What Should Mothers Pay Attention to During the Postpartum Period?

Hello everyone from Little Gusto. First of all, we'd like to congratulate you. You've come through a long pregnancy and birth, and stepped into a new period for you, the postpartum period! This process matters greatly for the health of both mother and baby. As the Little Gusto team, we've put together some ways to help you get through this period in a healthy way, for both yourself and your baby.

Before any of our suggestions, know this: you're in a period where you need to take even more care of yourself than usual.

How Should Nutrition Be Approached During the Postpartum Period?

First of all, you should put together a healthy, balanced eating plan for yourself. Don't forget to add natural foods rich in important minerals such as iron and calcium to your diet in particular. Your body can lose a lot of fluid during birth and breastfeeding. It's worth increasing your fluid intake because of this. Giving birth brings about certain changes in your body. Your recovery process will vary depending on your method of birth, whether an episiotomy or a caesarean. Take your doctor's advice into account and give yourself the time you need to recover. Alongside looking after your baby, don't neglect setting aside time for yourself and getting plenty of rest.

How Can Emotional Changes Be Managed During the Postpartum Period?

During this period, mental health matters just as much as physical health. The postpartum period can be an emotionally intense process. Hormonal changes, fatigue and the process of bonding with your baby will all bring emotional ups and downs. Getting support from your family and friends during the postpartum period will make this process feel more enjoyable and easier. During this time, when your baby needs to be breastfed frequently, you might like to take a look at our fully organic cotton multi-purpose pushchair cover, designed so you can breastfeed comfortably while spending time with relatives and friends, without needing to step away from them.

How Does Swaddling Help a Baby's Sleep Pattern?

Breastfeeding a newborn baby matters enormously. Breast milk strengthens your baby's immune system and helps them grow healthily. It's fair to say that your baby's sleep times are also what allow you to rest during the postpartum period. Newborn babies need 16 to 18 hours of sleep a day to grow and develop. This sleep doesn't happen in one unbroken stretch, but in waves. It's usually around 9 months before babies start sleeping through the night. You need to help your baby sleep and develop healthily, and the easiest way to do this is through swaddling. The benefits of swaddling your newborn baby include:

• After birth, a baby who's grown used to the warmth and snugness of the womb finds it easier to adjust to the outside world when swaddled; swaddling recreates that womb-like feeling, helping your baby feel calmer and more secure.
• It reduces separation anxiety.
• It helps the baby settle into sleep more easily.
• Proper swaddling reduces your baby's reflex movements and startle responses, helping them get healthy, uninterrupted sleep.
• It helps a newborn baby maintain their body temperature.
• It can help with wind and colic.
• It helps calm the baby.
• Because a swaddled baby is prevented from rolling over, and so can't end up in a front-sleeping position, it reduces the risk of sudden infant death syndrome.

Remember, the postpartum period is an important process for both you and your baby. We hope every mother and baby gets through this special time in the best possible way...

The Little Gusto Team