Are you wondering when you’ll be able to go swimming again without any worries after giving birth? Or maybe you’re a passionate sauna user and can’t wait to finally get back into the sauna? Then we will clarify the most important questions for you today and give you useful tips.
Sauna after childbirth
Good news: You don’t have to give up sauna visits while you’re breastfeeding! However, for hygienic reasons, I would recommend waiting until the lochia is over.
If you are breastfeeding, it is possible that your milk will leak a little while you are in the sauna. If this happens, simply press gently on the breast to stop the milk flow.
My tip: Always drink enough after a sauna visit so that the body is supplied with enough fluid. As soon as you feel unwell, you should stop immediately. Listen to your body!
Swimming after childbirth
When is swimming allowed again? Again: As soon as the postpartum flow has stopped (4-6 weeks after birth) you can go swimming again. During this time, the risk of infection is higher. Therefore, you should let the postpartum flow drain first before going to the swimming pool. Tampons should not be used during this time, as the postpartum flow is a cleansing process, so to speak, and the bacteria, blood clots, etc. have to get out of the body – so just be sure to wait.
Here are some tips for breastfeeding mamas:
Your nipples may still feel very sensitive. Therefore, apply a familiar cream to the nipples before you go into the water.
And if you’re worried that you’ll lose a few drops of milk here after all, and you’re uncomfortable with the swimsuit, then just look for silicone nursing pads, which are great for this. The pressure on the nipple prevents “leakage” and you won’t see them under your swimwear.
If you went through a complicated birth or had a cesarean section, you should give your body a little more time and wait until the scars are completely healed. You can speed up the healing process with proper breathing techniques and gentle exercises.
Avoid water that is too hot or too cold
It’s better for moms to avoid sitting in the hot tub or children’s wading pool. There are more germs in the water there. In the worst case, nipple infections or fungal infections can occur.
In turn, water that is too cold can impede the flow of milk. Therefore, make sure that you choose a neutral pool, then this should not be a problem.
Swimming with baby
Swimming is also a great activity for your baby, because the little ones feel very comfortable in the water. After all, they spent 9 months in your belly in the water too.
Watch out: It is best to go swimming with your baby from the 4th – 6th month of life, because they have better control over their body temperature and do not cool down so quickly.
Not only will your baby have fun splashing around in the pool, but you’ll also be building a mother-child relationship by spending time together. And after swimming, the little ones are also properly exhausted and fall fast asleep. Meanwhile, you can swim a few laps on your own or just relax. #MamaChildConnection
Benefits for new moms of swimming after giving birth
Basically, swimming is even recommended as a sport after birth, once the lochia has subsided.
We have listed the most important advantages for you:
- helps to strengthen your body again after the birth
- serves as relaxation and distraction from the stress of the new everyday life
- is a sport that is easy on the joints
- Baby swimming is a great activity and strengthens the bond between mother and child
Maybe we have motivated you and you are already looking for a baby swimming course. Usually these are fully booked, so it’s worth looking for a place as early as possible. And if you’re a sauna lover, you can look forward to sweating again soon after the birth. So now you just need to clarify the question of who will take care of your little baby in time 😉
Keep it Sweating & Swimming,
Your Birte
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