I added a little apple cider vinegar, too, for an energy boost.
People underestimate just how refreshing a glass of water can be and the ways that it positively affects your skin and internal organs. Make sure you don’t get so caught up in taking care of your new little one that you forget to replenish yourself.
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When I went to the hospital, I totally forgot to throw on a bra. I wasn’t big on wearing them before giving birth, and I was rushing while getting dressed. Within an hour, I had a giant wet spot on my dress from breast milk!
Nursing pads are vital because they not only keep you dry, but you can also add a little aloe vera to the pad itself (or your skin) for healing cracked nipples.
I was big on washing my hands pre-baby, so this hasn’t been a big transition. But still, it’s super important.
You don’t realize how many things you touch in any given 5-minute increment. Your baby’s skin may be sensitive or you might have to hop up and change a diaper. Hand sanitizer is handy for a quick fix, but I prefer soap and water.
I’ll be honest, eating 100% healthy postpartum can be a bit difficult. Your schedule is now completely run by an infant and you might not have time to chew up all of the meals you once did.
Having help with the baby was beneficial to me. I have loved ones who don’t mind cooking, bringing food over, or watching the baby while I eat. Some favorite foods of mine are quiche, bananas, spinach, berries, and yogurt.
My body ached once I got home from the hospital and continued to for maybe two weeks. My joints and feet needed serious TLC and luckily I had the product to make me feel more at ease.
Dr. Bronner’s has an organic balm that is soothing to aching body parts and has a nice scent to boost. I’ve been very careful about where and when I apply it though because I don’t want to harm or irritate my daughter.
Brooklyn White is a journalist with content featured on Teen Vogue, Rookie Mag, and Bitch Media.
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