@itsclarawang

There aren’t enough expletives in the world for how I feel about this topic. I was CLUELESS about how swollen I would be postpartum. Actually, I was so unaware of the swelling that can start towards the end of pregnancy that I had to rush to Urgent Care and get my wedding band cut off my finger. I still can’t fit into my rings but nothing tops that first two weeks postpartum where I couldn’t even fit into my tennis shoes.

I chose an epidural for pain management and was given medication after a slight panic about being induced unexpectedly at my 38-week check-up. It took weeks to get the drugs flushed out of my system and at that point, I was so exhausted by having a newborn that I just felt puffy and run down all the time. Postpartum swelling is caused by several factors – fluid retention due to the rise in progesterone during pregnancy, any IV fluids received during labor, not being as active due to delivery, and even the strain your body goes through from pushing.

Of course, not everyone has this experience, I have a friend who wasn’t touched by the slightest bit of swelling. She kept her ring on through birth! So as usual, everyone is different and each experience is unique. That being said, I was a pumpkin and I didn’t love it. I knew first and foremost I needed to rest, recover and heal. I nourished myself with broths, herbal teas, and oatmeals and got as much rest as I could. I started regaining my strength and then I knew it was time to focus on and address the swelling.

I set out on a mission to reduce the swelling trying everything in the book and asking all of my friends what worked for them. Also important to note that The Skinny Confidential is my guru on lymphatic drainage and inflammation. TSC just came out with an ice roller that addresses bloat and inflammation. I am going to try it soon and I will let you guys know.

I put together a list of the most effective ways to reduce swelling that worked for me. Good luck!

1. Stay hydrated and flush out the swelling
   • I try to start my day with 32 oz of room temperature lemon water. This lubricates your system and flushes out your liver.
   • Golden Root Turmeric Latte – One of my favorite rituals and the best latte I’ve had. Turmeric is a powerful anti-inflammatory and adaptogen (adaptogens help the body reduce stress). This is also a woman-owned business and is local to Denver! I used this as a coffee replacement since it is caffeine-free.
   • Coconut water throughout the day. Nutrient and antioxidant-rich, coconut water can also help increase milk supply.
2. Lymphatic drainage: when you wake up and your puffy – you have retained fluid. Fluid can get trapped and cause more inflammation. You want to keep things moving.
   • Sleep on your back with your head and shoulders slightly elevated. This will help fluid move down and not get trapped in your face. When I sleep on my stomach I notice my eyes are SO much puffier.
   • Dry brushing – I do this 1-2x/week when I get out of the shower but before I put any lotion on. I start with my feet and legs doing long upward strokes. You want to brush every part of your body moving the blood towards your heart. Drybrushing increases blood circulation, boosts energy and exfoliates the skin.
   • Gua Sha stone + Jade Roller – My favorite wind-down activity at night or before I go out. Fascial manipulation helps drain fluid from your face, increase blood circulation, and shape and contours your face. It’s a godsend and feels so good. I have TMJ and the gua sha stone soothes those tight muscles.
3. Cold: I talk about Wim Hof and his method all the time. He loves cold therapy because of the benefits: improves circulation, burns fat, boosts your immune system, and gives you an endorphin rush. I do the below
• Freezing cold shower – I started with 1 minute and am working up from there. Still too afraid to try a cold plunge.
• Eye gel pads + sheets masks – Put these in the fridge! The BEST.

Did you experience postpartum swelling? Tell me your tips and how to deal!

xx

kaitlin