When you’re discharged from the hospital and sent home with mesh undies (which are actually kind of fabulous, BTW), a sitz bottle and a new baby, “normal” is the last word to describe how it feels.
Not to mention you’re sleep deprived, overly emotional (those baby blues are no joke), and now in charge of taking care of this tiny beautiful human around the clock. Um, give this girl a glass of wine! But wait, you can’t really have one of those just yet either.
While you will never be the same — hello, you just birthed a baby — there are little things you can do to help you feel a bit more like yourself again.
Here are 11 tips that have helped me throughout the postpartum recovery process so far!
1. Sneak in Alone Time
Carving out time for yourself is crucial for your wellbeing! During the early days, this looked like hiding in the bathroom with a sitz bath, calming music and a candle lit.
Nowadays, it’s little things like taking an extra long shower, napping when the baby goes down for hers, or going on a solo walk. Find time to be alone with yourself and your thoughts!
2. Get Yo’ Sunshine Vitamin
I don’t know about you, but I pretty much hibernated inside the first couple weeks postpartum. That’s fine for healing, but it’s also important to get a little fresh air and sunshine! I like to take a moment for myself on the porch, go for a walk with baby on a sunny day (I leave the stroller cover on so baby doesn’t get blinded), and I also take a daily dose of Vitamin D3 drops.
Getting adequate amounts of Vitamin D works wonders for your mood, immune system and overall wellbeing — especially during New England winters.
3. Stock Up on Postpartum Essentials
While the mesh undies are great and all, the hospital doesn’t really equip you with postpartum essentials for self care. Some of my must-haves for recovery are Earth Mama’s Nipple Butter (which saved my boobs during the early days), Herbal Sitz Bath and Perennial Balm for down under relief, and Milkmaid Tea to relax during those late night feedings, while also boosting milk supply. You can purchase these products discounted on Thrive Market!
I also made my own “padsicles” with witch hazel and aloe, which I popped in the freezer for a cooling relief and got a Sitz Bath to take care of “down there.”
4. Rest & Focus on Gentle Movement
If you’re someone who is used to being active, it may feel strange being told to slow down and hold off on exercise for a bit. However, it’s so important to rest as giving birth is quite the feat! During the first week, my entire body ached and even holding our little 7 pound peanut was a lot for me.
Instead, focus on gentle movement like yoga stretches and short stroller walks. Once you get the go-ahead from your doctor to exercise, start slow and be gentle with your body as you get back into a routine that works for you!
5. Escape for a Date
Before I had a baby, other moms told me it’s important to “date your hubby” and I couldn’t agree more. I remember the first time we were able to sit down for dinner together without the baby crying was like going on a romantic date — even if it was in our PJs over take-out.
Take grandma up on her offer to watch the baby, and get out of the house for a bite at your favorite restaurant, a coffee date or even just some alone time to talk. It’s so important to check in with each other, even if half the time is spent scrolling through cute pics of your little bundle of joy .
6. Buy New Clothes
I had to come to terms with the fact that my body changed. My boobs are much bigger, my hips wider and I have a ways to go until I get back to my pre-baby weight, but I’m starting to realize that’s perfectly OK and “normal.” However, feeling bad about yourself and trying to squeeze into your skinny jeans isn’t going to do you any good!
I recommend going through your old clothes and making a pile of those that will be comfortable and nursing friendly (if you’re breastfeeding). Then go out and buy yourself some new clothes that make you feel fabulous in your new bod — including a pair of stretchy jeans that actually fit!
7. Eat Nourishing Meals
There’s nothing like a home-cooked, nourishing meal to make you feel all warm and cozy inside. During the final weeks of my pregnancy, I cooked up a storm so I could have nutrient-dense foods like soups, quiche and muffins ready to go once baby came.
Instead of counting calories or going on a diet to get back to your pre-baby weight, focus on nourishing your body with hearty, healing foods. Your body needs the energy! Oh and coffee…give me all the coffee.
8. Plan Baby & Me Outings
I was scared to death to leave the house with baby for the first time, but a dear friend encouraged me that I could do it and finally got me out of the house for a lunch date and walk!
Now, I love planning mini baby & me outings like breakfast dates at my favorite cafe, grocery shopping or walks around the block. It’s so fun to show my baby girl some of my favorite places, while also helping me feel like myself again!
9. Get Pampered
When I had someone style my hair and got fake lashes for a wedding 5 weeks postpartum, I felt like a million bucks! This past weekend, I went to a spa for a little TLC and a facial. Let yourself get pampered whether it’s an at-home bathroom facial, massage or pedicure. You’ll feel like Supermom!
10. Accept Help
As someone who’s not used to asking for help, I’ve now realized as a new mama it’s super important to lean on your “tribe” for support. Ask for guidance from fellow mom friends, let your parents cook you dinner (and spend time snuggling babe), and take your friend up on her offer to take you out for lunch.
Don’t feel bad about accepting help; people want to be there for you and you’ll pay it forward to other new mamas.
11. Be Kind to Yourself
Last but certainly not least, be kind to yourself and your body. You just had a baby, and being a mom is no walk in the park! Allow yourself time to recover, and speak kind words to yourself. Daily affirmation cards like my Spark Your Bliss deck can help bring some positivity to your day!
Congrats, new mama. Remember you’re doing AMAZING!
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