5 Postpartum Recovery Tips for New Mums
Photo by cottonbro studio
Welcoming a new life into the world is a beautiful experience, but it's not without its challenges. The postpartum period can be a challenging time for new mothers, as you adjust to life with a newborn and recover from the physical and emotional demands of pregnancy and childbirth.
Postpartum recovery is a gradual process that can take several weeks or even months, depending on the individual. Here are some tips to help you recover from postpartum and ease your transition into motherhood.
1. Rest Up!
Rest is essential for postpartum recovery. Your body just brought a tiny human into the world! The least you can do is give it a break. Don’t feel rushed to get back into normal exercise or work routines– those will be there when you have the energy to start easing back into reality. But for now, recognize that postpartum recovery can be a special time of bonding and rest with your newborn!
2. Accept Help (& don’t be afraid to ask for it!)
During postpartum recovery, you won’t be able to operate at 100% and that’s ok! Don't be afraid to ask for help or accept help from others to fill in while you’re recovering. Taking care of a newborn can be overwhelming, and it's okay to ask for help with tasks like cooking, cleaning, or running errands. Additional hands could especially be necessary if you have bigger kiddos that need looking after in addition to your newborn! Family and friends may even be eager to help, so don't hesitate to ask.
3. Connect with Other Mums
As exciting as welcoming a little one into the world is, it can also feel isolating. That’s why connecting with other new mothers can be helpful for postpartum recovery. Join a new mum's group, attend a breastfeeding support group, or connect with other new mums online. Just talking with others who are going through similar experiences can help you feel less alone in your journey! For more tips, check out our blog on how to meet other mums.
4. Address Your Emotions
Postpartum emotions can be overwhelming, which is why it's essential to bring them out into the open. It's common to experience mood swings, anxiety, or depression after giving birth, but these things shouldn’t feel debilitating or interfere with your daily life. If these emotions persist, consider talking to your doctor or a mental health professional. They can provide you with resources and support to help you cope with your emotions. To learn more about the difference between baby blues and postpartum depression check out our blog.
5. Be Patient
Postpartum recovery is a gradual process, and it's different for every mum so it’s crucial to be patient with yourself. Don't compare yourself to other mothers or feel like there is a perfect way to handle this stage of your life. Take things one day at a time and recognize that these first precious moments with your new baby are times that you’ll miss someday!
While postpartum recovery can be a challenging time, the right support and self-care can make it a special time of growth and connection. Remember that everyone's postpartum experiences are different and that with time, you’ll recover and adjust to life as a new mother.