Entering motherhood changes you from the inside out. Your shoe size, your waist, your breasts, and a lot more things will be different after giving birth. These changes are nothing but proof that your body put in all the work it took to keep your baby safe, healthy, and strong.
The first six weeks post giving birth are considered to be a postpartum recovery period. Your body just went through a whole lot, emotionally and physically. During these six weeks, your body needs complete care and rest to regroup, heal, and regain its strength.
Read ahead for some tips to help you in your postpartum recovery:
- Get plenty of rest:
The stress and fatigue that kicks in after giving birth can be overwhelming for your body. Get as much sleep as you can to cope with this exhaustion. Your baby may need to be changed and fed often during these early days. So make sure to sleep whenever your baby is asleep.
- Seek and accept help:
Don’t shy away from asking for help from your friends or family, during and after your postpartum period. Your body needs to recover and heal. Getting help from your loved ones can allow you time to get some much-needed rest. They can help prepare meals, run errands, watch the baby, and offer any kind of support they can.
- Set reasonable expectations:
It’s completely natural for a new mom to feel frustrated by their postpartum body. Remember that recovery is more important than getting back in shape. Trust that you will naturally get back your pre-pregnancy body. Take things slow and give your body the time it needs to heal and rebuild its strength.
- Keep moving:
While exercising during this period may not be convenient, it’s recommended that you remain physically active. Start by taking walks around the house or in your backyard. Walking helps in speeding up recovery by boosting circulation and toning muscles. Try to do simple chores around the house to keep your body moving. Physical activity will help in keeping your mood light and prevent depression-like symptoms.
- Eat healthy food:
In addition to rest and physical activity, your body needs the right amount of nutrients to recover and adjust to the changes taking place within. You need to eat a healthy, balanced diet to boost the process of recovery and to ensure that your baby gets all the necessary nutrients through your breastmilk. Be sure to include a lot of grains, vegetables, fruits, and proteins in your daily diet.
- Prepare a postpartum recovery checklist:
There are a few things you might want to keep handy during your recovery period. So, prepare a checklist for the same while you’re still pregnant. The checklist must include:
- Maxi pads: to help with postpartum bleeding
- Icepacks: for icing your perineal area
- Cotton underpants: to offer utmost comfort post-childbirth
- Nursing bras and nursing pads
- Breastfeeding essentials
- A heating pad
- A stool softener
Head to Mothercare Online and explore a wide range of maternity care products for your postpartum days.
Your body just created another human being and continues to change from within to provide for your baby. Recognizing these physical changes as a part of the beginning of a new chapter of your life will help you come to terms with the new you. It’s normal to go through some ups and downs as you enter new motherhood. But, know that this new life will be filled with lots of love, joy, and laughter and in the end, it will all be worth it.
