How mothers should take care of their health after childbirth
Childbirth is one of the most precious and the crucial period of woman’s life. During delivery, you go through immense pain and need rest & care to regain your energy.
I still remember, how painful it was to fully recover from the time I delivered. Usually, new mom focuses on baby care, but her body also needs special care after giving birth as it goes through trauma and hormonal changes. A mom will regain energy and strength only if she takes good care of her health.
You should consume nutritious food and take sufficient rest. Don’t be shy to ask your family for support after childbirth. About 40 days are required to recover from postpartum. You should keep your baby safe from infections in those initial days. Once the baby is born, your body will experience physical (sore breasts, constipation, ankle swelling) and emotional (mood swings, baby blue, anxiety, guilt) changes. Your body needs minimum 6 weeks to return to its pre- pregnancy stage.
5 ways to take care of your health after childbirth
#1. Sleep well, rest more
Once your baby is at home from the hospital, you start focusing on the baby. You are excited and bit nervous for your new role as a parent. You are so busy in making a bond with your infant that you forget to think about your own care. In reality, it is also the time for you to rest and recover. Start spending some time every day for self-care. Your body will start healing itself. You will start shredding excess water from your body & uterus will shrink back to pre-pregnancy shape in a month.
#2 Eat Well
You need good nutrition after delivery to heal, increasing breast milk and recovery process. Nutritious foods provide needed energy to breastfeed and to better take care of your newborn. After childbirth, you must maintain a healthy and balanced diet whether you breastfeed or formula feed.
#3 Get Help
Once your baby is at home, you will realize that he/she constantly needs your time & energy. You should spend more time to make a bond with your newborn instead of constant household work, so guilt free hire as much help as you feel the need to.
#4 Exercise
Walking can be a great exercise for you to start after childbirth. Walking can be helpful to shed postpartum weight & get back to pre-pregnancy shape. Don’t exert yourself, few minutes walk is more than sufficient for you in first few weeks.
#5 Share the load
Try to talk to people you trust. It is really helpful, just to discuss with others what you are feeling inside. Take time to spend with your partner/ husband when you can. It will give you emotional and mental support.
If you take care of yourself then you can take care of your newborn in a better way. Also, it helps you to deal with frustration, baby blues & postpartum depression. It’s absolutely essential for the mom to be happy & healthy to look after her baby.
About Author
Neha is a full-time mom of 4 years young son. She left her job during her pregnancy and started sharing her parenting experience on her blog BeingHappyMom to help other moms. She believes in unSchooling and organic way of living life.
p.s. All the images on this blog have been contributed by the author.
Great tips! New moms always need to be reminded to take extra, good care of themselves.
Thank you Petula for liking this article. Yes, new moms also need more care and love.
Yes. It’s like if you Love yourself then you can Love someone else totally.
Mom’s do ignore themselves once a child enter their life. Not just the few months but sometimes entire life 🙂
Valid points Neha !
Motherhood makes you a better person :). Thanks for stopping by Nilima :).