The post-natal period is characterized by general and extended fatigue. The main factor leading to this stressful state is represented by sleep deprivation. Recovery after childbirth varies from women to woman, but most of them accuse fatigue weeks and some, even months after. More than half of women feel that they haven't totally recovered their pre-natal energy after six weeks.
There are a few things you can do to improve the recovery stage and diminish its time. Sleep deprivation is hard to eliminate, as the child is most active during the night in their first few months. Constant interruption of the mother's sleep leads to constant tiredness. The elevated hormone levels present after childbirth also contribute, in a negative way, to this problem, but, fortunately, they only last about a week after. On the bright side of things, it only takes a couple of nights of uninterrupted sleep for the mother to recover.
Time management is also radically changed when a child is born. All the patterns and usual events now change top face the difficulties presented by addressing the child's needs. A good plan is to try and anticipate all the potential problems before child delivery and build a network of friends and family that are willing to help you out. You will probably have to delegate most of your usual chores to other people, and you should also see this as something useful, not frustrating. Taking care of your child should become the number one priority – family and friends can address all other issues. The baby's father should always be there to help out. He will undoubtedly accept most of your requests, realizing that the better you feel the better does the child feel.
Taking advantage of the support everyone is giving you shouldn't be total. Leave one or two things that you should deal with each day. Solving even some small problems will help you keep your self-esteem levels high. Anticipate all the other issues that might come up. Be prepared with some clean diapers and plastic begs for the dirty diapers. Have snack ready besides your bed, in case your child wakes you up and you feel hungry. If the child's bed is in a different room than your bedroom, make sure to have a comfortable chair next to the child's bed.
It also helps to give yourself a break every now and then. Try to keep a room in the house tidy and clean, making it a good sanctuary to clear your head and relax your body. Long warm baths might seem like a luxury during these extenuating times, but try to use them to recharge your energy. A well balanced diet is necessary and vitamin and mineral supplements may be useful, at the doctor's recommendation. You shouldn't diet for the first three months after childbirth. Carbohydrates are used extensively during this time for various processes, and eliminating or reducing their intake will lead to aggravated fatigue and physical weakness. Don't give up practicing at least one of your hobbies, as even small periods of time when you're having fun will recharge your energy. If the weather is nice you should do your best to try and take short walks, as this will get you into good shape.
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