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Postpartum

Postpartum Self Care Tips For New Moms

May 20, 2022

The first few weeks after having a baby can be difficult. You are adjusting to life with a new little person, and you may be feeling overwhelmed and exhausted. It is important to take care of yourself during this time, and to get help if you need it. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the best postpartum self care tips for new moms. These tips will help you take care of your body and mind, and will make the adjustment period a little bit easier!

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Adjusting To Life After Giving Birth

Anyone who has gone through the major life change that is having a baby knows that the first few weeks and months can be a huge adjustment. Not only are you responsible for caring for a new, tiny human being, but your own body is going through big changes too.

The postpartum period is often full of ups and downs, both physically and emotionally. From new pregnancy hormones to sleep deprivation, it’s no wonder that many new parents feel like they’re barely keeping their heads above water.

However, with a little time and patience, most new parents find their stride and settle into their new role. Postpartum care is essential in those early weeks, both for mom and baby.

Once your little one is home from the hospital, make sure to take some time for yourself to recover and bond with your new bundle of joy. Adjusting to life after giving birth may not be easy, but it’s one of the most rewarding experiences you’ll ever have.

How To Heal Physically After Childbirth

After many moms deliver their baby, they are so excited and ecstatic that they forget to take care of themselves. They are completely focused on the new life they created and often times disregard their own health. It is very important to practice self care and listen to your healthcare provider after you have given birth because your body has just been through a lot.

You went from housing a small human being for nine months to pushing them out into the world. That is a lot of pressure on your body and it needs time to recover. Many moms feel like they have to immediately resume their everyday activities, but that isn’t the case.

Take some time for yourself and focus on healing physically first, then you can worry about getting back into your hectic routine.

Here’s some quick tips on how to take care of your body after childbirth…

Postpartum Self Care: Peri Area

Physical discomfort in the perineal area is common after giving birth especially after a vaginal delivery. One way to soothe perineal discomfort is to sit in a warm bath several times a day. You can also use ice packs or sitz baths (special baths you can buy at the drugstore) to ease pain and swelling. Be sure to dry the area thoroughly after each bath. Other helpful tips include:

-Wearing loose, comfortable clothing.

-Using a Squatty Potty or an exercise ball to support your back while you’re on the toilet. This will help you avoid straining and further irritating the area.

-Pouring lukewarm water over the area when you urinate to help reduce stinging.

-Taking stool softeners or eating high-fiber foods to avoid constipation, which can worsen perineal pain.

If you had an episiotomy or tear during childbirth, your doctor or midwife will give you specific instructions for caring for those wounds.

Postpartum Self Care: Bottom Care

Having a baby is a huge accomplishment, but it can also take a toll on your body. In the postpartum period, it’s important to take good care of yourself physically and emotionally. One area that often gets neglected is bottom care.

There are a number of physical discomforts that can occur postpartum, including hemorrhoids, anal fissures, and perineal tears especially after a vaginal birth. These can all be exacerbated by constipation, so it’s important to stay hydrated and eat a high-fiber diet. If you’re experiencing pain or discomfort, there are a number of over-the-counter treatments that can help.

It’s also important to remember that your postpartum body is still healing and needs time to adjust. Be gentle with yourself and don’t hesitate to ask for help if you need it. Taking care of yourself will help you feel better physically and emotionally, and will make the postpartum period more enjoyable for everyone involved.

Postpartum Self Care: Breast Care

Being a mom is hard enough, but when you factor in the lack of sleep and the constant worry that comes with being responsible for a tiny human, it’s no wonder that so many moms feel overwhelmed.

One of the things that can help ease the burden of motherhood is taking care of yourself, and that includes breast care. In the first few weeks after giving birth, your nipples will be sore and your breasts will be engorged. But if you take care of them, they will eventually adjust to breastfeeding.

For sore nipples, try using a lanolin cream or soothing hydrogel pads. And for engorged breasts, try placing boiled cabbage leaves over your breasts (which smells lovely but really works!) or taking a warm shower. If you take care of yourself, you’ll be able to better take care of your baby.

Postpartum Care: C-Section Incision Care

One of the most important things to do after you’ve had a baby, whether by vaginal delivery or c-section, is to take care of your incision (or incisions). This helps prevent infection and heals you up as quickly as possible.

If you’ve had a c-section, your healthcare provider will usually put steri-strips over your incision and/or glue. They will also give you specific instructions on how to care for your incision, but here are some general tips:

-Keep your incision clean and dry. When you bathe, keep the area around your incision clean with soap and water. You may shower starting the day after surgery unless your provider tells you not to. Don’t rub vigorously around your incision, just let the warm soapy water run over it to clean.

