Postpartum Care Guide
Mama care is as important as baby care.
The postpartum period is an intense and life changing part of motherhood. Your physical, mental and emotional body is undergoing major changes. You may be feeling pain during your recovery, a rollercoaster of emotions after giving birth or experiencing baby blues while spending many sleepless nights bonding with your new baby. You’re probably feeling things you’ve never felt before--physically and emotionally. It’s important to take a deep breath, slow down and know that you can do this.
The Importance of Self Care
Postpartum care is as important as pregnancy care. However, it is often overlooked by the typical medical care model. In the hospital, you’ll be expected to stay for around 48 hours, but after that, you’re on your own until your 6-week follow up visit. If you’re looking for a more personal care model, I’d recommend considering hiring a birth doula or using a midwife, as these individuals are better educated on how to help care for the postpartum mother during her recovery.
Bare Essentials:
Breathe. You got this, Mama.
If you’re able to, have someone come help you and your partner during the postpartum period. Even something as simple as a meal delivered during this time can make a huge difference and allow you to sleep more. If you don’t have friends or family nearby to help you, consider meal prepping during the last few months of pregnancy. Try to pregame for your postpartum period.
Prepare Before You Give Birth
Think about comfort items you’d like to have during this time. Favorite protein-packed snacks or nourishing, home-cooked meals are great things to have on hand. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Try asking mothers you know what they liked to have during their postpartum recovery. Preparing for the time after pregnancy is as important as the preparations you made before you were pregnant.
Get Out in the Sun
It’s easy to get caught in the trap of becoming an overly tired shut-in during recovery. While some moms may enjoy staying secluded for weeks or even months after birth, don’t be afraid to step outside--even just on your porch--to get some fresh air and sunshine. Postpartum depression is real and natural light can definitely help combat this. Gentle morning strolls with your baby are also very healing.
Take It One Day at a Time
Be gentle with yourself. It’s normal to find yourself crying uncontrollably for no reason or to feel emotionally numb during this time. Just know that it will pass. Try to take things minute-by-minute and day-by-day. Don’t worry about the future. Read your Bible, listen to new podcasts and talk with loved ones for encouragement.
Don’t Isolate Yourself
Seek out a community with other new mamas in your area, if you don’t have one already. Most likely, these women will be able to relate to how you’re feeling. Every postpartum recovery is different, but it will feel good to talk to someone who can truly empathize with you. Interacting with other adults and planning small outings will help play a key part in making you feel human again after birth. Try dabbling in some of your favorite small hobbies to lift you out of the postpartum funk.
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