Enjoy A Happy Healthy Pregnancy, Without Dry Skin
Who ever thought that dry skin would be an issue during pregnancy? Honestly, anyone who has been pregnant before. Many women are surprised at how itchy their skin becomes during pregnancy. When you think about it, it makes sense. As your abdomen stretches and enlarges, it becomes tight and itchy. Dry skin care during pregnancy does not have to make you miserable. Many women swear by cocoa butter to ease this situation. Many also claim that it reduces stretch marks as well. There are many great skin creams that may be used as long as strong scents and chemicals are avoided.
Now that your baby is home, you notice that he too has dry skin. Is it a family thing? Heredity? Not necessarily. Remember, your baby has been surrounded by amniotic fluid for the last nine months. This is a new environment, which requires adjustment. This is simply the skin getting used to this new climate. Ask your pediatrician to recommend a good baby lotion. After taking your infant out of the baby bath, apply this lotion over the entire body (not the face). This will keep the skin softer and smoother. Remember however, this is a normal condition which will generally pass in time any way.
Ah, the joy of breastfeeding. Yes, and no. Breastfeeding is truly a wonderful gift to give your child. However, it can also leave mom’s breast feeling uncomfortable and itchy. After nine months of pregnancy mom deserves a bit of comfort. A double electric breast pump will literally cut the time in half when expressing breast milk. Electric pumps are faster, and well, double, that is obvious, you express both breasts at once, instead of one at a time. Be sure to use safe ‘nipple cream’ to keep the skin soft and comfortable.
If you have a history of Psoriasis, eczema, or any skin condition, definitely discuss this with your obstetrician or midwife, early in your pregnancy. This will ensure that you get rapid treatment, and avoid any unnecessary discomfort.
If your pregnancy has been planned, you should take the opportunity to get as healthy as you can before hand. Exercise, eat right, avoid cigarette smoke, alcohol, and chemicals. In other words, avoid anything that you would not put directly into your baby’s mouth. Remember, pregnancy is a relatively short amount of time, when compared to the lifetime of the unborn child. If the pregnancy was not planned, begin being healthier as soon as you suspect that you may be pregnant.
Any issues that cause concern during pregnancy, should be taken care of it right away. Pregnancy offers enough change, why not be as comfortable as you can be.
Take good care of yourself, and enjoy a healthy pregnancy, and a beautiful newborn.
Tags: breast feeding, newborn, parenting, skin care
