2023 Author: Anita Thornton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-05-22 03:30
Future mothers are more prone to fatigue and dizziness. That's why they absolutely must find the strength to cool off when the heat wave rages.
So here are ten cooling tips for hot weather suggested by birth attendants and women who have had summer babies.
1. Stay hydrated
“You need to drink more water than ever,” stresses mom Vanessa C. Add a little sweetness to vary it: citrus fruits or fruits. Alternatively, whip up delicious homemade smoothie recipes and bet on thirst-quenching snacks like whole fruit and popsicles. Especially avoid sugary drinks, as they won't really quench your thirst.
2. Air everything
Take advantage of the soothing freshness of the morning to circulate the air in the house. Then close the blinds. As soon as the heat returns, turn on the fans or air conditioning, otherwise carry around a pocket fan or look for colder places, such as the frozen aisle at the grocery store. Fanny Labrecque, mother, says: “I gave birth to my first child in July and I put the air conditioning on max; heit was 17°C in my apartment, but I was fine; my lover was freezing (laughs). »
3. Seek the shade
“Whether it's taking shelter under an umbrella, a tree, or wearing a pale wide-brimmed hat, it's imperative to discipline yourself to stay out of the sun when the weather is breaking records. “explains Laurence Bélanger, mother-to-be. Nothing will prevent the mother-to-be from returning to perfect her tan once the heat wave has passed.
4. Take a dip
Mister, cold shower, footbath, repeated visits to the pool and aqua fitness classes: all access to water is permitted. “For my part, I even went to bed with a wet towel at night, adds Marie-Maude Lecours, mom, it kept me cool. You can also, like Mélissa Mimeault, also a mother, walk around at all times with a wet washcloth around your neck. Or, run your hands and wrists under the tap regularly to reduce swelling.
5. Choosing clothes
"If you want good advice, wear dresses, you'll feel a thousand times cooler," says Vanessa C. Favor pale, loose clothing that allows air to pass through like cotton, linen and other natural materials. Why not take a walk in a sarong? Also remember to protect your eyes with sunglasses with dark lenses and cover your head.
6. Finding Frozen Accessories
Mélanie Lamontagne, mom, tried by all means to wrap herself incold to 40°C during her last month of pregnancy: “I swore by my frozen Magic Bag, I appropriated all the ice packs in the fridge, and I even bought a bandana and a cooling vest online. » You will also find many brands of cooling towels in most sports stores.
7. Focus on rest
“Rest, implores Stéfanie Prince, birth companion and mother of a large family, you don't have to be superwomen, you have already managed to create a little human being. If your bedroom is like an oven, feel free to sleep in a cooler place like the basement, at least for a nap, or shop for a pillow designed to keep it cool.
8. Avoid certain foods
Remember to put aside foods that are too rich, fatty or sugary to breathe better when the sun is burning. They complicate digestion and generate discomfort. Katherine Labbé, maternity companion,suggests: “Priorize light and cold meals like salads, smoothie bowls, etc. You can even make herbal teas with frozen fruit. »
9. Apply more sunscreen
Blaze on sunscreen regularly too, since the skin of pregnant women is more sensitive. “A few months before giving birth, I no longer paid attention to the sun, and I quickly found myself with a mask of pregnancy, pigment spots that have followed me everywhere since», points out Maude Lévesque, mother.
10. Ask for sweets
“Please let yourself be pampered,” adds Julie Diamond, mom. You are so good at carrying life at arm's length in times of heat wave, do not hesitate to ask your spouse for a favor when he wants to take care of you. So what do you crave? A bowl of ice cream or a gentle foot massage?
Be especially kind to yourself, and save your energy for the one and only ray of sunshine that should soon melt you.
To consult our complete file on activities to do as a family this summer, click here
