10 Postpartum Tips for New Mothers
We’ll put it simply—postpartum is emotionally, mentally, and physically exhausting, magical, and an experience quite unlike anything else.
Along with their new responsibilities as a mother, you’re also struggling internally with this massive change and may feel uncomfortable, depressed, anxious, or isolated.
Luckily, plenty of brave mothers that came you before have shared their tried and true tips for postpartum life, giving new mothers these 10 postpartum 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 her child with the best possible care.
Eat Nutritious Meals
Everyone's heard the phrase "you are what you eat," and many of us mamas take this to heart throughout their pregnancies. It's definitely important to eat healthy while carrying a baby. However, it's just as important to consume nutritious meals after giving birth.
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 a new mother's self-confidence (and let’s be honest, we all could do with more of that!).
Take Charge of Your Mental Health
Reaching out to a licensed therapist, counselor, or psychiatrist may be a worthwhile option for mothers experiencing emotional challenges. This is an absolutely crucial post partum tip. And quite frankly, becoming a mom at all is an emotional rollercoaster. Take time to check in with yourself or talk to someone in a therapeutic setting. Try venting about the stresses of parenthood and the complex internal dialogue of trying to navigate the world with a new identity.
Check in With Care Providers
It’s completely normal to feel a touch 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 care providers and consider checking in with your doctor with any questions or concerns.
Save Time for Personal Interests
Yes, it's likely that, as a new mother, you’ll spend a majority of their time caring for your new little one, but it's just as important for them to set aside time for their own interests, such as a craft, a book, a new movie, or even simple meditation.
Heal the Body
Healing the body after giving birth is essential for overcoming postpartum challenges. Mothers can use remedies and products designed to decrease discomfort from things like clogged milk ducts so they can focus on healing their bodies to provide their children with the best possible care.
Prioritize Comfort
The truth is that postpartum is quite…uncomfortable. Thankfully, 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 their comfort means that mothers 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 after you’ve gotten enough time for you. Connecting with others can uplift your mood significantly and make it easier to carry on with life and all that comes with it.
Be Kind
Not only have we carried a child for nine months, we’ve also birthed them and taken responsibility for their livelihood. These are big undertakings that can be stressful for anyone. Which, is why postpartum mothers should be proud of what they've already accomplished. Be kind to yourself. Offer yourself compassion and care. If there’s anyone who deserves your unconditional love right now, it’s you.
