Oily skin after delivery?

Stress, big hormonal swings, and the fatigue of new parenthood can put a new mom's skin through the wringer. Some women who had perfectly clear skin during pregnancy will have more breakouts in the months following delivery. Others will have noticeably drier skin.The biggest issue for many of my patients is that they just don't have as much time to care for their skin now that they're caring for a new baby. You may want to experiment with a new cleanser and moisturizer. In general, mild formulas such as Dove and Oil of Olay are inexpensive and effective. You can also use a lotion or a cream that contains 12 percent lactic acid as an occasional exfoliant.If you're having trouble with acne, stick with oil-free cosmetics. Heavier formulas can clog pores and contribute to the problem.Something else to consider: Dry skin can be a symptom of an underactive thyroid, a condition that affects about 2 to 5 percent of new moms in the year after they give birth. Your healthcare provider can do a quick blood test to find out whether you have this condition.

source- babycenter.com

Can I do anything to get rid of my stretch marks now that I've given birth?

You should keep in mind that stretch marks will gradually become much less noticeable in the months after you give birth. But if they continue to bother you, consider making an appointment with a dermatologist to discuss treatment. Most approaches have proven to be only modestly effective, but there are some things she may be able to do to improve their appearance.If you're not breastfeeding, your dermatologist may prescribe tretinoin cream (commonly known by the trade name Retin-A), alone or in combination with other creams.

A few studies have shown that applying 0.1 percent tretinoin cream may help with stretch marks. In one study, the treatment reduced the length of the stretch marks by 14 percent and the width by 8 percent. In another study, it decreased the length by 20 percent.However, there's no good information about how the medication is absorbed, whether it gets excreted in breast milk, and what effect it might have on your baby, so it should be avoided while nursing.Laser therapy is another option if you're looking to improve the appearance of stretch marks after delivery. According to the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, a surgeon can use different types of lasers depending on the color of the stretch marks. One type reduces the color of dark stretch marks while another stimulates the production of pigment-making cells in already faded stretch marks. A newer type of laser therapy can be used to stimulate the production of collagen and help restore the skin's elasticity in depressed stretch marks.It's unlikely that your health insurance plan would cover such cosmetic procedures. So if you decide to go this route, you'll probably have to pay for the consultation and any treatments out of your own pocket.

source- babycenter.com

Postpartum Treatment Key For Depression; Prenatal Efforts Ineffective

The key to preventing postpartum depression may be individual support provided after birth by a health professional and tailored to a mother's needs, says a University of Toronto researcher.

"Health professionals want to identify pregnant women who may be at risk for postpartum depression in hopes of initiating preventive strategies," says U of T nursing professor Cindy-Lee Dennis. "But in my review of studies from around the world, I found no preventive effect of any strategy initiated before birth, including prenatal classes specifically targeting postpartum depression. It's not because the interventions are theoretically weak, but it's because compliance is low -- women are busy and don't attend the classes."

After sifting through hundreds of studies, Dennis conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of 15 randomized control trials focusing on prevention of postpartum depression. The trials involved 7,697 women. Her study is published in the July 2 issue of the British Medical Journal.
The evidence suggests postpartum depression may be preventable, says Dennis. In analyzing the prevention strategies used, Dennis found an overall 19 per cent reduction in postpartum depression. Individual assessment and intensive support provided by a health professional to at-risk women after they give birth was the most successful approach to preventing postpartum depression; group-based strategies weren't as effective.

Risk factors for postpartum depression include past psychiatric history, a significant number of life stressors and lack of support.
"Individual, flexible postpartum care provided by a health professional and based on maternal need may have a preventive effect," Dennis says. "You must have a structured assessment within the first four weeks after birth with referrals to appropriate services that are accessible."
Dennis says her findings have implications for clinicians. "This systematic review tells us what type of strategy we can use to help prevent postpartum depression, when and how we should implement the strategy and with which clients," she says. "It's a nice summary of current research that health professionals can use as a tool when seeking to treat new mothers."

Lose weight and Breastfeed at the same time?

You can breastfeed and lose weight at the same time if you do it slowly. Don't expect any miracle cures; plan on it taking at least 10 months to a year to get back to your pre-pregnancy weight.Losing weight gradually through healthy, low-fat eating and moderate exercise is important. Losing weight too quickly releases toxins (PCBs and pesticides) that are stored in your body fat into the bloodstream, which, in turn, increases the amount in the milk supply.Don't think that you must wean your baby in order to lose weight. In fact, breastfeeding makes it easier to lose the excess weight because your body uses the stored energy in fat to make milk. source- babycenter.com

Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are veins under the rectum or around the anus that are dilated or swollen. The blood coagulation and blood thrombosis are caused by repeated pressure in the rectal area or anal veins. This pressure usually results repeated straining to pass bowel movements. Rarely they result from benign or malignant tumors of the abdomen or rectum. It's thought that 75% of Singaporeans will have them at some time in their lives.

The risk for getting hemorrhoids increases with: Constipation, low dietary fiber intake, pregnancy and delivery, obesity, diarrhea, overexertion and certain occupations that require continual standing or sitting. Symptoms of hemorrhoids include: Rectal bleeding, rectal tenderness and/or itching, uncomfortable, painful bowel movements, especially with straining, a lump that can be felt in the anus, a mucous discharge after a bowel movement.

