Puffy face dilemma

Things are going wonderful with our new BB.  We got out this morning to Lil Q's soccer game.  It was our first family outing and Koko was a huge help.  It was a bit stressful, but overall, a great experience.  Afterward, we headed over to my sister in law's, which was near the soccer fields, to eat lunch and introduce the baby to its cousins.  Overall, a wonderful day -- especially since BB let me take a four hour nap upon our return home.

I know it's too soon to really concern myself with fitting into jeans, but I'm OCD, so I just go with it.  I am wearing some early maternity pants from the Gap which don't look like maternity at all.  They actually have a "normal" looking waist-line.  I'd highly recommend.  But, I do long for looking normal in and wearing my jeans -- I know it will be a long while, but I did fit into my biggest pair today!  They are ultra low rise from Charlotte Russe and size 9.  They have always been big and next week, I bet I will be able to wear them without looking ridiculous.  They might be the only pair, but that's moving in the right direction.

Most of my immediate issue right now involves Edema --- which is the swelling (I'll worry about the fat and toning in a few weeks).  I didn't want an IV during delivery because it really makes the swelling bad, but since I had to have one, am now very puffy - even more than just with the pregnancy. 

Here's a great article I found on helping hasten the process of your body eliminating its excess water and helping you feel "normal" again!  I will NOT be participating in water aerobics or fasting though.  I'm hungry and am petrified of a bathing suit right now!

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How to Reduce Swelling (Edema) Quickly After Pregnancy

By Laura Schofield, http://www.ehow.com/how_4471050_swelling-edema-quickly-after-pregnancy.html

During pregnancy women get big. Big bellies, big ankles, sometimes even our feet and entire legs get swollen to unusual proportions! After giving birth, we long to fit back into our pre-pregnancy clothing and shoes. Our bodies need time to get rid of all of the retained fluids though. This bloating is referred to as edema and will naturally right itself eventually. What if we'd like to hurry the process up though?

I gave birth to my fourth child 3 days ago. Hoping to enjoy the last days of summer after a difficult pregnancy, my ankles and legs are swollen to embarrassing proportions. This situation has inspired me to write on reducing post-pregnancy swelling as I research the topic myself.

Pregnancy doesn't always cause swelling. This is the first time I've been afflicted with it (and I got it bad). When you are swollen, here is what you can do.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Swollen body parts due to a pregnancy. (LOL - check!!!) 
• A desire to reduce your swelling.
• Lots of water
• Maternity Support Hose
• Comfortable Shoes
• Fresh fruits and vegetables
• A bath tub
• Access to a swimming pool

1. 
   
   
   Step 1: Drink lots of water. Oddly enough, this will help your body retain less fluids as well as discourage muscle cramps in the legs (another joy of pregnancy).
2. 
   
   
   Step 2: Eat well and avoid junk food. Eat a balanced diet and avoid food high in salt (salt encourages bloating). Raw fruits and vegetables are especially recommended to reduce your edema.
3. 
   
   
   Step 3: Get mild exercise. Even though it is recommended that you "stay off your feet", mild exercise is important for reducing edema or swelling. Go walking, practice yoga, do stretches.
4. 
   
   
   Step 4: When sitting, prop your feet up on a stack of books or foot stool.
5. 
   
   
   Step 5: Elevate your feet throughout the day. If at all possible, lay on your left side for periods throughout the day. Because the vena cava is located on the right side of your body and is responsible for a lot of the swelling, you don't want to further compromise it by laying on it.
6. 
   
   
   Step 6: While sitting, occasionally wiggle your toes around and circle your feet from the ankles. You can also point and flex your feet if you are able to.
7. 
   
   
   Step 7: If sitting or standing for extended periods of time, take a break to walk around, lie down or just stretch your legs.
8. 
   
   
   Step 8: Wear support hose, particularly maternity support hose. Avoid stockings or socks with restrictive bands around the ankles or legs.
9. 
   
   
   Step 9: At night, keep your feet elevated. You can also put ice packs on your feet to make them more comfortable.
10. 
    
    
    Step 10: Go swimming or participate in water aerobics.  This will allow you to get mild exercise easier, which reduces your edema. It is also refreshing to be able to move your knees and ankles without strain - even if only while you're in the water!
11. 
    
    
    Step 11: Take several hot baths or saunas during the week. Do not do this if you are still pregnant however, as you don't want to overheat and risk damaging your unborn child. Use your bath time to stretch your muscles, pointing and flexing your feet.
12. 
    
    
    Step 12: Ensure you are getting plenty of the following vitamins and minerals: vitamin B complex (reduces water retention), vitamin C with bioflavonoids (improves adrenal function), calcium - magnesium - zinc complex (replaces minerals lost through fighting edema), kelp (improves thyroid function), bromelain (aids digestion and metabolism), vitamin E (aids circulation), potassium (helps keep body fluids in cell walls).
13. 
    
    
    Step 13: If you have already given birth, you may follow a fasting program to flush excess water from your tissues. You may wish to consult your doctor before doing this if you are nursing your child.