-Wear clean clothes. This includes underwear, shirts, pajamas, etc. Make sure there is no chance that anything could rub against your incision and cause pain or irritation. You may even want to place a sterile pad over your incision so it doesn’t get irritated on your clothes.

-Change your sanitary pads often. This helps prevent infection by keeping the area around your incision clean and dry.

-Let your incision dry completely after washing. You can even use a blow dryer to dry it faster, but be cautious since the nerve endings near the incision may still be “asleep” making it easier to burn yourself.

-Rest when you can and take it easy in general. Too much activity can cause pain and delay healing. But it’s okay—and even important—to get up and move around a bit each day. Walking is a great way to do this. Just listen to your body and don’t overdo it.

How To Heal Emotionally After Childbirth

After going through the physically and emotionally demanding process of childbirth, it’s no wonder that many women feel like they need a vacation. And while it’s important to take some time to relax and recover, it’s also essential to start working on healing emotionally.

Childbirth can be a traumatic experience, and it’s important to take the time to process what happened and work through any feelings of guilt, sadness, or anxiety. Here are a few tips for how to heal emotionally after childbirth:

-Talk about your experience with someone who will understand and listen without judgement. This could be a friend, family member, therapist, or support group.

-Write about your thoughts and feelings in a journal. This can be a helpful way to express yourself and track your progress over time.

-Be gentle with yourself. Don’t expect to immediately bounce back physically or emotionally. Allow yourself the time and space to heal in whatever way you need to.

Baby Blues vs. Postpartum Depression

The birth of a baby is a momentous occasion that comes with a lot of mixed emotions. For many new moms, the days and weeks after their baby’s arrival can be a roller coaster of ups and downs. It’s not uncommon to feel elated one minute and then feel sad or anxious the next. These feelings are often referred to as the “baby blues” and are considered normal.

However, for some women, these emotions can be more intense and long-lasting, interfering with their ability to care for themselves or their baby. This is known as postpartum depression and is a serious mental health condition that requires treatment. If you’re struggling after the birth of your child, don’t hesitate to reach out for help.

Postpartum Rage

For new parents, postpartum rage is a very real phenomenon. After months of pregnancy and weeks of sleepless nights, the sound of your baby’s cries can be enough to drive you over the edge. But what exactly is postpartum rage?

Put simply, it’s the extreme anger and frustration that can come from being a new parent. From the never-ending diaper changes to the constant lack of sleep, it’s no wonder that new parents can sometimes feel like they’re about to lose their minds.

However, it’s important to remember that postpartum rage is normal and that it will eventually pass. In the meantime, try to take some time for yourself when you can, don’t be afraid to ask for help from friends and family, and speak with your doctor or midwife about how you’re feeling.

Postpartum Anxiety

For new parents, the arrival of a new baby is both a joyous and anxious time. While they are excited to meet their new bundle of joy, they may also be worried about everything from whether they will be able to take care of their new baby to how their relationship will change.

For some new mothers, this anxiety can become so overwhelming that it turns into postpartum anxiety. While postpartum anxiety is more commonly discussed than postpartum depression, it is still a relatively unknown condition.

This means that many new mothers suffer in silence, feeling like they are unable to cope with their new role. However, there are treatments available for postpartum anxiety, and with the right support, new mothers can learn to manage their anxiety and enjoy this special time with their new baby.

Intrusive Thoughts

Intrusive thoughts are normal for many new moms. In fact, we all have them from time to time. But what exactly are they?

Intrusive thoughts are simply any unwanted, unwelcome, or unpleasant thought that pops into your head without you wanting it to. They can be about anything and anyone, including your family, friends, or even your baby. And while they may not necessarily be harmful in and of themselves, they can certainly cause a lot of anxiety.

If you find yourself obsessively thinking about something bad happening to your loved ones or baby, for example, it can be tough to shake the feeling that something terrible is going to happen.

The good news is that there are ways to deal with intrusive thoughts. If you find yourself struggling, talk to your family &friends, partner, and healthcare provider about what you’re going through. They can offer support and understanding. Remember, you’re not alone.

How To Stay Well After Having A Baby

Becoming a parent is a wonderful time, but it can also be exhausting. You’re taking care of a tiny human 24/7, and your own health can sometimes take a backseat. However, it’s important to remember that taking care of yourself is essential for taking care of your baby. Here are some tips on how to stay well after having a baby:

– Get as much sleep as you can in the first few weeks. Your body needs time to recover from pregnancy and childbirth, so don’t be afraid to take naps during the day if you can.

– Eat healthy and drink plenty of fluids. You need to fuel your body in order to have the energy to take care of your little one.

– Exercise when you can. Getting some fresh air and moving your body will help you feel better both physically and mentally.

– Ask for help when you need it. Don’t try to do everything yourself – delegate tasks to family and friends so that you can have some time to relax and recharge.

