Postpartum care needs to be taken seriously both by new parents and by those around them post-birth. It is only natural for all the focus on the new baby, and many new parents will agree this is right. But neglecting postpartum care can lead to longer recovery times.
Everyone is different and will require different levels of support and care after giving birth, influenced by various factors such as general health, home situations, and the type of birth they experienced. With 1 in 7 new mothers thought to share postpartum mental health concerns in the first 12 months after giving birth, focusing on supporting new parents in this time is vital.
But what can you do for yourself to support your body and mind post-pregnancy?
Plan Ahead
Being prepared for having a new baby at home before the baby arrives is a great way to take the pressure off everyone. From making meals up ready to heat and eat when you don’t know what it is to have an organization’s system for feeding and clothing and diaper changes ready to go can be a massive weight off your mind/ Not everything goes to plan, and that is perfectly ok but being prepared can give you a head start. So buy your baby equipment from Foryourlittleone and have it at home ready to wash and organize all baby clothing. Stock up on baby wipes, cleaning equipment, bibs, muslins, and any gadgets you need and have them ready to use.
Be Honest
There is a somewhat idyllic picture that everything will be rosy and amazing after birth, and being a parent will come naturally. This isn’t true for everyone, and being realistic about how you might be finding things can open the doors for support from family and friends, and medical professionals. Needing help as a new parent isn’t something to be ashamed of but glossing over the hard things or making things harder for yourself won’t help you.
Don’t Push It
Giving birth is a substantial physical trauma your body goes through, and it will naturally take time for your body to recover. From the aches and pain as your uterus shrinks back to size. The skill of getting those kegel exercises correctly and the initial sleep deprivation being a new parent all put a strain on your physical health.
Generally, when you suffer a trauma, you are expected to rest to allow your body to recuperate except after giving birth. Feel free to say no to visitors or attend engagements or events, even just a coffee date with a friend. Take as much rest as you can when you can (everyone knows that sleeping when the baby sleeps isn’t possible or practical).
Lastly, take help when offered. Even if for a short while. While no one expects you to let others take your new baby out for hours on end while you sleep, allowing loved ones to support you by taking care of chores or taking on a feed can give you added time to relax and rest and let your body recover from birth.
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