Looking and feeling good at the maternity ward
You will have done a wonderful and every tiring job giving birth to your baby, and will want to look and feel your best when the family and friends drop by to see you on the maternity ward. Here are some tips to help you prepare your vanity case, especially if you're going to be there for a few days or more.
© Jupiter
Fatigue, post-partum aches and pains, emotions running high and precious little time to yourself... you need a few well-chosen products for pampering yourself while in hospital or at the clinic. Here's a checklist of the essentials you should take with you to the hospital.
A "feeling good" kit
You'll want to take care of yourself after giving birth, to have soft and delicately perfumed skin for baby to cuddle up to... Be careful to choose products containing the least chemical ingredients possible as some cosmetic products could have a dubious impact on young children's" health.
* Hypoallergenic soap-free shower gel: you can shower the following day if you give birth naturally;
* Two-in-one shampoo to save time;
* Cleansing face wipes, ideal for quick facial skincare if necessary;
* A toothbrush and mentholated toothpaste;
* Moisturising face and body creams suited to your skin type but don't apply to your breasts if you are breastfeeding;
* A mineral water spray to freshen your face during the birthing process and to brighten your early morning complexion;
* An alcohol-free deodorant.
Specific products
* Intimate feminine wash for the very fragile vaginal area (post partum bleeding can last several weeks), especially if you have had an episiotomy. Here's a trick for doing your intimate wash several times a day without having to take a shower each time: use a bottle of water with a "sports cap".
* Heavy flow sanitary towels and several disposable briefs. There's no need to take a hairdryer to aid episiotomy scar healing. Just change your sanitary protection regularly to stay dry.
* A razor or tweezers for tidying up any rushed hair removal in the birthing room.
* An anti-stretch mark cream. Carry on using it on your hip/thigh/buttock area after the birth as the significant weight loss that follows childbirth could damage skin tissue.
* A protective and repairing nipple cream if you plan to breastfeed your baby.
Lanolin-based creams help to prevent cracked nipples and can be used without risk to your feeding baby;
* Nursing pads in case of milk leakages;
* A hot water bottle or neutral massage oil in case of back or leg aches after all that physical effort. All you need to do now is convince your man to give you a nice massage...
A "looking good" kit
The first nights with baby are likely to be short while visits from family and friends, and photo opportunities, more than plentiful... To look radiant despite the lack of sleep, don't forget:
* An eye cream for reducing puffiness and bags;
* A concealer stick to camouflage small imperfections;
* A light foundation (with light reflective pigments for example);
* A moisturising rosy lip balm and blusher;
* A hand mirror so you don't have to get out of bed.
Copyright © 2009 Doctissimo
Posted 30.06.2010
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