Last Updated on January 28, 2025
The postpartum period begins closely after childbirth. It is the window of the first 6 weeks after the delivery which is a pretty vulnerable time both for the mother and the baby. The care required in this period is called postpartum care, and it ends when the mother’s body nearly reaches its pre-pregnant state. This guide will provide you with tips on how to make good decisions about taking care of yourself and your newborn in this sensitive period of time:
Take Care of Yourself
Childbirth is bound to take a physical and a mental toll on you, so you need to be patient while your body and mind recover and heal. In the process, take a look at the following tips:
Make Time for Yourself
As a new mother, you will certainly feel the need to dedicate all your time to the baby, which is perfectly natural. However, some of the best postpartum practices you can explore emphasise the importance of making time for yourself. It won’t always be easy but try to do the things you enjoyed before the baby as often as you can. Find time to rest when the baby is sleeping, and make sure you bring some of your favourite activities back into your daily routine.
Related Read: Does the fetus feel hungry when the mother is hungry?
Introduce Physical Activity
No matter how hard it may be, try to incorporate some kind of physical activity into each of your days. Of course, you should take it slowly and be gentle to yourself. Therefore, it is enough if you start by taking daily walks with your newborn. However, avoid lifting anything that is heavier than your baby, especially if you’ve had a C-section delivery. Regular exercise after childbirth is important as it can help you sleep better, relieve stress, improve your energy level, boost your mood, and even help you lose weight.
Ask for Support
During the first days and weeks, you will need time to bond with your baby and get to know each other. In that period, it is perfectly normal to feel emotional. As a result, some days will be easier than others, but if you reach a point where you don’t feel physically or emotionally well, do not hesitate to contact a suitable healthcare provider. Moreover, have open communication with your partner, friends, and family about how you are feeling in different postpartum stages. And if you need to get in touch with more people who get you, connect with other new parents at support groups, parenting classes, etc.
Maintain a Healthy Diet
As a new mom, make sure you eat a variety of healthy foods each day. This will help you go through a faster recovery. At the same time, it is important for the baby’s development and growth, if you’re breastfeeding. Also, if you are, make an effort to drink lots of water.
Also Read: How to Clean Out Your System While Pregnant?
Yourself Newborn Care
During the baby’s first weeks, you will spend most of your time changing diapers, feeding and comforting your baby. Even though you may feel overwhelmed at times, remember that caring after a newborn gets easier every day. Soon enough, you will learn what each type of cry means, and you’ll be able to figure out in no time what the baby actually needs and wants.
At first, babies do not have a nightly sleeping routine. They sleep and wake up in cycles both daily and nightly, while also making sudden gasps, jerking themselves awake, or looking like they have crossed eyes. All of these behaviours are perfectly normal. As time goes by, you will naturally develop an emotional bond with your newborn simply by spending time together, responding to his or her cues and needs, and being physically close.
To help your baby grow and develop properly, communicate with them from day one. Use gentle touch, kisses, hugs, and a high-pitched voice. Also, welcome the child into an environment that is rich in comfort, stimulation, and loving attention.
The period after childbirth is very sensitive, and prioritizing postpartum care is one of the best things you can do for yourself and the baby. Focusing on your own physical and mental health while also tending to the child’s needs will create a healthy environment for the entire family to thrive.
Jessica Booth is a freelance writer on parenting and product reviewer.
She has two kids of her own, so she knows a lot about the subject. Jessica has been writing professionally for over five years, and she's had articles published on sites like Bustle, Romper, Forbes, Parade, Business Insider, Good House Keeping, and more. Jessica is passionate about helping parents who are struggling. She believes that every parent deserves to have the tools they need to be successful. As a freelance writer, Jessica is able to share her knowledge and experience with others through her writing. Read more