1. Pay attention to keeping warm. Due to the open pores after childbirth, it is easy to sweat, and wet clothes should be changed promptly. "Cold starts from the soles of the feet," so it is advisable to wear cotton socks and thick-soled soft shoes. In winter, the temperature difference between morning and evening is significant, so be mindful of adding or removing clothing to prevent colds. Newborns have poor temperature regulation and are sensitive to cold. If the baby is continuously in a cold environment, it can seriously harm their health. It is best to keep the indoor temperature between 18-24°C.
2. The baby's clothes should be warm, made of pure cotton, soft and comfortable, simple, and of moderate thickness. Additionally, the waistband should not be too tight, as it may hinder the newborn's breathing. Mothers should wear loose-fitting pure cotton clothing. It is best to prepare several front-opening or nursing tops, as this will make breastfeeding convenient and prevent the mother from getting cold in the waist, back, and abdomen.
3. Newborns should be exclusively breastfed, as breastfed babies have strong immunity and are less likely to get sick. Mothers should eat nutritious, high-calorie, and easily digestible foods during the postpartum period, and drink plenty of water to help the body recover quickly and ensure sufficient milk supply. After childbirth, there is often a lot of deficiency and stagnation, so it is advisable to avoid raw, cold, and cooling foods. Raw and cold foods can harm the stomach, while cooling foods can cause blood coagulation, leading to postpartum abdominal pain and other ailments. Blood loss after childbirth can damage fluids, and in winter, there is often internal heat due to yin deficiency, so spicy and hot foods like chili should be avoided, as they may affect the baby's gastrointestinal function through breast milk. It is advisable to consume vegetables and fruits rich in vitamins and dietary fiber to prevent constipation and hemorrhoids.
4. While supplementing nutrition, do not forget to replenish calcium. During the late stages of pregnancy and the first three months postpartum, new mothers experience significant calcium loss. Additionally, in northern regions, the cold weather makes it impossible to open windows for sunlight during the postpartum period, which is not conducive to calcium synthesis and utilization. Severe calcium deficiency in mothers can lead to decreased bone density and symptoms of osteoporosis, such as calf cramps, lower limb swelling, back pain, loose teeth, and fatigue. In severe cases, it can lead to a decrease in height, pelvic deformity, and a waddling gait, significantly affecting body shape. Especially since postpartum mothers have the responsibility of breastfeeding, a lack of calcium can reduce the calcium intake of breastfed infants, affecting the normal development of their teeth, hair, and bones. If there is a negative balance in calcium metabolism during breastfeeding and the mother does not pay attention to calcium supplementation postpartum, adverse conditions can persist for up to two years after delivery, having a more profound impact on the child.
5. In winter, postpartum care should prevent infections. Avoid using synthetic fiber underwear. In winter, postpartum women often close doors and windows tightly due to fear of cold and wind, which can hinder normal indoor ventilation and accelerate the spread of viruses and bacteria, leading to allergic rhinitis, influenza, and neonatal dermatitis. It is advisable to open windows for ventilation during times when the weather is not too cold, there is no wind, and there is ample sunlight. When the weather is warmer and sunny, both the mother and baby should dress warmly and enjoy some sunlight for health benefits.
6. Based on the mother's physical condition, get out of bed and move around as soon as possible. This can improve the mother's blood circulation, prevent postpartum thrombosis, facilitate uterine recovery, promote the expulsion of lochia, aid in wound healing, and enhance gastrointestinal motility. In winter, the weather is cold, and the range of movement for children is small, especially for younger infants. It is essential to consistently perform passive exercises and touch exercises for the limbs every day.
