Congratulations, mama! You’re officially a parent! But now what? Navigating those first few weeks postpartum can feel overwhelming. From healing your body to adjusting to your new role, there’s a lot to process. These practical postpartum recovery tips will guide you through those early days and help you thrive in your new mama life.
Let’s dive into the good stuff – 8 postpartum recovery tips to live your best postpartum life!
- Postpartum recovery tips
- 1. Prepare for postpartum during pregnancy
- 2. Don’t be afraid to ask for and accept help
- 3. A postpartum doula can be life changing
- 4. Prioritize rest and relaxation
- 5. When ready, consider some gentle movement
- 6. Don’t neglect your mental health
- 7. Celebrate the small victories
- 8. Join a mama support group
- Wrapping up
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Postpartum recovery tips
1. Prepare for postpartum during pregnancy
I can’t stress this enough! So many women wait until after baby arrives to start their postpartum prep but it really should begin while you are still pregnant.It’s true, there are some things that can’t be done until after baby’s arrival but there are sooo many things that can be done ahead of time that can make your recovery much easier and more enjoyable.
Here are some examples of a few things you can do ahead of time to prepare for your postpartum recovery.
- Stock up on postpartum essentials
- Make padsicles
- Take a breastfeeding class
- Make a postpartum bathroom basket
- Prep freezer meals
- If you have one, plan some extra time with your partner
- Mobilize your support team (it really does take a village!)
2. Don’t be afraid to ask for and accept help
Those first few days and weeks can be pretty dang tough, mama. If you are anything like me I realize it might feel awkward and uncomfortable to ask for and accept help from others. I am here to tell you: just do it! There are people out there that want nothing more than to help a new mama, especially those that love and care about you.
A common way people like to help is by bringing meals or sending meal delivery gift cards. I remember how helpful it was to not have to stress over dinner plans those first weeks, it gave me time to focus on and bond with my baby. This is especially helpful if you have older kids in the house too!
That’s just one way people can help! Other ways might include:
- Taking older kids out of the house for a fun outing
- Folding laundry
- Watching baby so you can shower or nap
- Bringing coffee or breakfast
- Many, many other ways
On that note, don’t be afraid to tell people when is a good time to stop by and when isn’t. I know it might feel a tad rude but it’s totally okay to ask them to leave a meal at the front door if you aren’t up for company or had a rough day. The last thing you need to be doing is entertaining other people when you are running on an hour of sleep or can barely function.
3. A postpartum doula can be life changing
Many people are familiar with doulas and what their role is during labor but did you know that postpartum doulas are a thing too? Not only are they a thing but they are an AMAZING thing!
Postpartum doulas are professionals that offer specialized support to mamas in the first days and weeks after birth. Basically, they help you with whatever you need. They bring expertise and evidence-based advice and support to you as a brand new mama.
Here are just a few things a postpartum doula can help with:
- Offer emotional support and be on the lookout for perinatal mood disorders
- Light housework and chores
- Entertaining older children
- Meal prep
- Feeding support for mama and baby
4. Prioritize rest and relaxation
In order to heal your body needs rest. If there ever was a time to focus on you, mama, it is now. Yes, I know you have this new, precious baby to care for and yes, I know it seems close to impossible to find the time to rest but it is so important!
You can’t pour from an empty cup, mama. If your tank is empty there’s no way you can care for that sweet baby like you want. I’ve been in your shoes and I remember it all too well. Those first days, weeks, months are about surviving, forget making rest and relaxation a priority, right?!
This is when asking for and accepting help comes in handy! Let that friend, family member, coworker love on your baby while you get some shut eye. Even a 30 minute power nap can perk you up and turn your whole day around.
5. When ready, consider some gentle movement
Everyone recovers at their own pace. Once cleared by your OB provider and you feel up to it, get your body moving. I recommend starting out with a slow walk around the block or some gentle yoga. The benefits associated with exercise are endless and this holds true during postpartum as well.
Not only are there benefits from exercising but there are also benefits from getting outside and enjoying some fresh air. My biggest tip is to start slow, listen to your body, and gradually work yourself up. This tip is less about getting exercise and more about doing something positive for your mental health, mama. Speaking of mental health, this leads me to my next tip.
6. Don’t neglect your mental health
This!!! I cannot stress the importance of being in tune with your mental health enough. This especially holds true for postpartum but is also true during pregnancy and just anytime for anyone. I am a big, big fan of mental health prioritization.
One thing you can do is to familiarize yourself with signs and symptoms of common perinatal mood disorders during pregnancy. Most people are familiar with postpartum depression but there are several others. Women can also suffer from postpartum anxiety, postpartum rage, PTSD, and others.
I highly recommend both you and your partner, if you have one, sit down and get familiar with things to look out for during postpartum. Being able to quickly identify certain symptoms and identify them early can be so beneficial when it comes to treating mental health disorders.
Take it from a mama that suffered from pretty significant postpartum anxiety – anything you can do to get a leg up against mental health disorders, I recommend doing! Familiarizing yourself with signs and symptoms certainly does not guarantee you will be spared from experiencing any postpartum mood disorders but it might make identifying them and getting treatment a little less stressful.
7. Celebrate the small victories
Postpartum is hard. I mean, it ranks up there with one of the most difficult seasons of my life. With that being said, parenting is hands down the most rewarding thing I’ve ever done in my life too.
I say all of this to kindly remind you that, even on your hardest and your worst days, you are doing a good job, mama. It’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of diapers, feedings, and sleepless nights, but taking a moment to acknowledge your strength and resilience can make a world of difference.
Every milestone, no matter how big or how small, should be celebrated. Give yourself some grace and patience as you navigate this new journey.
8. Join a mama support group
There is no better person to commiserate with when you are feeling down than someone that’s in or has been in your shoes! You can learn parenting hacks as well as receive emotional support and advice by connecting with other mamas.
What’s more, sharing your birth and recovery experiences with other new mamas can be incredibly validating, reassuring, and therapeutic. We’re all on this journey together. I truly believe that the more we can lean on one another and learn from each other, the better off we will be. ♥️
Not sure where to start? A simple google or facebook search might be your ticket to finding a local support group for mamas. If you don’t have luck there I would recommend asking acquaintances in your area or your OB or child’s pediatrician.
As mamas, we never were supposed to walk this parenting journey alone. Find your people and lean on them, it’s very likely they need you just as much as you need them.
Wrapping up
Mama, you’re doing an amazing job! These postpartum days might feel like a blur, but remember to be kind to yourself, prioritize your well-being, and celebrate every small victory. You’ve got this! With a little self-care, a lot of love, and some support from your tribe, you’ll rock this postpartum journey and embrace the beautiful chaos that is motherhood.
More postpartum resources for your viewing pleasure:
- 38 Must-Have Postpartum Essentials For Mom and Baby!
- Preparing for Postpartum: What You Can Do Before Birth
- The Advice for New ParentsI Wish I’d Gotten During Pregnancy
