Pregnancy is an extraordinary journey that can sometimes be challenging, and recovery after delivery is a crucial part of this process. Adjusting to motherhood is not easy, and while it is essential to care for your baby, it is equally as essential to take care of yourself. The postpartum period refers to the first year after childbirth, which can be a joyous time and one of adjustment and healing. You will get a chance to bond with your baby and have a post-delivery checkup with your doctor and midwife.
Sleepless nights will be part of this adjustment period, and recovering from delivery can take time because your body will experience many changes. It’s common for new mothers to feel exhausted and frustrated, and the following will help with this transition:
Try to get some rest
This is easier said than done because you will have to take care of a baby, feed them, and change their diapers while recovering and learning how to deal with the many changes that come with motherhood. There may be some aches and pains, and you will have to cope with fatigue, so it’s important that you try to get some rest, and it is recommended that you try to sleep whenever your baby is napping.
Eat healthy meals
A healthy diet will help your body heal and feel better overall. Try to eat more vegetables, fruits, whole grains and protein and increase your fluid intake.
Exercise
Make sure your doctor gives you the green light, and if your recovery is going well, you can start by taking short walks close to your house because a little bit of movement and a change of scenery will improve your physical and mental health. Both you and your baby will enjoy the fresh air, which will help with your recovery.
Seek help
The postpartum journey is not easy, and recovering while dealing with change and taking care of a baby can feel overwhelming. Do not hesitate to accept help from your partner, family members or friends during this period because this can allow you to get some much-needed rest. Not only will your body heal, but seeing people will also improve your mood.
A new baby is an adjustment for everyone, and your family dynamic may change for a little while. You may not spend as much one-on-one time with your partner during the postpartum period, so patience is required—everyone involved needs to understand that this can sometimes be a stressful period. Communicate, talk about your feelings and give yourself time to figure it out. While things may seem very difficult in the early stages, caring for a newborn will get easier every day.
Typically, mothers experience “baby blues'' during this period, which generally occurs a few days after giving birth and can last for up to two weeks. This can be attributed to hormonal changes, and symptoms may include unexplained crying, irritability, sadness and mood changes. If these symptoms last for more than two weeks, you may be suffering from postpartum depression. Further medical assessment and treatment is required, therefore book a visit with your doctor as soon as possible.
Postpartum Parent Network offers evidence-based support for perinatal mood and anxiety disorders including postpartum depression. If you don’t feel like yourself and are concerned about your mental health, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Postpartum Parent Network will assist you through this new and challenging phase. For a free 15-Minute Virtual Consult, call today at 1-833-607-1554 or email us: info@postpartumparentnetwork.com