Postpartum Tips From One Mama to Another

Here are some helpful postpartum tips from Leslie, who is an experienced mom and a Peer Support Specialist with The Birth Squad.

1) REST: 

You did a miraculous thing and a 6 week time span for healing is innacurate  (according to new studies it takes around a year before your body is fully  "recovered"  from pregnancy and birth. 

2) ASK for help:

It’s ok to need assistance with meals, cleaning, laundry, the baby, or emotional support.  

3) GIVE yourself time and love: 

Healing is solely based on time. Give yourself grace as you shed the old you and bloom into this new person. Growth is uncomfortable and scary sometimes. Take things a day at a time.

4) Say NO to Mom Guilt: 

In these early days your baby just needs love, interaction, a clean diaper, and nutrition. You are doing the best you can, please don’t fall into the comparison trap this story is yours to write. 

5) OWN ACCESS for babysitters & visitors

Do not feel forced to allow people to watch your baby unless you are comfortable or need the help. 

You are mom. That is your baby. 

No one else has the say but YOU. 

The same goes with visitors in your time and at your pace.

There's no rush! 

6) REPLENISH:

Eat healthy foods consistently throughout the day (fruits, veggies, healthy sources of fats). Drink PLENTY of water especially if you are breastfeeding. Vitamins, supplements, and probiotics are all great too as long as your provider and team allow it.

7) ACCEPTANCE: 

As for your body, please don't buy into having to be "fit mom" right away.  Let your body relax and put itself back together before straining it or putting pressure on yourself to “bounce back”. This is your time to rest and relax.

A happy mom will equal a happy baby. You can’t pour from an empty cup- trust me, I've tried.  

You got this mama!