Self Care After Having a Baby

Did you just have a baby? If so, congratulations! These next six weeks are so important for both you and your baby. This time is considered the postpartum stage, where the moms get to recover from childbirth. Many moms would argue that to make a full recovery from birth, it would require more than just six weeks. However long it takes you to recover, there are some important things to remember. Yes you will take care of your physical health, but your mental health as well. Here are some tips to help you with both!

Your Physical Health

Whether you delivered via c-section or natural, having a baby is rough on your body and you will need weeks to recover! Don’t over do it. Take these few weeks to get as much rest as you can. It will help you heal faster!

Once you start feeling better, don’t be afraid to get up and move around. Go for a walk, or clean something small in your house to get yourself moving. Getting up and doing something can also help your body heal faster, but again, don’t over do it!

Make sure to eat healthy and drink TONS of water, especially if you choose to breastfeed because you will always be thirsty. Your body needs the extra calories, and eating healthy can help you have a smooth recovery.

Also be sure to attend your postpartum doctors appointment so they can make sure that your body is healing how it is supposed to and so they can make sure that you are doing okay mentally as well.

Your Mental Health

Start by getting in the habit of not comparing yourself to other moms. Everyone is going to heal differently after having a baby, everyone is going to parent differently, and everyone is going to handle the stresses of having a new baby at home differently. It is so important to not compare yourself to others. This is your special journey and it won’t be the same as those around you.

Next, try to accept the fact that you can’t do it all. Let those around you help out. Since my husband can’t feed the baby, he has gotten really good at making sure that I am fed and that I always have the things I need. It was hard for me to depend on him at first, but I am realizing that even if he does little things like filling up my water, it makes a difference! You are not alone in this new process, so let people help you!

Also be sure to schedule some “me time”. Even Though you just had a baby and they pretty much rely on you 24/7, you still need some time to be alone, even if it is just for 15 or 20 minutes. Thankfully new babies sleep a lot, so during naps is a great time to do something for yourself. That could include taking a nap of your own, or taking a nice hot shower! You can also hire a babysitter or pass your kiddo off with a family member so you can have a little break and give yourself some time to recharge.

Signs you need to recharge:

Are you feeling irritable? Overwhelmed? Emotional, or just plain exhausted? These can be normal feelings after having a baby, but they can also mean that you need to take a moment for yourself. You need to make sure you are okay in order to take care of your little family.

Just remember that childbirth is a wonderful experience because you bring new life into the world. Just take it easy and one day at a time. You are doing great!