Ask a pharmacist
New mums have a full time job looking after their little ones but they also need to care for themselves. McCabes Pharmacy’s Catriona McGovern answers some common post-pregnancy health questions
HOW CAN I MANAGE PAIN AND DISCOMFORT POST BIRTH?
Whilst in some cases your doctor may issue you with a prescription on leaving hospital, if not there are a number of over the counter remedies you can use. We recommend an anti-inflammatory such as Nurofen Express which can be taken together with a paracetamolbased pain killer such as Panadol Extra Soluble. In addition, heat patches such as
Cura-Heat Patches which are shaped to use on specific areas of the body and an anti-inflammatory gel such as Diclac®
Gel both work locally and therefore are applied to the affected area. If you feel you are not getting enough relief using these it is important to contact your doctor. As with all over the counter medication, it is extremely important to check with your pharmacist if you are breast-feeding, taking any other medications or have any other concerns.
I FEEL EXHAUSTED AND ALWAYS TIRED SINCE HAVING MY BABY. WHAT CAN I DO TO INCREASE MY ENERGY LEVELS?
One of the main causes of fatigue in new mums is iron deficiency (anaemia). During pregnancy the mother’s iron requirements triple in order to support the needs of her developing baby. Coupled with bleeding during delivery this leads to depleted iron levels. A corresponding drop in energy levels is then experienced as without adequate iron our red blood cells are unable to produce enough haemoglobin which enables them to carry oxygen. You can pop into your local McCabes Pharmacy to get you haemoglobin levels checked – this simple finger prick test costs €10 and only takes a few minutes. We recommend iron supplement Active Iron® which is better absorbed whilst still being gentle on the stomach, in comparison to most other iron supplements.
A multivitamin containing a range of vitamins and minerals is also important for keeping your energy levels up. We recommend Pharmaton Capsules which contain a wide range of nutrients including energy boosting B Vitamins and Ginseng. Whilst Pharmaton Capsules are not recommended to take whilst breastfeeding, Pregnacare Breast-feeding are safe and are specifically tailored to the needs of both you and your baby.
It goes without saying that sleep deprivation is experienced by all new mums following the arrival of their little bundle of joy, therefore it is vital to prioritise sleep and rest as part of your daily routine – find rest whenever you can regardless of whether its day or night. Try and sleep when your baby sleeps, take help where you can get it and don’t be too hard on yourself if the housework isn’t done!
GO FOR A WALK IN THE FRESH AIR WITH YOUR BABY. WHEN YOU EXERCISE, YOUR BODY RELEASES ENDORPHINS WHICH HELP TO IMPROVE YOUR MOOD AND TRIGGER POSITIVE FEELINGS
WHAT CAN I DO TO BEAT THE POST-BABY BLUES?
We recommend taking a Vitamin B Complex supplement which can help to combat depression, anxiety and enhance your mood, as well as providing a muchneeded boost in energy levels.
Go for a walk in the fresh air with your baby. When you exercise, your body releases endorphins which help to improve your mood and trigger positive feelings. With numerous benefits for your baby including improved sleep quality, this is a win-win.
Don’t go it alone – meet up with other new mums at mother – baby groups and take help from family and friends when you can get it. Most importantly, talk to your pharmacist or doctor if you are feeling depressed or have a consistently low mood.
WHAT CAN I DO TO PREVENT MY BABY PICKING UP BUGS AND GETTING SICK?
Firstly, make sure any visitors calling to meet your new arrival don’t have any colds, infections or illnesses they can pass on to your new baby. To help prevent germs from spreading to your baby, make sure everyone is washing their hands before handling your newborn. Use hand sanitiser, especially if you are out and about, carry it in your handbag to ensure your hands remain germ free on the go.
Coldsores – For newborn babies the virus that causes coldsores can be extremely dangerous. If you or anyone in contact with your baby has a cold sore, limit your baby’s exposure to the cold sore – keep it covered using a Compeed Cold Sore Patch, avoid any kissing and wash hands thoroughly. We recommend treating cold-sores as soon as you feel that tingling feeling with an anti-viral cream such as Zovirax® and help prevent cold-sores by taking a Lysine supplement all year round.
Boost your immune system – the last thing you want as a new mum is to come down with a cold or other bug. Ensure a healthy diet with lots of fruit and vegetables and take a multivitamin to support your immune system. We recommend Nature’s Aid Immune Support or Nature’s Aid Vitamin C.
I WANT TO GET BACK INTO SHAPE – HOW SOON CAN I START TO DIET AND EXERCISE?
Any new or strenuous exercise regime should be avoided until at least 6 weeks post- partum, this may be longer if you have had a Caesarean or any complications so always check with your doctor or midwife before embarking on a new programme and start off slowly to gradually build up your fitness levels without injury.
A healthy, balanced diet with adequate calorific intake is vital at this time in your life to help your body recover whilst still maintaining your energy levels. Remember if you are breast feeding this burns up to 600 calories per day so it is vital that you are getting enough calories to maintain milk supply and your own well-being. Don’t put any pressure on yourself to lose weight quickly after giving birth as this will inevitably lead to fatigue and weight regain. Make small changes to your diet to slowly reduce calories and focus instead on spending time with your newborn baby.