When you become a mother, a multitude of feelings overwhelms you. From the first moment when you get to hold your newborn, you realize your life has an entirely new meaning, and you will feel the strongest love there is. Many articles and pictures on social media will say or show this, and while this is the truth, it isn’t the only one. The fact is, motherhood can be challenging. Even more so in the first few months when you are still recovering from being pregnant and giving birth.
The truth is that postpartum recovery is of the utmost importance, and many mothers, especially first-time moms, will not make it a priority. Taking care of yourself is equal to taking care of your baby. Otherwise, not getting enough rest or neglecting yourself will leave you with little to no energy to properly focus on your newborn. Therefore, taking care of your physical and mental health should be on your priority list, as this way, you will be equipped to give your baby everything they need.
So, allow yourself to recuperate your strengths both mentally and physically with these recovery tips:
1. Eat well and stay hydrated – losing weight is not a priority
When you are in postpartum recovery, now is not the time to go through the struggle of losing any baby weight you might have gained during pregnancy. Many women struggle with the fact that during pregnancy and after it, their body’s weight fluctuates, and it seems almost impossible to lose those added kilos. The truth is, this isn’t a priority, at least not in the first few weeks while you are still recuperating.
Instead, it is vital you have plentiful but healthy meals to regain the strengths you need to get back on your feet. Regardless of whether you gave birth naturally or had a C-section, your body will need to recover physically. Nutritious food, rich in vitamins, is essential for this period. A noteworthy aspect would be to not force on yourself a strict or savorless diet. While you are recuperating, it might be difficult for you to enjoy all the foods you usually do. While it is crucial you eat healthily, you can find enjoyable combinations and recipes. What’s more, full-fat foods, like fish and yogurt, are not only nourishing but can also benefit breastfeeding.
Apart from sticking to a well-balanced eating habit, it is imperative you stay hydrated. This aspect should under no circumstances be overlooked. During and after pregnancy, the importance of staying hydrated is even higher, as it helps you elevate your energy levels. Besides, drinking lots of water can improve blood oxygen circulation and facilitate nutrient absorption. If you don’t feel like solely drinking water all the time, you can try different teas or even coconut water.
2. Your body is still in recovery – take good care of it
It is normal and understandable your focus is on your newborn, as a baby needs all the attention. For this reason, it isn’t uncommon that taking care of them can quickly become the only priority, and the rest doesn’t seem as important. Whether you had a natural birth or you had to undergo C-section surgery, your body was under a great deal of strain. So, it is vital you take good care of it and allow for it to bounce back to its optimum level of health.
If you are still struggling with birth pains and soreness during the postpartum period, you could try a herbal sitz bath to alleviate these symptoms. Such a remedy is frequently used by mothers who have recently had a baby, as it can be calming and soothing. It isn’t difficult, as you will only need to draw a warm bath with the specific herbs and sit in it for approximately 15 minutes. It is essential to mention, however, that you might need to ask your medical provider. Depending on your condition, you might need more specific advice and guidance on how often to do this or if you need to follow other forms of treatments.
3. Exercise is beneficial – but take it easy
“Baby steps” shouldn’t just be applied to your children when they reach that stage in their life. There’s a reason why adults use this saying as well. So, you need to keep this in mind as you embark on the beautiful yet challenging journey of motherhood. In order to keep your baby happy and healthy, you need to prioritize your own wellbeing. If you feel the need to start exercising, it is crucial you do it at the right time and consider a workout session that isn’t too difficult to handle. While exercising is good for your health, you shouldn’t neglect the fact that it will take some time until you are entirely ready to do all types of exercise.
Therefore, it is vital you set realistic goals and take one step at a time. After the initial few weeks have passed since giving birth, and your medical provider has given you permission after your check-up, you can slowly start exercising. For instance, a beginner-level session of yoga or Pilates is a beneficial way of getting you back into shape, stretch your muscles, and boost your energy.
4. Prioritize your mental health – it is equally important
Self-care should be a constant in your life, even as a mother – or actually, more so as a mother. The reason why this is important is quite straightforward: it is healthy and beneficial, and it improves the quality of your life. Taking the time to care for your physical and emotional needs ensures that you are able and adequately equipped to take care of your baby. Being well-rested, exercising, and maintaining a social life are still priorities when you become a mother.
It is undeniable that raising and taking care of your child is the top priority, but your mental health is equally important. Neglecting it will negatively affect your state of mind and will decrease your ability to focus on any aspects of your life. For instance, between 50% and 80% of women suffer from postpartum depression in the first weeks, and, unfortunately, the awareness around this condition has started to increase significantly in recent years. So, it is vital you prioritize and acknowledge your feelings in order to recover and regain your strength.