A Bidet System affords owners and steady users the benefits of a direct and steady diffused spray of cool or warm soothing water to the afflicted Hemorrhoidal area. The cool water helps shrink the membrane and aggravated surrounding tissue; thus reduces swelling, irritation and bleeding. Maintaining good hygiene is of most importance in relieving hemorrhoids.

Used regularly, the Bidet may even eliminate the use of messy creams and suppositories which are unpleasant to use and often ineffective. Doctors recommend this water cleansing over the use of moist pads. The ingredients in the moist pads can at times produce allergic reactions which adds to the irritation and discomfort of hemorrhoids. Some physicians believe that scents and inks in decorative toilet papers may also cause irritation.

Rectrum Spray

Rectrum Spray promotes rectum health. The rectum is the most vital part of your body system. It is the end of excretion system. Failure to take good care can leads to haehorrhoids, piles, etc.

A must for the entire family.
Rectum Spray ejects a gentle, cleansing jet spray with variable water pressure to cleanse the rectum and its surrounding area. Water spray protects the sensitive nerves and tissues at the most vital part of our body – the excretion system. Cleansing with tissues can in the long run damage the cells and oil glands. With Rectum Spray it is clean and 100% hygienic. Totally hands free!

Rectum Spray (with soft water jet) is a relief for people suffering from inflammation of hemorrhoids, damaged rectum tissues and difficult bowel movements.

Rectrum Spray

Rectrum Spray promotes rectum health. The rectum is the most vital part of your body system. It is the end of excretion system. Failure to take good care can leads to haehorrhoids, piles, etc.

A must for the entire family.
Rectum Spray ejects a gentle, cleansing jet spray with variable water pressure to cleanse the rectum and its surrounding area. Water spray protects the sensitive nerves and tissues at the most vital part of our body – the excretion system. Cleansing with tissues can in the long run damage the cells and oil glands. With Rectum Spray it is clean and 100% hygienic. Totally hands free!

Rectum Spray (with soft water jet) is a relief for people suffering from inflammation of hemorrhoids, damaged rectum tissues and difficult bowel movements.

Postpartum Depression

For some women, the feelings of sadness or exhaustion run deeper and last longer than baby blues. About 10% of new mothers experience postpartum depression, which is a true clinical depression triggered by childbirth.
Postpartum depression usually begins 2 to 3 weeks after giving birth, but can start any time during the first few days, weeks, or months post-delivery.

A woman with postpartum depression may feel sad, tearful, despairing, discouraged, hopeless, worthless, or alone. She also may:
have trouble concentrating or completing routine tasks
lose her appetite or not feel interested in food
feel indifferent to her baby or not feel attached or bonded
feel overwhelmed by her situation and feel that there is no hope of things getting better
feel like she is just going through the motions of her day without being able to feel happy, interested, pleased, or joyful about anything

Feelings and thoughts like these are painful for a woman to experience — especially during a time that is idealized as being full of happiness. Many women are reluctant to tell someone when they feel this way. But postpartum depression is a medical condition that requires attention and treatment.

Question: I'm still breastfeeding my 7-month-old and recently started menstruating for the first time postpartum. Will my cycles be regular now, even though I'm still breastfeeding?

Answer: Kudos to you for continuing to breastfeed your baby! Mothers often find their menstrual cycles resume around the time they introduce solid foods or when the baby begins to sleep for longer stretches of four to six hours. I can't predict whether your cycles will be regular, as every woman's body responds differently to the hormonal influences of breastfeeding. One thing for certain — consider yourself fertile. The return of your period indicates that ovulation has occurred. If you do not want to expand your family for now, please consult your healthcare provider about birth control options. While the progestin-only pill can be used while breastfeeding, some studies indicate it may change the composition of breast milk. That's why many experts recommend nursing moms use one of the barrier methods such as the diaphragm or condoms.If you prefer to go the natural route, two books may be helpful: Breastfeeding and Natural Child Spacing, by Sheila Kippley and Your Fertility Signals: Using Them to Achieve or Avoid Pregnancy Naturally by Merryl Winstein. Both are available through the La Leche League catalog. source- babycenter.com

Is sex painful after having a baby?

Some women experience discomfort when they start having intercourse again after delivering a baby. If you've had an episiotomy or vaginal laceration, the repair site may be uncomfortable for weeks or even months after delivery. Waiting to resume intercourse until the site is fully healed, usually about six weeks, is important for long-term recovery. Also, when you're ready to have intercourse, try a position that allows you to control the depth of penetration, for instance, woman-on-top or side-by-side.

Many women, especially those who are breastfeeding, have low levels of estrogen during the postpartum period, and that can make vaginal tissue thinner and drier. If you notice dryness during intercourse, use a water-soluble lubricant to ease any discomfort. Steer clear of oil-based lubricants such as petroleum jelly products, especially if you're using condoms — they can weaken the latex and cause the condom to rupture. If dryness is a severe problem, your healthcare provider may recommend a vaginal estrogen cream to restore the tissue to its normal condition.

Breastfeeding women often experience uncomfortable leakage of milk during sexual activity. Wearing a bra with nursing pads (not sexy, but functional) or keeping an absorbent towel nearby can help alleviate the problem.

Finally, do your Kegel exercises. They can help a stretched-out vagina regain some tone after a vaginal birth and make sex more enjoyable as a result.