Breast milk is best for your baby

Breast milk is best for babies. The World Health Organisation (WHO) and Health Promotion Board (HPB) recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life. Unnecessary introduction of bottle feeding or other food and drinks will have a negative impact on breastfeeding. At around six months of age (but not before 4 months), infants should receive nutritionally adequate and age-appropriate complementary foods while breastfeeding continues for up to two years of age or beyond. Consult your doctor before deciding to use infant formula or if you have difficulty breastfeeding.

Abbott Singapore fully recognises breast milk’s primacy, value and superiority and supports exclusive breastfeeding as recommended by the WHO.

The content on this website is intended as general information for Singaporean residents only and should not be used as a substitute for medical care and advice from your healthcare practitioner. The HPB recommends that infants start on age-appropriate complementary foods at around 6 months, whilst continuing breastfeeding for up to 2 years or beyond to meet their evolving nutritional requirements. If no longer breastfeeding, toddlers can switch to full cream milk after 12 months. This should be complemented by a good variety of solid foods from the four main food groups (fruits, vegetables, grains, meat and alternatives). For more information on the nutritional requirements of infants and young children, please visit www.healthhub.sg/earlynutrition.

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MATERNAL SELF-CARE

Post-Pregnancy Skin Care Tips for Glowing Skin

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Are you feeling troubled over the appearance of acne, stretch marks, or even pigmentation after delivery? Rest assured as these issues are relatively common amongst mothers who have just given birth and usually happens due to post-pregnancy hormonal changes. Fortunately, there are simple skincare tips that can help you regain your glow and confidence by spending some extra time on yourself daily.

Note: Do check with your doctor or dermatologist regarding skin care products before incorporating them into your routine.

Common skin problems after childbirth and how you can improve them

  1. Stretch marks

    The gain and subsequent loss in weight after delivery cause the appearance of stretch marks, which tend to appear on your tummy, breasts, thighs, and groin as purple, pink, or red wavy streaks. Though these marks will gradually lighten over time, they do not fade completely. However, exercising as well as the use of emollients (non-cosmetic moisturizers) on affected areas can expedite the fading process and minimize the appearance of more stretch marks. You can also consider applying low potency vitamin A creams, which are useful in improving the appearance of stretch marks as well.

  2. Pigmentation/Melasma

    You may have noticed dark patches, commonly known as melasma, on your cheeks, forehead, nose or chin. This usually happens due to an increase in melanin deposits around your body but do not worry as these will gradually fade after delivery. In the meantime, the application of sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 15 to 20 can help these blemishes fade more quickly and prevent them from becoming darker.

  3. Hormonal acne and oily skin

    Are you experiencing oilier skin and an increase in acne on your face post-delivery? If so, this is generally due to hormonal changes causing an increase in sebum production. Though you may be exhausted after a long day of taking care of your child, you should still follow your daily skincare routine as much as possible. Additionally, you may also want to incorporate skincare products containing benzoyl peroxide, which is safe for use during breastfeeding to unclog your pores and remove impurities. If your acne issue persists or worsens, do visit a dermatologist for a prescription of topical antibiotics and cream.

  4. C-section incision

    The overgrowth of fibrous tissue may lead to a raised scar known as keloids. Hence, if you had a C-section delivery, use a silicone gel sheet or apply a silicone-based cream on your incision to minimize the likelihood of forming keloids.

  5. Sore nipples

    If your nipples feel tender from breastfeeding, you may want to look into your latching technique and feeding position to ensure they are correct. Do seek help promptly to learn the correct latch-on technique to prevent tender nipples if you are unsure. You may also consider using lanolin cream on the sore area to ease the healing process.

  6. Dark under-eye circles

    Postnatal hormonal changes, coupled with a lack of sleep, may lead to dark eye rings. As such, try to get adequate sleep to allow your skin to recuperate from childbirth and maintain your physical and emotional wellbeing.

    Even though your current priority may be taking care of your newborn, you certainly should not neglect self-care or feel guilty for spending time taking care of yourself. Paying attention to your body is especially important to ensure you stay healthy and happy while caring for your child.

  7. Notes:

    Bruckner, L. 2018. Acne after pregnancy and other postpartum skin conditions. Retrieved from: https://www.todaysparent.com/baby/postpartum-care/post-pregnancy-skin-conditions/

    HealthHub. 2016. 4 Skincare Tips to Keep Your Pregnancy Glow. Retrieved from: https://www.healthhub.sg/live-healthy/1576/4-skincare-tips-to-keep-your-pregnancy-glow

    HealthHub. 2016. Essential Post-Baby Skin Care Tips. Retrieved from: https://www.healthhub.sg/live-healthy/1669/essential-post-baby-skin-care-tips

    HealthHub. 2019. Breastfeeding. Retrieved from: https://www.healthhub.sg/live-healthy/1038/pregnancy-breastfeeding

    HealthHub. 2020. Skin Care Tips During Pregnancy and After Birth. Retrieved from: https://www.healthhub.sg/live-healthy/998/pregnancy-skin-care-tips-during-pregnancy-and-after-birth

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healthy confinement recipe 1:
Braised chicken in ginger wolfberry milk

Credit: Gleneagles Singapore and Chef Catan Tan, Gleneagles Hospital Singapore

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