A woman’s body is capable of creating and nurturing life. Once she has birthed her baby, a woman often goes through an intense recovery process, as hormones stabilize and her body heals. Here are a few postpartum care tips for a quick, easy recovery:
Prepare healthy meals and freeze them
As you adjust to having a new baby in the house and tend to their needs, you may not have much time to dedicate to food preparation. However, nourishing your body postpartum is crucial in maintaining your physical/mental health and supporting your milk supply.
Ensure you’re getting all the necessary vitamins and nutrients by preparing healthy meals in the weeks leading up to delivery and freezing these meals. Once your baby has arrived, all you’ll have to do is pull a meal out of the freezer and reheat it. If you’re afraid you’ll get busy and forget to eat, set reminders for yourself. You can’t be the best Mom you can be if you’re not taking care of yourself first!
If you’re breastfeeding, it may be beneficial to store snacks and water bottles throughout the house so you can easily grab a snack or water while nursing.
For low-income families requiring food assistance, click here.
Schedule sleep and rest
Newborns don’t sleep through the night; unfortunately, new parents don’t either. Sleep deprivation can impact a new parent’s physical/mental health. Therefore, it’s important to prioritize sleep and rest when you can.
Many recommend sleeping when the baby sleeps, but this isn’t always as simple as it sounds—especially when your home is in disarray or you have other obligations to attend to. If you can’t squeeze in a quick nap, set aside time to simply rest, even if that means just sitting on the couch and watching an episode of your favorite show while you fold laundry.
Ask for help
As you adjust to your new normal, it may be overwhelming tending to your baby’s needs while maintaining your home, entertaining guests who come to meet your new baby, and possibly returning to employment. That’s why it’s so important to ask for help when you need it. Your partner, family, and friends want to help you navigate this new phase in your life.
Your partner is your first line of help and generally they want to do so! Don’t be afraid to ask. If they have not offered, they simply may be overwhelmed as well. Together you can get through this! Here are some resources that may help him help you:
If a friend or family member is coming to visit, ask if they can hold the baby while you take a quick shower or help you fold some laundry.
If you’re in need of material assistance, there are resources available to new parents. Embrace Grace, Walking with Moms in Need, and HerPlan are just a few of the many private charitable organizations that provide assistance nationwide.
Seek help for your mental health
Depression and anxiety are common in postpartum women as their hormones stabilize and they adjust to being new mothers. Just because it’s common does not mean you have to suffer! Medical and psychological professionals can help you navigate these emotions and provide you with new coping skills.
If you still don’t feel like yourself after several months postpartum, schedule an appointment with your doctor to discuss treatment options. Your doctor will be able to determine if you require medication or talk therapy. There are many therapists who specialize in postpartum depression and anxiety.
For low-income families, Medicaid offers coverage for healthcare and mental health services.
Learn more about the various stages of fetal development (conception, first, second, and third trimester) and don’t forget to follow us on social media (Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok).