Be a Chai Momma, Don't be a Dry Momma.

Check check check it out!! I got the chance to guest blog on the amazing ChaiMommas.com! Click here… 

Image: Mother Breast-feeding her Baby, by Louis Fleckenstein, c. 1900.

In chatting with my lovely friends over at chaimommas.com, I found out that dry skin is quite the issue for breast-feeding mothers. I’ve never heard of this phenomenon before but I have made it my mission to keep the skin of pregnant and post-pregnant ladies soft, glowing and cuddle-tastic. Of course, with the recent stresses on the body and constant milk production, it’s very important for new moms to stay hydrated on the inside.  It’s recommended you take in 3 liters or 13 cups of fluids daily.  That’s a lot of trips to the bathroom, but it’s worth it!

Alright, let’s get into staying moist from outside.  As I have said before, your skin is a barrier that keeps water in.  Stresses on the body and skin disorders like eczema can weaken that barrier, making it more prone to letting water out and becoming dry like a desert riverbed.  Add the winter dryness in the mix, and you have the perfect storm for rough skin.  So your job is to stay ahead of the game and moisturize, moisturize, moisturize, even before you start feeling dry.

I can imagine it can get hard, when you don’t even have time to shower every day with the new babe. So let’s keep it simple. Slather on the Cetaphil, an incredibly gentle and safe, yet effective moisturizer, all over mommy and baby, in the morning, night and after the shower when your skin is still a little wet.  For the mamas that want something a little more natural, almond oil is a great moisturizer, as well.

For eczema flares, it is safe to apply your prescribed topical steroids directly on the nipple. Nipple dermatitis is a big problem, especially during the first week of feeding, and usually improves with a better latch. Use warm water compresses for temporary relief. For more tips on skin conditions during breastfeeding, go here, or even better, pay a visit to your handy dandy dermatologist. 

Yes, we can…  keep your post-pregnancy skin perfectly soft for a baby to nuzzle.