13 myths you shouldn't believe about quarantine and postpartum

The name itself, 'quarantine' is the first myth. The woman needs a year at least, and not forty days, to assimilate her new role as mother and recover both physically and emotionally. And to this we must add all the doubts that arise around breastfeeding or intimate hygiene.

And from there ... who said you have to eat for two while breastfeeding? Or that you can't bathe during the first month? We reveal you 13 myths that circulate about postpartum and are not true.

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1. With caesarean section, breastfeeding should be delayed

There is a legend about the first hours after a C-section: breastfeeding would not be recommended because the drugs that have been used for anesthesia can be harmful to the newborn if breastfeeding starts.

This is totally false. Most caesarean sections are performed either under epidural anesthesia or under spinal anesthesia, compatible and safe local drugs for the future baby And they don't harm your health.

And even in cases of general anesthesia or sedation associated with or not epidural analgesia, the doses of drugs excreted in breast milk are very low, so they hardly affect the condition of the baby and usually breastfeeding is not contraindicated.

It's more, it is recommended to breastfeed the newborn immediately, as soon as the medical protocols allow it: in some hospitals they still separate the mother and the child during the first hours of life. Because that separation can make it difficult to start breastfeeding.

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Neither does caesarean section alter the composition of milk (another unfounded myth) The technique may cost a little more than after a natural birth (because the mother is in pain).

But the benefits of starting breastfeeding as soon as the baby is born compensates: the uterus regains its size before and the baby feels comforted in the mother's breast.

To prevent the baby from touching the scar with his feet, a cushion can be placed on the belly to support him.

2. The rise in milk gives fever

The rise of milk is the physiological process experienced by the breasts after childbirth due to the sharp decrease in estrogen and placental lactogen that occurs in childbirth. This hormonal decrease leads to an increase in the hormone prolactin that stimulates the production of breast milk.

It usually occurs about three days after birth, although previously the breasts have been producing colostrum (the milk of the first days) with incalculable nutritional and immune value for the newborn.

According to Childbirth, this intense activity of the mammary gland can cause some inflammation and edema in the area, which translates into a feeling of tension and fullness in the breasts together with heat, extreme sensitivity, and sometimes pain.

Not all milk rises associate temperature rise. There are women who experience a more progressive rise in milk that does not lead to such an important breast engorgement, nor an increase in vascularization, so that temperature increase does not occur.

In addition, we must end with another myth: that the transition between colostrum and mature milk is gradual and smooth and does not cause symptoms, does not mean that the mother has no milk. If the baby sucks well, he gains weight without problems.

In cases of very painful or annoying 'milk rises', the inflammation can be lowered by applying cold after feeding and moist heat just before the breasts.

But what reduces tension the most is, according to Childbirth is ours, to perform lymphatic drainage massage: it consists of pressing with the fingers around the areola towards the thorax so that the edematous fluid is pushed into the breast and thus it is possible to soften the area enough to facilitate a good grip and proper suction of the baby.

3. No creams on the breasts when breastfeeding

We must take care of the breasts during postpartum and breastfeeding to avoid the appearance of cracks, stretch marks, pain or possibility of mastitis.

One of the basic measures is to keep the skin hydrated and keep the area of ​​the areola dry, to avoid the appearance of wounds and cracks. Luckily there are many creams that can be applied to the chest without risk to the mother or the baby.

Lanolin creams They are used very frequently for application in the areola and nipple because of their ability to promote healing. They can also be ingested by the baby without prejudice, so it is not necessary to remove them before breastfeeding.

Anti-stretch or specific creams for breast care, which are harmless, are also useful.

If it is advisable to apply the creams after feeding the baby it is because some can cause an unpleasant taste to the milk and cause the baby to reject the breast. Or that if there is a lot of cream, your lips slip and you can't get a good grip.

4. Breast milk is of poor quality and that is why the baby does not gain weight

The composition of the milk varies throughout the intake: at first it comes out more watery and then it is more fat. If a baby only drinks the milk from the beginning, but not the one from the end, the total composition of the intake may not be complete.

But that problem is caused by a poor breastfeeding technique: because the baby is badly placed and does not grab well, because the mother removes him at ten minutes to change him to the other breast and does not let him finish ...

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5. A girdle must be worn after delivery

The purpose of the use of the belt is usually to recover the figure more quickly. But achieving the goal depends on several factors.

Normal changes after childbirth causes the uterus to regain its pre-pregnancy appearance, which will favor the expulsion of retained fluids, and the progressive increase in abdominal tone.

And this strengthening is achieved with physical exercise, especially with abdominal boards, something that can not be done until the pelvic floor is not well strengthened (at six or eight weeks after delivery). So nothing to claim to recover the abdominal wall in the 'quarantine'.

Of course, a belt with velcro (a band that surrounds the gut) can help women feel more comfortable having their abdomen more subject.

