From the news of being pregnant to living those nine months and finally giving birth, it is a roller-coaster ride for a woman. And it does not end with your child being born. It is a new chapter dominated by sleepless nights, diaper changes, feeding, cuddles, and extreme cuteness. However, in doing all this, women must also care for themselves. Even though the minutes seem shorter, taking care of yourself is not a luxury for you; it is necessary. A postpartum body is weak, irrespective of whether you had a C-section or a vaginal delivery. It will help you recover your body, which is ultimately better for you. If you feel healthy and calm, caring for a newborn becomes easier.
Here are a few things you can do to take care of yourself postpartum while adjusting to your baby.
Rest as much as you can
Resting is the best way to recover. C-sections and vaginal deliveries are both tiring and painful. Getting proper rest in the hospital is not always possible. So, after the delivery, try to get as much rest as possible at home. There is a saying, “Sleep when your baby sleeps.” Sometimes, it is not practical, as you have chores or things you want to do that you can do after the baby sleeps. However, in the initial weeks, prioritize sleeping over anything else. Try to sleep more, as it will help your body recover quickly.
Be physically active
Being physically active after the delivery helps. But in the initial weeks, limit it to walking unless your doctor gives you the green light to do strenuous exercise. But continue walking, even if you do it only for 10 minutes daily. Movement is always good for your body and mental health. (1)
Take care of any pain and other issues.
Postpartum women always complain about back pain or other pelvic issues. For instance, urine incontinence is a common problem for most postpartum women. Neglecting such problems will lead to more problems later. Ask your doctor if the time is right for you to take physiotherapy for your back pain and other pelvic issues. Physical therapy can help with this. Find the best local physical therapist specializing in postpartum issues. For people in Darlinghurst, Darlinghurst Physio can help them recover their strength, pelvic issues, or other issues without medication.
Seek help
In your postpartum phase, you must seek help from friends and family. Your body is recovering, and pushing it too much will not do you any favors. And your partner also feels tired taking care of you and the baby and doing chores. So, if you can, seek help. Never hesitate to ask; you will be surprised how many people will be happy to help you.
Eat well
Eating well after delivery is super important. A nutritious diet helps your body recover well. You do not have a fixed time for meals postpartum as you cater to your baby. But try to eat at a fixed time and ensure you always eat a balanced meal. Focus more on protein and fiber to stay healthy and even lose weight.
Another thing is to stay hydrated. Drinking lots of water while breastfeeding is essential. You can order a prepped and frozen meal before delivery. Or subscribe to meal plans for ease.
Go out for fresh air.
If you have a garden, go out for a few minutes and sit there. Being in nature and breathing fresh air is always good for physical and mental health. You are either not sleeping or sleeping less at night. Spending a few minutes outdoors will do you good. Walking with your baby will be refreshing for you both if you can.
Socialize
Having someone to talk to who understands what you are going through. Thus, finding new parents in your locality or nearby can help. It gives you much-needed support, and you can always help each other with recommendations. You can even organize a playdate, allowing you to interact with others.
Have a gatekeeper for your visitors
Everyone is excited to meet your new baby, and you are excited to show the baby off, too. Yet, the constant flow of visitors can overwhelm you. Also, you are tired and need peace. So, appoint someone who can limit the number of visitors. Also, do not be shy about speaking up if you do not want anyone to touch or hold your baby, as their immune system is low.
As a new mom, you will sacrifice meal times, naps, chores, personal space, and more for your baby. But occasionally, it is okay to put yourself above everyone, even your baby’s needs. Allowing yourself to recover and get better is essential for everyone around you. (2)
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