Giving birth is not easy at all. However, postpartum recovery is just as hard, even though labour and delivery are discussed the most! Here are a few great tips to help you recover quickly after giving birth.
How to Take Care of Yourself After Giving Birth
1: Get Plenty of Sleep
This is sometimes not what new mums want to hear. Mums would love more sleep; they don’t know how to get it with a newborn. When you are up every two hours each night, it’s hard to imagine getting rest!
Suppose you can skip cleaning your house. It will be a mess, and that’s OK. Perhaps you may save money by hiring a cleaner or enlisting the help of your friends and family. Even if it’s for just a few minutes, try to relax while your baby sleeps.
If you can’t calm down enough to take a nap, try drinking a soothing tea or practising meditation until you fall asleep.
If you can bottle-feed your child with extra milk saved using Haakaa, or if you use formula supplementation, your spouse may swap with you to help you get a few more hours of sleep each night.
Don’t be too concerned about sleeping. The more you worry, the less likely you are to sleep. Strive to find methods to unwind and seize any opportunity that comes your way.
2: Keep Yourself Hydrated
Another recommendation that is often easier said than done! It’s hard to drink fluids when you don’t feel well or constantly take care of a newborn. But, if you can manage to get fluids down, it will help hasten your postpartum recovery.
Drink herbal teas, soups, broths and water throughout the day. And try to avoid caffeine and alcohol as they can dehydrate you.
3: Self-Care
When you have a child, it appears to be out of your reach to take care of yourself. However, now that you are a mother, this is far more essential. If you can, set aside time for self-care every day. Even five minutes at a time may make a significant difference.
Take five additional minutes to do a beautiful face skincare routine, soak in the bath, and shave your legs. Make time for activities that make you feel more like yourself, not just a mother. Self-care can make you happier and aid in preventing baby blues and postpartum depression.
Also, make time for a massage or reflexology to help with the aches and pains from holding and feeding your new baby.
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4: Make the most of your support system.
Make a list of willing and able individuals who will assist you during this next stage in your life before you give birth. Then reach out to them when you need assistance. Knowing that they are prepared to assist you after childbirth makes it simpler to contact them when you’re having difficulties.
Setting it ahead of time while you’re postpartum is a great idea.
Here are a few people to put on your support system list:
- Your parents
- Therapist
- Doctor
- Spouse or partner
- Siblings
- Babysitter
- Friends
- Family
- In-laws
5: Take a Walk Outdoors
Take time to walk each day, even if you still have discomfort. When you feel ready, go out and walkabout. This is the ideal method to exercise when your abilities are limited during the postpartum period.
Walking outdoors, especially in nature, helps you relax and breathe fresh air. It will also get you outside and ready for the day. You’ll reduce your risk of postpartum depression if you go on frequent strolls.
6: Get Plenty of Fresh Vegetables and Fruits In Your Diet
The mother, in Ayurvedic customs, will generally rest and unwind for the first 40 days following delivery. There is a very stringent diet provided during this time, consisting of herbs and vitamins necessary for the body to recuperate fully. The faster you recover, the better your diet will be.
Make an effort to consume plenty of fruits, vegetables, and proteins. When you eat between meals, eat as healthy as possible. Try to be moderate when it comes to your food choices. This might be tough, but you’ll appreciate it once you see how quickly your body recovers after giving birth!
7: Looking After Your Pelvic Floor
Kegel exercises are the most popular after giving birth, but they aren’t the only ones. Make an appointment with a chiropractor or a women’s health physiotherapist. They’ll show you how to do essential workouts to help you recover faster and keep down there healthier!
8: Listen to Your Body’s Needs
Your body will let you know when it has reached its limits. To recover quickly and efficiently, you must tune your body and mind. If you aren’t feeling like exercising one day, don’t do so. There is no prescribed way to heal; everything depends on your body’s demands. So please pay attention to it and do what it tells you for the best outcome.
Your body will let you know if anything is wrong if you pay attention to it. Even if you only visit your doctor for a 6-week checkup, you can always seek assistance sooner than that. If you are concerned that something isn’t healing correctly, make an appointment. It will never hurt and is so crucial in case something is wrong!
When you listen to your body, you can fully let it heal. It will inform you when you should relax and get up and move. The more time you allow your body to rest, the better YOU feel in the long run. Even if you feel good, take that opportunity to unwind so that your recovery will not take longer!
9: Join a New Mothers’ Group
Having other mothers around can be beneficial, especially if they are in the same boat as you. You can get information and support from them that you may not receive elsewhere. Many online groups can be just as valuable!
Postpartum Recovery FAQS
How long does it take to recover after giving birth?
The average time to heal is 6-8 weeks for a vaginal delivery and 8-12 weeks for a cesarean birth. After six weeks, your doctor will usually clear you to resume your usual activities, but this depends on whether you tear while pushing or if your body needs longer to recuperate.
Is postpartum recovery painful?
During the initial few weeks, your body will be in discomfort. Afterwards, you won’t have much pain, generally. While you won’t have pain, your body is healing, so you must rest and care for yourself!
Will I bleed for six weeks after I give birth?
After childbirth, you will have a lot of bleeding for the first few days. Your bleeding may be unpredictable, even up to six weeks after birth. It all depends on how much blood is retained in your body after giving birth. Always keep your kit with you just in case!
What are the stages of postpartum?
The first stage of postpartum, also known as the fourth trimester, lasts anywhere from a few hours to a few weeks. This is when your body is healing any tears or incisions. It is also getting used to life outside of the womb.
The second stage of postpartum recovery usually lasts 6-8 weeks. This is when you are most likely to experience fatigue, sleep deprivation, and mood swings. The third postpartum stage is usually when your hormones level out, and you feel more like yourself again. This stage can last anywhere from 6 months to a year.
While you can do plenty of things to help you recover quickly after giving birth, it will take time. Please don’t force it, but be proactive so you can heal as soon as possible! Listen to your body, and you will be able to recover as quickly as your body is ready.
Final Thoughts:
Giving birth is a beautiful and life-changing experience, but it can also be exhausting. It’s essential to take the time to recover fully to enjoy your new little one to the fullest. These tips will help you get started on the road to recovery!
What about you?
Do you have some helpful tips that sped up the postnatal time you want to share? Drop them in the comments below!
