Ask The Expert Series: Postpartum Recovery Tips for New Mothers

Dear user, thank you for your entry. In view of your painful symptoms after C-section, do seek your obstetrician or a general practitioner's advice early for an assessment of your condition.

Dear user, thank you for your entry. Dequervain’s tenosynovitis of the wrist is a common tendinitis that is often termed “mummy’s wrist”. It can be very disturbing and disabling especially when taking care of a newborn. Several treatment options are available, like a wrist guard, anti-inflammatory medications or steroid injections around the tendon may help with the symptoms. For further advice, do seek a medical professional for a tailored treatment plan.

Dear user, thank you for your entry. Postpartum depression is defined as a major depressive episode during pregnancy or in the first 4 weeks post partum. Some symptoms include low mood, poor sleep, feelings of guilty and lethargy. A self-scoring tool may be helpful like Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) https://www.healthhub.sg/programmes/183/parent-hub/depression-scale. For further advice, do seek a medical professional for assessment.

Dear user, thank you for your entry. Vitamins required prenatally differ from those required postnatally, and may not necessarily contribute to faster recovery. Prenatal vitamins containing folate is most appropriately taken pre-pregnancy or during recommended stages of pregnancy, hence do refer to the label or seek your family physician if further guidance is required.

Dear user, thank you for your entry. Back pain may have varying causes. A medical consultation with your family doctor should include an assessment and recommendation for your back pain.

Dear user, thank you for your entry. There are varying evidence regarding fenugreek as a galactagogue compared to placebo in research studies, hence not scientifically proven or internationally recommended for breastfeeding at present.

Dear user, thank you for your entry. With a C-section wound, do abide to the nurse’s instruction in keeping the wound clean and avoiding strenuous activities will encourage healing.

Dear user, thank you for your entry. Some blood stains per vaginally may be seen after a normal pregnancy, and may be classified as lochia. However, if “bleeding is high”, do seek a medical practitioner’s opinion on your condition.

Dear user, thank you for your entry. Light exercise may resume 6 weeks after birth, which is around the time the wound should be fully healed. However, if you are still experiencing pain from the wound, do consult a medical practitioner before proceeding.