Monday, November 15, 2010

POSTPARTUM CHANGES IV


POSTPARTUM WARNING SIGNS
As time passes, be aware of the changes that are happening in your body. They are a good way to tell how you are healing. You will probably heal with few, if any, problems. But in order to take good care of yourself, you should be able to identify any changes that are not normal. Contact your health care provider if any of the following symptoms appear:

·         fever higher than 100.4°F (38°C)
·         sharp pains in your abdomen, breast, or chest
·         blurred vision or dizziness
·         headache that does not go away
·         severe pain or burning sensation in your legs (this pain could be a sign of phlebitis)
·         foul smell or an unexpected change in your lochia; you should not see bright-red bleeding or clots after the first postpartum week
·          localized swelling or tenderness in your breasts
·         burning or urgency when you urinate; being unable to urinate
·         crying spells or mood swings that feel out of control
·         thoughts of harming yourself or your baby

SLEEP AND REST
In the days and weeks after your delivery, you’ll be constantly reminded to rest. Why? Because resting helps you heal and gives you the energy you need to be a mother. You may have so much to do every day—feeding and caring for your baby, getting used to this new stage in your family life—that you may ignore your own needs. It’s no surprise that the most common complaint heard from new mothers is that they just can’t shake off that tired feeling. How much rest is enough? It depends on how much energy you have day by day. If you need more rest, try making time for sleep and relaxation by:

·         scheduling periods of rest along with your other activities; for example, try to nap  when your baby naps
·          avoiding noise and distractions, including many visitors and phone calls
·          if you are having trouble resting, thinking of ways you used to relax before or during your pregnancy—take a warm bath, ask someone for a back rub, listen to music, go for a walk
·         viewing feeding your baby as a time for you to enjoy each other’s company, and making feeding time a restful and calming time for yourself and the baby

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