Postpartum Care 101:
How to take care of yourself after birth
Just about the time you are ready to give birth, you have adjusted to many of the pregnancy discomforts, physical and emotional changes that you have experienced. You are more than ready to deliver your baby and have your body to yourself again!
Your body has been busy during the nine months that you carried your baby, and will need time and nurturing to recover from pregnancy and birth. You will be so focused on caring for your new little bundle, but don’t forget to care for yourself as well. Here are some helpful tips on how to care for yourself so you can have enough energy to take care of your little one.
Limit your visitors so that you and baby have plenty of rest and time to bond
Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains
Don’t diet or limit your food groups to lose weight, this will come in time
Follow your doctor and hospital’s instructions for best recovery
Drink plenty of water, and take your stool softeners to reduce constipation issues
Talk to your partner, friends or family if you are experiencing sadness or anxiety
If you’re experiencing sadness or anxiety for more than 2 weeks, contact The Mom & Dad project to help connect you to resources
Get help with cleaning and/or meals
If you feel like you need help, ask for it!
Schedule your postpartum checkup
Get as much rest as you can, sleep when baby sleeps
These are just some guidelines that have proven very helpful to families during the early days and as your body heals and you adjust to your new, sweet little baby. Be patient with yourself, and with baby. Take care to get plenty of rest, eat healthy, make sure you hydrate, and try to reduce your stress by having honest and open conversations about how you feel with your partner, family or friends. Spend lots of time with baby skin to skin to bond and attach and increase your milk supply. Congratulations on the addition of your new family member, and remember to take time to nurture and care for yourself!
