healing? what are you doing to heal your body after birth?

[artgirl]

Hi everyone,
I'm wondering what you are all doing to take care of yourselves and promote good healing? Kegels? Exercises? Sleep?

I feel okay for the most part except my body is still pretty wonky from losing the huge front load that I've been carrying for nine months. My back and hips are slowly moving back into position. Does anyone do anything special to help this process? Wrap your tummy? Stretch?

Also, as far as vaginal healing... any tips? I want to start doing kegels right away so I don't lose all muscle tone and end up with problems. Any tips for this?

I've been trying to drink LOTS of water so I don't get dehydrated from nursing and healing. Also helps avoid constipation. I'm just wondering what other mothers do to make sure their body recovers in tip top shape.

I looked at my little empty belly in the shower this morning and burst into tears. For one, because it's empty now and I'm a little sad about that and two, because I am in awe of the miracle of my body producing such an amazing life... and how quickly it's changed yet again to feed this new little critter.

thanks mamas.

[quetinha]

Kelly,
I love how you word things. Your last paragraph really touched me.

I've been doing much of what you mentioned but I've lacked in water a couple days and paid the price. I am wondering when I should try exercising (other than strolling & cleaning). I think I should be ready now (17 days post) but I guess I'm still hesitant because my back is hurting. (I thought that was supposed to be during the pregnancy, not after!)

[wendyland]

I've also been drinking tons of water this month. Especially when it's so hot outside. nursing really takes a lot out you. I do kegels. I also take lots of spirulina and chlorella for the added nutrition. I just stopped bleeding, so I'm planning on stepping it up on exercise. I'll probably walk around the mall & I'm going to take a class. Although, I'm iffy on taking the class since maya only wants to be held by me.

[lyttlewon]

I had a belly brace for pregnancy and wore that for a week afterwards. I do kegals because I have hemmerhoids. For my tear my MW gave me seaweed and some herbal packs to wear until the pain went away. It took about three days. I used castor oil topically for the hems and the tear. Two weeks later I am golden!

[dantesmama]

I've been doing kegels whenever I think about it, drinking plenty of water, getting out for walks with the boys, and keeping my tummy pulled in to begin re-toning my abs (which are currently MIA). Babywearing helps to strengthen your abs and back, too. I'd like to start working out on my elliptical again, but I think it would be best for me to wait a few more weeks as my tear is still healing (no pain, but I'm paranoid I'm going to re-open it).

Quetinha, paying attention to your posture should help with the back pain! It's hard getting used to carrying yourself "normal" again.

[mama2walden&luna]

For the first 2.5 weeks, I slept a lot and laid around nursing Luna and doing my kegels. I'm 3.5 weeks PP now and have been going for walks through the neighborhood with my girls and DH. He pushes Walden in the stroller and I wear baby Luna in the Baby Bjorn (it's the only carrier she will tolerate out of the 5 I have - ha ha!). The walk is up and down small hills, so it feels like it's doing some good. I also have begun back full force on my housework - mopping, sweeping, yadda yadda yadda. I do my kegels everyday and hold in my stomach when I think about it (dantesmama - you're right, I've always done it and it really does work!). I plan to begin yoga in a week or two and hopefully get to the gym a couple of times a week to swim or take a class. I ordered a workout video for busy moms that you can include your kids in. I hope it's not lame.

[PPK]

At 15 days pp,
Kegals when I remeber, lots of water and herbal teas, and yesterday started to workout my transverse abdominal muscles gently. Making certain I get fresh greens and lots of veggies, been slacking on the protein though.
Making sure I lie down for an afternoon nap w/ds everyday too.

[Vaquitita]

i'm 8?9? days pp
kegels when i remember. trying to drink lots and eat good. mostly still trying to take it easy. i was home by myself all day for the first time day 4&5 pp and lifted/carried my 2yo too much and made my pelvic area really sore all over again. it was feeling fine. it's slowly feeling better. i am doing light housework. though yesterday i did vacuum with my 25lb vacuum -not sure if that counts as 'light' housework. i've started to hold in my abs when i think of it. i'd like to start going for gentle walks, but it's so hot.

[Alohamelly]

Nothing. I got sick right after giving birth, so I was not eating or drinking much and I think it affected me. Now I'm trying to stay as hydrated as possible and my appetite is finally coming back. Baby is colicky though, so I'm not getting much sleep. We're only 2 weeks pp.