It's hard enough looking after a newborn anyway, let alone when you're hit with a nasty cold or the flu! Those sleepless nights mixed with a heavy head and block sinuses can really make you feel dreary and down, if you're breastfeeding too it can be hard to know what products you can take that won't affect your milk etc plus a lot of medications can inflict drowsiness which is probably the last thing you want! Instead of reaching for the usual medicated products, try a more natural approach using fresh ingredients, you can buy some fantastic products from herbalists like Napiers, some of which can give you a real boost whilst ensuring you feel refreshed and 'clean', instead of drowsy and groggy! Below I have included some ideas to hopefully, help you feel better :)
Homemade Honey & Lemon
Probably my go to remedy when I'm feeling a bit bunged up, all you need to do is to squeeze half a lemon into a mug, a teaspoon of honey and try adding a clove too (it's actually one of the healthiest herbs!) Stir it all up and leave it to infuse for 5 minutes and enjoy! :). I usually have 2 or 3 a day and they really make me feel brighter and clear my sinuses too! Feel free to add more honey if you prefer it a little sweeter :)Vitamin C
We all know vitamins are good for you, so why do so many of us still not take them? I took them as a teenager when I hit puberty and they really helped with moods and my skin in particular, they really made a big difference! The best vitamin to help cold symptoms is Vitamin C, so orange juice, special cough drops and even orange flavoured hot tea are amazing! It is also naturally found in vegetables and fruits, especially oranges and other citrus fruits, so stock up your fruit drawer!Vitamin D
Vitamin D can be found naturally in some seafood, but it is often added to fruit juices and grain products, as well as the sun, although you want to stay wrapped up in your bed under the duvet, fresh air can really do you the world of good! It is also essential for bone health, and is also used to promote heart, circulatory, skin, lung, oral, muscle, and immune health, exactly the type of thing you need for that boost in energy! Many people do not have adequate levels of vitamin D in their systems, especially during the winter, so your immune system is automatically lower, add that together with having a cold and it's no wonder you're feeling so rubbish!Rest
I know this is hard when you have a new baby, even if you don't sleep, try and put your feet up when baby sleeps and just relax, maybe try some soothing music to help you too! Also get your partner, a friend or family member to watch your little one for just an hour so you can have some time to properly relax, run yourself a hot bath, try running the hot tap alone for a few minutes to create a steam filled room, then add some natural or organic bubble bath with lavender and orange to infuse it too and just lay there for half hour and do nothing! :)*Disclaimer - I am not an expert so make sure to check with your doctor or the labels to ensure they are definitely safe for you or during breastfeeding! :)
