Editor's Notes: 

The products below proved invaluable during my postpartum stage. Each served a particular function and certainly speeded up healing for me. Pain was lessened and my Obstetrician was certainly pleased with my healing 'progress'. The nipple oil came in handy too when I faced difficulties during breastfeeding in the first few months. I hope the products work as well for you!

Information on the Postpartum Period

              The postpartum period begins after the delivery of the baby and lasts between six to eight weeks, ending when the mother's body has returned fairly closely to its pre-pregnancy state. This duration sees the mother progressing through many changes, both emotionally and physically as she tries simultaneously to adjust to the new role of motherhood. 

PHYSICAL CHANGES 

              Following a normal delivery, mothers experience these events: a bloody vaginal discharge, inflammation, tenderness and soreness in the vaginal area. Many women would have slight tears or have undergone episiotomies - cuts in the perineum (Area of skin between the vagina and the anus) during delivery and would have stitches that cause discomfort. Some mothers would also have hemorrhoids. These usually are caused by the weight and pressure of the baby and the force exerted during pushing in labour.  Mothers may experience afterbirth pains, contractions that continue after delivery as the uterus also starts to return to its pre-pregnant size. In addition, there occurs large changes in the levels of certain hormones in the body. This might lead to water retention, some hair loss, increased urination and vaginal dryness. Mothers who have undergone a caesarean operation will require immediate assistance with their movements...after all, it is a major surgery! Pain may also be expected with the healing of stitches. Post-operative wind in the abdomen may bring about much discomfort in the abdomen and elsewhere in the body due to pockets of air being trapped.

              Some mothers would also have breast engorgement as milk production begins. This occurs when there is an overfilling of the breasts with milk. Breasts become tender, swollen and heavy and there may be some discomfort involved.  There may also be problems with sore and cracked nipples when the new mother embarks on breastfeeding her child.  For more information on breastfeeding, go to http://www.breastfeeding.org.sg

EMOTIONAL CHANGES

               While some mothers have a fairly happy and carefree time after childbirth, others will experience a range of emotional distress ranging from the very common, mild and temporary 'baby blues', through postnatal depression, to the more serious but rare condition, Puerperal Psychosis.  

               It is common for women to experience the "baby blues" during the first few days after delivery (most usually occurring between the second to fourth day after delivery). The "baby blues" are characterized by the following symptoms, although each woman may experience them differently: emotional mood swings, feelings of disappointment, bouts of crying with no particular trigger, irritability, impatience, anxiety and restlessness. In most cases, the 'baby blues' fade away shortly after onset with minimal or no treatment needed.  Research has indicated that the 'baby blues' clears up quickly, from two to three days and at most, resolves itself within two weeks. Do seek out extra support and help during this time, it would make matters easier to bear! 

              Postpartum depression is considered a separate phenomenon from 'baby blues'. Symptoms of this clinical depression are experienced as deeper, more pervasive and also longer-lasting. The onset usually occurs within 4 weeks of birth and some studies have indicated that up to 27% of women suffer from it, with different degrees of severity. Negative feelings predominate and the depressed mother may feel little or diminished joy and delight in the baby and in motherhood.  Sluggishness, insomnia, hopelessness, poor concentration and motivation, shame, guilt and isolation prevail. It is important to seek help for depression, no matter how mild your symptoms are. If postpartum depression is denied or is not addressed, it is likely to last longer and be more severe than it need be and this may negatively impact the relationship between you, your baby and the rest of your family.  Just remember, if you are going through this, you are not alone and you are not to blame. Seek help from professionals, approach your obstetrician or family doctor. Things will get better.

• Avoid touching open wounds to stop the spread of germs. 

• Keep your genital area dry and clean by changing sanitary napkins frequently.

• Use herbal sprays or washes to prevent infection and assist in healing. Little Dreamers carries the 'Healing Bottom Spray', a product specifically targeted at healing and soothing sore perineal tissues and hemorrhoids. Mist a little at your perineum and vagina area after urinating.

• Apply a natural salve afterward such as the 'Postpartum Healing Salve' to help decrease swollen skin tissues and aid the speedy recovery from stitching.

• Sit on a pillow or inflatable ring made for people with haemorrhoids.

• Alternate between sitting and walking but avoid overdoing the latter.

• Perform Kegel exercises by tightening your pelvic floor muscles. This will help stimulate circulation and  increase blood flow to the perineum.

• Drink plenty of water and eat food with fiber so that bowel movements are easy. 

• Seek medical care if redness, increased discharge, fever or heightened pain occurs. This may be an indication of infection. 

• For mothers with cesarean sections, try to keep the incisions clean and dry. After a couple of weeks, when they have started to heal, salves like the Postpartum Healing Salve or the Natural Healing Balm will speed up the healing process. If possible, avoid lifting anything heavier than the baby!

There are many products available at Little Dreamers to facilitate your postpartum recovery.

 Products are specially formulated to address different concerns that arise, 

do choose the product that best meets your needs.

AFTERBIRTH TREATMENT (MC 24)

 This butter is enriched with essential oils that have an affinity with the uterus. Apply this treatment gently on your abdomen to help return tone to the uterus and skin tissues after childbirth. Using this salve in the month after delivery will assist your efforts in regaining your pre-pregnancy size and shape. 

After childbirth, your uterus will continue to contract. First time mothers may experience this as a mild sensation or something akin to  menstrual cramps. "Second-time" mothers may experience more extreme discomfort as the uterus needs to work harder to get back to its pre-pregnancy state. These contractions or afterbirth pains are stronger to compensate for previous stretching of the uterus. Typically, the afterbirth pains are more acute during the first 2 to 4 days after delivery.

To relieve your discomfort, apply the Afterbirth Relief Oil on your lower abdomen in a gentle massage.  Combine this with slow relaxed breathing.  The herbal ingredients in the oil will soothe and ease pain and discomfort whilst encouraging relaxation and promoting warmth and blood circulation. 

POSTPARTUM HEALING SALVE (MC25)

The soothing balm is wonderful for postpartum healing. Apply this salve on perineal bruising and to provide relief and ease irritation from healing stitches. Cocoa butter and calendula assist in your skin cell regeneration. 

HEALING BOTTOM SPRAY (CODE M26A)

Some women in Asia shy away from the use of Sitz Baths due to the traditional confinement practice of avoiding prolonged contact with water. This Healing Bottom Spray therefore provides a wonderfully gentle alternative. Use this mild spray after urinating or bathing to promote healing of tearing and stitches after childbirth.

This all natural healing oil can be used prior to childbirth to moisturize tender nipples and after delivery to soothe and heal raw, irritated and sore nipples from breastfeeding. This nipple oil does not contain any essential oils and is safe for your newborn baby!

This aromatherapy massage blend provides a soothing treat for the senses. The sweet blend of oils helps the new mother to relax and provides a brief respite to the feelings of anxiety and gloom. A wonderful massage with this uplifting oil will help in reducing stress and muscle aches and bring some balance to your state of mind.  Please note that this oil will assist in alleviating the blues but is not a medical treatment in itself. Should you experience deep depression, do seek medical treatment.