CONGRATS, you just birthed a human, now you’re headed home to care for your newborn while also learning how to deal with all the changes as a new mom.
Postpartum care, where do you start? Aside from simply healing your body, there are several things you should do for yourself to maintain your own health along your postpartum journey.
Let’s get into it!
9 Tips for Postpartum Care
Here are 9 quick but useful tips for postpartum care.
Get Rest
Sleep when you can – not just when the baby sleeps. Newborn sleep is anything but predictable. You may only get a few minutes of rest several times a day, but those minutes will add up. Take what you can!
Split Duties
If possible, work out a schedule with your partner that allows each of you alternately to rest and care for the baby. The same goes for the night shift. If you feed, they burp. Find what works for you both.
Listen to Your Body
There’s a lot of pressure on new moms to “bounce back” after baby, but be cautious. Working out too soon could actually do more harm than good. If you choose to start an exercise program, take it slow. If you experience*any discomfort at all, immediately stop and rest. You will get back to your pre-baby and pre-pregnancy exercise routines eventually, there’s no need to rush.
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Ask for Help
Motherhood is hard. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. Solicit all the help you can from friends and family. Having them help with chores around the house or caring for the baby might actually leave you with more time to rest. Plus, a little adult interaction is sometimes necessary.
Treat Yourself
Chances are pampering yourself is the last thing on your to-do list right now, but prioritizing self-care will restore your patience. A book that pedicure, schedule a night out with your girlfriends, or go for a drive. You deserve a little “me” time.
Eat Right
Your body has undergone some major changes and depletion in the last 9 months, it’s important to replenish it with proper hydration and nutrients, especially if you’re nursing. Try planning simple, healthy meals and snacks that are easy to grab, or pop in the oven. Opt for grocery delivery if you don’t have time to prep. Speak with your doctor about specific foods that’ll boost energy and aid in your postpartum recovery.
Unplug
Take a break from social media. Along with the feelings of failure, social media also can create false pressures to achieve. The only thing you should be worrying about during postpartum is caring for yourself and your baby. Social media can drain away the limited time you have for self-care.
Give Yourself Grace
You don’t have to have everything figured out as a new mom, and you won’t. Know that you’re doing the best you can, with what you know, in this very moment.
Get Outside
It’s one of the few safe things you can do with the baby early on. Whether you’re walking around the block, or simply stepping outside your door for a few minutes of sunshine, connecting with nature has been proven to reduce anxiety and improve moods through increased serotonin levels.
Enjoy The Moments
We know everyone says “they grow up fast” they are truly true. If you are ever in doubt or always reach out to your doctor or pediatrician they are there to help. Trust your intuition.