Postpartum Recovery: 5 Tips For Healing

We first want to congratulate you on bringing your little miracle into the world! This is an exciting time filled with unforgettable moments, pure joy, and, of course, some sleep deprivation. Although your pregnancy is over, that does not mean your body is going to bounce right back to how it was pre-baby. It is important to understand that postpartum recovery comes with its own unique set of challenges.

Tips For Postpartum Recovery

There is no doubt that settling into the new mom life takes some adjustment and that the postpartum recovery journey looks different for all women. This makes it important not to compare your recovery journey to anyone else’s. Here at Kernodle OB/GYN, we have compiled a list of general tips and tricks to help your own postpartum recovery. 

1. Prioritize Self-Care Practices

Although pregnancy is a beautiful time in a woman’s life, there’s no doubt that it can also be both physically and emotionally draining. Once your baby has arrived, the challenges of pregnancy fade, and the trial of parenthood begins. During this time, all your attention may be focused on caring for your newborn. However, to make postpartum recovery go as smoothly as possible, it is also important to prioritize self-care practices. Engage in activities that bring you joy and relaxation, such as reading, listening to music, practicing meditation, or deep breathing exercises. Prioritize activities that help you unwind and reduce stress.

2. Use Nutrition As A Tool

Nourishing your body with a healthy diet is essential for recovery. Include nutrient-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats in your meals. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and limiting your intake of foods and drinks that are tougher on your body, such as processed foods, caffeine, and alcohol. If you treat your body well, it will provide you with boosted moods and higher energy levels.

3. Gradually Return To Activities

A woman’s body changes drastically during pregnancy, which means it will take time for the body to return to its natural state. It is recommended that strenuous exercise should be avoided in the early postpartum period. However, gentle activities like walking can help improve circulation and boost your energy levels. Consult your healthcare provider before starting any exercise routine, and listen to your body’s signals.

4. Don’t Neglect Your Emotions

Every woman experiences postpartum differently, but it certainly can be emotionally challenging. Those new to motherhood should never neglect to reach out to their partner, family, or friends for emotional support. The National Institutes of Health states that around one in seven women can develop postpartum depression (PPD). During postpartum recovery, it is crucial to acknowledge and address your emotional well-being. Feeling your emotions and getting help when needed is essential for your overall recovery. 

5. Prioritize Sleep

Prioritizing sleep is important not only for postpartum recovery but for your overall health as well. To do this, make your bedroom a calm and comfortable space where you can focus on unwinding and relaxing. Because newborns often have irregular sleep patterns, and it can be challenging to get uninterrupted sleep at night, take advantage of your baby’s nap times during the day to catch up on rest. If you are really falling behind on sleep, don’t be afraid to ask your partner or a family member to watch your little one while you catch up on those z’s.

New mothers face a multitude of changes that can feel overwhelming at times. Looking to find out more about postpartum recovery? At Kernodle OB/GYN, we provide complete obstetric care services, high-risk pregnancy management, and full-scope midwifery care. To learn more about our services or postpartum recovery, visit our website, or request an appointment today.