Postpartum Recovery for Wellbeing
Welcoming a new baby is a beautiful journey, but the postpartum period can often feel overwhelming for new moms. Taking time to focus on your recovery is essential—not just physically, but mentally too. Here, I’m sharing my top postpartum recovery insights and essentials to help ensure that you don’t forget to look after you while caring for the new love of your life.
The Importance of Postpartum Recovery
Recovering post-birth is as vital as pregnancy itself. Your body has changed in incredible ways, and it requires gentle care to heal and regain strength. This period can also bring unexpected emotional challenges. Ensuring your mental well-being is crucial, as it sets the tone for your motherhood experience. I didn’t prioritize my own recovery after my first child was born, thinking I could do it all and jumping straight back into work. But I quickly burnt out and felt like I was failing on all fronts - as a mother and at my job. My second time around, I made sure to prepare in advance to take some much needed time off and put my health first. The result, both for my newborn and myself, has been night and day. In this blog, I’ll dive into some essentials that have helped me both physically and mentally during postpartum recovery.
Nourishing Food and Hydration
Proper nutrition is vital for recovery and maintaining your energy levels. Stock up your pantry with healthy snacks, and prioritize balanced meals that are rich in protein, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Hydration is equally crucial—keep a large water tumbler handy and aim to drink plenty of fluids throughout the day. Nourishing your body supports not only physical recovery but also mental clarity, helping you navigate the emotional ups and downs of new parenthood.
Comfortable Clothing
Comfort is key during postpartum recovery. Invest in some loose, breathable clothing that will accommodate your changing body and make you feel cozy, while also helping you feel your best. It’s easy to forget to “get dressed” when we spend most of our day in bed, but never underestimate the power of a fresh, change of clothes to help brighten your mood and get your day started on the right foot. Make the effort to change each morning, even if it’s into a new set of pajamas. Items like nursing-friendly tops, stretchy leggings, and soft robes can provide both comfort and functionality, while a nice set of pj’s and loungewear will make you feel put together even if you aren’t leaving the house.
Frida Postpartum Recovery Kit
My absolute must-have item is the Frida Postpartum Recovery Kit. This thoughtfully curated kit is designed specifically for new moms and includes everything you need to support your physical recovery. The disposable underwear was so comfortable, I wore it for weeks. The cooling pads and perennial healing foam really were exceptional. I tried to make my own homemade cooling pads, freezing them ahead of time so I’d be prepared, and they were a total fail. These cooling pads are worth every penny. For my second baby, I am bringing this straight to the hospital because it is exceptionally better than the versions they give you there.
Physical Activity
While rest is essential, gentle physical activity can boost your physical and mental well-being. Once you have the green light from your healthcare provider, consider incorporating light walks or postnatal yoga into your routine. These activities can help increase your energy, improve your mood, and provide a sense of normalcy in this new life stage. I started doing very light stretches and breathing exercises even before my 6 week check up. Of course, always listen to your body and go SLOWLY.
Some resources I like that apply for prenatal & postpartum:
FREE: Search on Youtube for pelvic floor & postpartum breathing exercises (you can do this during
Form: Great prenatal and postpartum workout programs that can all be done at home
Origin Pelvic Floor Therapy: I cannot recommend them more highly! Get started early during your pregnancy to strengthen your pelvic floor for a better delivery and recovery. They offer virtual classes and take insurance !
Mental Health Check-Ins
Prioritizing mental well-being is as crucial as physical recovery. Ensure you set aside time to check in with yourself regularly. Journaling is a great tool to express emotions and gain perspective. Don’t hesitate to reach out to loved ones or support groups—they can offer a listening ear and valuable advice. It’s a good idea to establish care with a mental health professional who specializes in postpartum care before you give birth so that you have someone to turn to, should you need it. Especially as wait periods for new patients can take a long time and the last thing you want to do is waste valuable time trying to find someone to turn to when you really need it.
Lean on Others
Remember, you are not alone. Lean on family, friends, and whatever support system you have. Join a mom group. Postpartum recovery can be very isolating and we are not meant to do this alone. We all need our “village”, so make sure you build, nourish, and reach out to yours.
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