6 postnatal care tips for new and experienced mums
When it comes to postnatal care, not enough can be written about it. Whether it’s from well-meaning friends and family or from online forums or podcasts, everyone has an opinion about what you can do to make it better for you.
This post covers six tips that, on hindsight, I found worked for me during my postpartum period. These are the six positives that stand out for me when I think back to my postpartum time.
1. Rest
I know it may sound impossible and you may think I’m crazy to even bring it up so early in the list… But rest is the single most important thing you need to be doing right now. I used to laugh at the old adage ‘Sleep when the baby sleeps‘ because we all know that isn’t going to happen often enough.
However, rest can mean different things to different people. Time taken for self care may be restful to some and stressful for others. Getting someone to watch the baby while you have a bubble bath may sound dreamy to some and neglectful to others. The key is to recognize what your body needs for that moment and act on it. If all you need is to just get away for an hour, away from the hustle and bustle of newborn-hood, then that’s exactly what you should act on. Arrange a time with your significant other (or parents or friend or babysitter or a trusted neighbour) and take the hour that you need.
2. Nutrition & Hydration
Some cultures dictate that certain types of food should be eaten during the postpartum recovery process and this, in itself, brings peace of mind to many women to know that their needs are being taken care of by like-minded women within their village.
Diet and nutrition are important factors that contribute towards your mental health. Eating foods that are rich in nutrients and drinking a decent amount of water daily allows your body to function optimally. Keep healthy snacks and sensible nibbles handy to keep your energy up throughout the day.
3. Stay active – in mind and body
Depending on your unique birth experience, you can begin your daily exercise routine with mild stretches and light exercises. Be cautious that your delicate and sensitive body may not be able to achieve what it once used to. STOP when you begin to feel any discomfort and ensure you have been given the go-ahead from a health care professional.
Develop your own routine based on your generic needs. Do what works for you. For example, a relaxed walk during the afternoon will boost your adrenaline levels which will help your body deal better with the stressful evenings.
Keep your mind active by reading (not necessarily something baby-related), doing word puzzles and other activities that take your mind off baby-related issues for a short while.
4. Hygiene and self care
Taking care of your own wellbeing will increase your level of control on the more difficult days. A daily shower, even if for just a few minutes, a nightly for massage or any other forms of self care that fit into your unique lifestyle will boost your general outlook.
5. Be mindful of the baby blues
Being mindful of your thought processes means that you would be able to nip the baby blues and postnatal depression in the bud if it does, in fact, make its appearance. In a previous blog post, I offered a free postnatal physical and mental health tracker. Feel free to download yours and use it to keep track of your postnatal moods.
6. Get help if you need it
There is no one who knows you better than YOU. Get help if you:
☑️ feel overwhelmed and stressed out
☑️ feel lonely and despondent
☑️ feel conflicted after giving birth
☑️ are you wondering where the old you is gone and what the new you will look like
☑️ have more thought to your 𝒃𝒊𝒓𝒕𝒉 𝒑𝒍𝒂𝒏 and not enough thought into your 𝒑𝒐𝒔𝒕𝒏𝒂𝒕𝒂𝒍 𝒑𝒍𝒂𝒏
We tend to do better when we feel better. Take some time to see to yourself and you’ll see a world of difference in your outlook.
Stay well, inside and out
Waheeda, a.k.a Waydi
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