Two tips:

  • Avoid the type of panties or pants, because they prevent perspiration and hinder the healing of the episiotomy.

  • After a cesarean delivery, wait until the incision has healed completely to become a sash.

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6. Refrain from sexual intercourse

In postpartum there are changes that can make sexual intercourse difficult:

  • Bleeding (the lochia), which have a special color and smell, can make the woman feel uncomfortable to have sex until it disappears.

  • Hormonal changes (such as the decrease in estrogen that can decrease vaginal lubrication) and physical changes that occur after giving birth can lead to sensitivity in the vaginal area and even pain during sexual intercourse, especially in case of episiotomy.

  • Also a decrease in libido due to changes in family role (from couple to family of three), the fatigue of the first days from the care of the newborn or breastfeeding can.

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And, explained the reasons, it should be said that there is no stipulated period to restart sexual intercourse after the birth of the baby, since it depends on each woman and how the birth has passed.

Most gynecologists recommend not maintaining relationships in quarantine to prevent the risk of infections or injuries, especially if there have been points. In addition to the inconvenience it may cause.

But you should also keep in mind that you can have sex without penetration, until you feel ready. It may be easier for you to start with caresses only and gradually become accustomed to sexual contact.

7. If you breastfeed you do not get pregnant

Traditionally breastfeeding has been used as a natural contraceptive method.

This is because the hormone prolactin (which increases during breastfeeding) inhibits the ovulation process on the ovary. That is the reason why many women during breastfeeding do not have menstruation.

To function as a contraceptive, breastfeeding must be exclusive and performed on demand, without performing any nighttime stop. Even so, the effectiveness is lower than other contraceptive methods.

Why doesn't it work? Because the hormone prolactin does not always work in the same way nor does it affect all mothers equally. So the woman does not know when her period will come back and how ovulation occurs 14 days before the onset of the period, it is possible to get pregnant if a contraceptive method is not used.

8. You do not have to exercise until you exceed quarantine

Absolutely. In fact it is recommended that the woman start exercising her perineum as soon as she has strength.

So if after 15 days of delivery you feel good, you can resume physical activity. Of course, calmly: hiking, stretching, yoga ...

And one tip: better refrain from high impact sports, because they can further weaken the pelvic floor.

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9. The mother cannot bathe in a month

Just as in the past it was believed that showering during menstruation could lead to health problems, the idea spread that a woman should not take a bath while she stains in the postpartum period.

It is clear that this is completely false. In fact, hygiene is essential to avoid infection of the caesarean scar or points in the birth canal if they exist. Wounds should be kept clean and dry. Therefore, it is advised that the woman take a shower as soon as possible, even before being discharged from the hospital.

Just take a shower. Why It is convenient to avoid immersion baths, both in the bathtub and in the pool, for at least a month, which is the time it takes to heal wounds, since moisture makes it difficult to close.

10. Do not go outside with sunshine in the postpartum

It is not that you do not look out into the street, but that you have basic care with your skin with respect to the sun; apply sunscreen (in summer and winter) since the hormones that produce spots on the face are still present.

But you can (and should, if you feel strong) go out with your baby for a walk every day, since you arrive from the hospital. The daily walk is a stimulus for your recovery and for the child's development.

Just a few precautions: in summer, you have to take the baby out in less hot hours, light clothes and with umbrella to avoid heat stroke. And you must protect yourself from the sun with a cap or hat and apply a high sun protection cream half an hour before the ride.

11. You must wrap yourself from head to toe

It is another one of those beliefs of the grandmothers who assured that the woman who finished being a mother could not receive drafts.

Researchers have not found anything to justify this, so better wrap up just what you need. Think only of the women of Canada and the cold there: they have no problem and continue with their usual routine after giving birth, also away from home.

It is also not proven that walking barefoot hurts or that drafts decrease breast milk production.

12. Wash and dye your hair, forbidden!

It was said that washing your hair was counterproductive during the immediate postpartum period because the blood could reverse and reach the head. In addition, it could cut the milk and interrupt the onset of breastfeeding.

These beliefs have no scientific basis. Just like dyeing your hair or painting your nails: the chemicals that reach the bloodstream through the scalp (even less from the extremities) are not enough to cause harm to your little one.

13. After breastfeeding the bra size decreases

This myth is based on the fact that the female breast is formed by the glandular tissue itself, which is the one that is responsible for the secretion of milk and supportive tissue and transport of the milk produced (the ducts).

During breastfeeding, the amount of glandular tissue increases, supporting tissue and the number of ducts remain stable. The glandular tissue also increases in volume as it accumulates milk inside.

But after breastfeeding the ducts and glands collapse again, maintaining the pre-pregnancy structure. There is no destruction of tissue, so there is no decrease in size compared to what was before.

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