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Your Postpartum Image
How to Love the "New" You
By Katherine Bontrager
Margaret Howard, Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist and director of the Postpartum Depression Day Program at Women and Infants' Hospital in Providence, R.I. and a clinical assistant professor in the Brown University Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior. She helps moms cope with the pressures of their changing lives, and helps them establish a balance between the roles of mother and woman.
"Pregnancy, labor and delivery have a tremendous physical impact on a woman," says Howard. "Giving the body plenty of time to recuperate is essential, which translates into getting as much rest as possible, by trying to sleep when the baby sleeps and letting someone else do the dishes, laundry, etc. Make sure to eat nutritious meals and snacks and drink plenty of fluids which is especially important for nursing moms."
Howard also recommends minimizing alcohol and caffeine intake and continuing to take prenatal vitamins.
Among the first concerns of moms is getting back to pre-pregnancy weight. But Howard advocates resuming exercise only when the doctor or midwife and your body give you the OK sign. "Above all, don't push yourself and ease back into physical exercise slowly and gradually," she says. "Starting with outdoor walks with the baby in the carriage is always a good thing to do. Do not expect to lose weight immediately and recognize that pushing yourself too hard to get back into your pre-pregnancy shape is not only unrealistic but also can be unhealthy. So go slowly and gradually and above all be patient!"
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