A mum's post explaining exactly why mums should take their time to recover after welcoming a baby has gone viral on social media.
Labour and childbirth is a very intense experience for a woman's body, which is why new mums are usually advised to take it easy for six to eight weeks after welcoming a baby.
While this is not exactly news to anyone, a mum has taken to social media to explain exactly why allowing yourself to recover after birth is so important.
https://www.facebook.com/laboroflovedoulapa/photos/a.1704321526476579.1073741829.1696544583920940/2033117333596995/?type=3&theater
Sharing a picture of paper plate with a ruler on the Labor of Love Facebook page, the mum said that its diamater - 22cm or 8.6 inches - is also the same as the average placenta.
'22cm or 8.6 inches. That is the exact diameter of a paper plate, AKA the fine china in our house. It is also the average diameter of a placenta. After a baby is born, mothers are told to take it easy for at least 4-6 weeks. There are good reasons for that!', she wrote in the post.
She continues to explain how after the placenta comes out, mums are left with an open wound in the uterus that takes a few weeks to heal, during which time mums are more prone to suffering from infection or other complications.
'One of those reasons is that after the baby is born, mothers are left with a wound on the inside of their uterus where the placenta was attached. That wound will take at least 4-6 weeks to completely heal. During that time they are still susceptible to infection and haemorrhaging.
'Even if they have a complication-free vaginal delivery and feel okay, they will still need to take care of themselves and not overdo it for those first several weeks postpartum. To those mothers, rest! To their husbands, partners, parents, in-laws, friends - let them rest! Help out as much as you can and don’t let them overdo it!'
'As the saying goes "one week in bed, one week around the bed, and 2 weeks around the house."'
Many mums related to the post and shared their own experiences of recovering after childbirth. One said: 'I wish someone would have shared this with me. I felt wonderful after a week and walked to the park...it took me twice as long to heal because of that one stupid walk😔. Hubbys, ask for help and MAKE THEM REST!'
Another wrote: 'Take the time to heal! It is so important'.