By following these tips, you can help ensure that both you and your baby stay healthy and happy.

More Postpartum Self Care Tips

Assemble Your Village

It takes a village to raise a baby, and that’s especially true if you’re trying to do it on your own. If you’re a new parent, one of the best things you can do is assemble your village. friends can provide much-needed support, both practical and emotional.

They can help with things like newborn care and giving you a break for some well-deserved me time. And if you’re feeling overwhelmed, they can be a shoulder to cry on. So don’t try to go it alone. Find your friends and build your village. It will make all the difference.

Get Out Of The House

After having a baby, it can be tempting to spend all your time indoors cuddling your new bundle of joy. However, it’s important to get out of the house every once in a while, even if it’s just for a few hours. Fresh air and change of scenery will do you good, and it’s a great opportunity to bond with your baby.

If possible, try to arrange for a family member or friend to watch the baby so you can have some time to yourself. Take a walk, go for a coffee, or do some shopping. Just getting out of the house will help you feel more like yourself again.

Take a Nap

Being a new parent is exhausting. You’re up all night long, trying to feed, burp, and diaper your baby. And during the day, you’re chasing after a toddler while also trying to keep the house in some semblance of order. It’s no wonder that new parents often feel like they’re running on empty.

However, there is one simple way to combat fatigue: take a nap when you can. Baby sleeps tend to be erratic, so take advantage of those moments when your little one is down for a snooze and catch some Zs yourself.

You’ll be surprised at how much more energy you have after a nap. And who knows? Maybe you’ll even be able to stay awake long enough to watch a movie with your partner once the baby is asleep for the night.

Take a Shower

Having a hot shower can be one of the most relaxing things after a long day. But for new parents, it can also feel like a luxury. With all the demands of caring for a baby, it’s tough to find time for anything else.

If you can manage to sneak in a shower when your little one is napping, consider yourself lucky. Just remember to enjoy it while you can. Because once your baby starts crawling, you’ll never be able to shower in peace again!

Enjoy a Date Night

Having a baby is one of the most life-changing experiences a person can have. Suddenly, you have this tiny human being who is entirely dependent on you for everything. It can be a lot of work, to say the least.

That’s why it’s important to take some time for yourself and your partner after the baby arrives. Even if it’s just a few hours, having some quality time together can help you feel more connected and less stressed.

If you’re lucky enough to have friends or family who are willing to watch the baby for a few hours, take advantage of it! Go out for dinner, see a movie, or just take a walk around the block. Whatever you do, enjoy some time together sans baby. A quick date night, whether at home or not, will be good for you – and your relationship.

Take Some Time To Reflect

Having a baby is a special moment that stay with you forever. It is hard work, but it is also a time to reflect on your life and how you want to raise your family.

After the baby is born, you may find yourself thinking about your own childhood and what kind of parent you want to be. You may also want to take some time to reflect on your pregnancy and the changes that your body has gone through. Whatever you do, remember that this is a special time in your life and cherish every moment.

Simplify and Automate

Having a baby is a joyous occasion, but it can also be a big adjustment. Suddenly you have less free time and more responsibility. One way to simplify your life after having a baby is to automate as much as possible. Set up automatic bill payments and health insurance deductions.

If you have other children, sign them up for automatic lunch payments at school. You can even schedule regular cleaning services or grocery deliveries to help take some of the pressure off. Automating as many aspects of your life as possible can help you focus on enjoying time with your new baby.

Find Your Sanctuary

Having a baby is one of the most amazing things that can happen to a person. It’s also one of the most exhausting. Suddenly, you’re responsible for keeping another human being alive, and it can be tough to find time to take care of yourself.

That’s why it’s important to create your own sanctuary after having a baby. A place where you can go to rest and recharge. Somewhere you can have some quiet time to gather your thoughts. It doesn’t have to be big or fancy, just somewhere you can go to feel safe and relaxed. So go ahead and set up that special place, because you deserve it.

Focus On Healthy Meals

After you have a baby, it can be tempting to let your healthy eating habits slide. After all, you’re probably sleep-deprived and don’t have much time to cook. However, it’s important to remember that good nutrition is essential for both you and your baby.

Fortunately, there are plenty of healthy snacks that you can easily grab on the go. Fresh fruit, yogurt, whole grain bread, and veggie sticks are all great options. And if you’re looking for something a little more filling, try making a healthy wrap with chicken or salmon, avocado, and greens. By making healthy food choices, you’ll help ensure that both you and your baby are getting the nutrients you need.

Caring for yourself after you’ve had a baby is essential to the postpartum period. By taking care of your physical and emotional needs, you’ll be able to better take care of your baby. So don’t forget to take some time for yourself! You deserve it.