10 Postpartum Tips for New Mothers
As a new mother, you may find yourself feeling exhausted—emotionally, mentally, and physically. Along with new responsibilities, the journey to motherhood is a massive change and may leave you feeling uncomfortable, depressed, anxious, or isolated.
Luckily, plenty of brave mothers that came before have shared their tried and true tips for postpartum life. Here are 10 tips for navigating life after giving birth:
Get Plenty of Rest
Rest is vital for overcoming any negative postpartum symptoms. Being well-rested can make you more emotionally alert, physically capable, and mentally prepared to provide your child with the best possible care.
Eat Nutritious Meals
Everyone's heard the phrase "you are what you eat," and many women take this to heart throughout their pregnancies. While it's definitely important to eat healthy while carrying a baby, it's just as important to consume nutritious meals after giving birth. It will give you the energy and sustenance you need to navigate the ups and downs of postpartum life.
Set Aside Time to Exercise
Exercise can vastly improve your mood thanks to the release of endorphins, which are feel-good chemicals that can make a person happier and more energized. A good workout also contributes to a healthier and stronger body, which can improve your self-confidence.
Take Charge of Your Mental Health
Reaching out to a licensed therapist, counselor, or psychiatrist may be a worthwhile option for new mamas experiencing emotional challenges. Talking to someone in a therapeutic setting can be a good way to vent about the stresses of parenthood and the complex internal dialogue of your new identity. It’s always okay to ask for help and support when you need it.
Check in With Doctors
It’s normal to feel concerned about the state of your body after giving birth. With so many changes in such a short amount of time, it can be difficult to decipher what's normal and what isn't. Lean on your practitioners, midwives, and physicians to get the support you need.
Save Time for Personal Interests
Yes, it's likely that you’re spending a majority of your time caring for your child, but it's just as important to set aside time for your own interests, such as a craft, a book, a new movie, or even simple meditation. Your well-being is just as important as your little one’s.
Heal the Body
Healing the body after giving birth is essential for overcoming postpartum challenges. As a new mama, you can use remedies and products designed to decrease discomfort from things like clogged milk ducts so you can focus on healing your body to provide your children with the best possible care.
Prioritize Comfort
You can use products specifically designed to ease the pain associated with breastfeeding and even reduce milk production during the weaning process, providing much-needed relief.
Clogged milk ducts, inflammation, and engorgement can all be fairly uncomfortable. Prioritizing your comfort means you can enter the postpartum and weaning stages feeling as healthy and capable as possible.
Stay Social
The time after birth can be a stressful experience, which is why it's so important to remain social and connect with friends and family. This can improve your mood significantly and make it easier to stay motivated in carrying out your duties as a parent.
Be Kind
Not only have you carried a child for nine months, you’ve also birthed them and taken responsibility for their livelihood. These are big undertakings that can be stressful for anyone, which is why you should be proud of what you’ve already accomplished. Remember to be kind to yourself daily.
