Our bodies go through an amazing transformation throughout pregnancy and after we have given birth to our babies. One change which a lot of new breastfeeding mums feel after they deliver is something which is often times referred to as “postpartum chills”.
We may have just recently entered into the coolest months of the year here in Australia, but the chills you are feeling may not be related to the sudden dip in temperature.
A Common Phenomenon
One study took on the challenge of trying to determine the cause behind these “postpartum chills”. After observing 97 women who had a normal vaginal delivery, it was discovered that 31 of these women (32%) experienced postpartum chills.
Could It Be Mastitis?
Mastitis is a breast infection which brings with it many flu-like symptoms such as malaise and a fever. Due to a mum’s increase in temperature, you will likely sweat more. This can cause you to feel chilly as your body cools. Some other signs of mastitis include:
- Breasts which are tender and/or red
- Swollen breasts
- A burning sensation before, during, or after feeding
If you suspect that you are suffering from mastitis, contact your doctor as soon as possible for a diagnosis confirmation and for treatment.
Other Possible Reasons
While medical professionals are still uncertain as to why many breastfeeding mums suffer from postpartum chills, some other suspected reasons include low iron (anaemia), a thyroid imbalance, or because your hormones are trying to regulate.
How Can I Keep Warm?
The good news is that there are things you can do to help make sure that you feel warm while you feed your bub.
- A hot water bottle or electric heating pad
- A personal heater
- Slippers and robe
- Dry breastpads
- Hot herbal tea in a Thermos
- Dress in layers
Peachymama has the layering essentials you need to ensure that you stay at the right temperature throughout the day. Start with your nursing bra and one of our specially designed Peachymamabreastfeeding tops and then layer it with one of our brand new long sleeved breastfeeding tops such as ourButterflies breastfeeding tunic. You will not only feel snug and warm, but you will look fantastic too.
Functional fashions is what we at Peachymama are all about. Browse through ourlatest collection of breastfeedingtops,tanks anddresses from the comfort of your home atwww.peachymama.com.au.
Further Reading:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11167210
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mastitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20374829