Managing migraine headaches in new mothers or postpartum headaches - Important things to know!!
Not only sleepless nights, fatigue etc, but many new mothers suffer from after pregnancy headaches or postpartum migraine headaches also!!
It is true that becoming a mother is filled with superb happiness and challenges. It is worthy to note that factors like hormonal changes, stress, disrupted sleep and changes in the routine are responsible for postpartum migraines in new mothers. It is necessary that new mothers must take measures to manage their migraines.
In the first 6 weeks after giving birth to a baby, 30% to 40% new mothers would get affected with postpartum headaches. The frequency of migraines would become more after giving birth as their oestrogen levels would reduce. Irregular sleep schedules, dehydration plus skipped meals and stress etc could lead to severe migraine headaches in the new mothers.
New mothers could manage their postpartum migraine headaches in these ways.
Track your symptoms:
It is worthy to note that by tracking the symptoms of postpartum headaches new mothers would be able to manage their pain well. Truth is that new mothers must maintain a headache diary that would help them to identify certain triggers like food, lack of sleep etc.
By maintaining gentle routine:
The newborne would require round the clock care and new mothers must maintain their regular meal times and hydration etc. By this, new mothers could avoid sudden drops in their blood sugar levels.
By prioritising sleep:
One of the most important causes for migraine in the new mothers is lack of quality sleep. It is true that newborn care would not allow the new mothers to take rest or sleep well but making small adjustments could make a difference.
By sleeping when baby sleeps:
Fatigue in the new mothers would reduce even if she takes naps for 20 to 30 minutes during the time when her baby sleeps.
By sharing night duties:
The new mothers must ask their partners or other family members etc to help with night feeds so that she could take rest at that time.
By creating a calm bedtime routine:
Before bedtime, it is important to dim lights, avoid screens and d do deep breathing exercises etc to create calmness before bedtime.
Effective home remedies for postpartum migraines are
By applying cold or warm compress:
It would be good to apply cold compress on the forehead and warm pack to the neck to ease tension.
By massaging:
Pressure in the new mothers could ease by gently massaging temples or the skull`s base etc.
By relaxation techniques:
By doing deep breathing, mindfulness meditation etc stress could be reduced in the new mothers and migraines could be prevented. Please, take care.
Seeking emergency care:
Though migraine headaches are common in the new mothers, sometimes they might reveal serious conditions like preeclampsia or postpartum hypertension etc. New mothers must seek immediate help if they have sudden severe headaches, blurred vision and high BP, swelling etc.
