Best care for babies comes from healthy moms

By Glenna Picton

Lots of new mothers worry about the care they're providing their babies but the best thing they can do for their newborns is to take care of themselves, said a Baylor College of Medicine obstetrician-gynecologist.

This includes a healthy dose of sleep, diet and exercise, said Todd Ivey, M.D., assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology at BCM.

"Having a new baby is an adjustment in a woman's life and can often be overwhelming," said Ivey. "A lot of women do not pay attention to themselves. They try to be 'super mom' and feel they have to be everything for everyone. The best way for a new mother to take care of her baby is to take care of herself."

There are lifestyle habits that women can keep up with to minimize new-mom fatigue, said Ivey, also a physician at theBaylor Clinic.

Sleep

"When a new mother is feeling a little down or overwhelmed, we recommend that she get two consecutive, eight-plus hour nights of sleep," said Ivey. "It makes them feel better emotionally and physically."

He also recommends that they sleep when their babies sleep. Ivey understands that getting sleep isn't always that easy, though.

"If the mom finds this difficult, this is the time to enlist help from the spouse or partner, family and friends and schedule some time to sleep."

Nutrition

New mothers should avoid turning to sugars and caffeine to keep their energy high, said Ivey. "It can make that 'crash and burn' affect much worse," he said. Instead, he advises making fruits, vegetables and lean meats a part of the diet.

"A well-balanced diet with proteins and iron-containing foods can help keep mom energized," said Ivey.

Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol in the six-week period following delivery, especially if you are breastfeeding, he said. Staying on prenatal vitamins is also key to replenishing nutrients for new moms.

Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding may contribute to increased fatigue and poses more physical demands on the new mom, Ivey said. But breast milk is the best source of nutrition for a newborn baby.

"New moms can pump and store the milk to help reduce the strenuous effects of breastfeeding," he said. "We encourage moms to pump, even betweens feedings, to help increase their milk supply."

Having stored breast milk available when mom is resting is a good idea, Ivey said, so that mom's much-needed scheduled sleep is not interrupted when baby needs to be fed.

Exercise

Postpartum changes to a woman's body are not completely reversed until six weeks after delivery, Ivey said, increasing the risk of injury.

"We usually do not recommend new mothers do high-impact activity during this period," said Ivey. "We advise them to start with walking and slowly increase activity."

Ivey suggested simpler exercises like leg slides, head lifts and curls and swimming to boost energy and get back in shape.

"It's important to get clearance from your doctor before starting these exercises, especially if you have had a caesarean section or complicated delivery.

"If you are following these recommendations and the fatigue and low energy continue, then be sure to see your health care provider," said Ivey. "There may be a physical cause such as postpartum depression or thyroiditis, which can both be treated."