Post Pregnancy: Tricks for a Better At-Home Healing
Congratulations, mom! You’ve just done an incredible job of birthing your baby. Now that you’re home from the hospital, it’s time to focus on recovering from labor so you can feel better and take care of that precious little one. As you heal and recover, there are certain things to pay attention to. Keep these healthy ideas in mind as you begin your journey as a new mom.
Rest as Much as Possible
You may have heard this repeated over and over again by veteran moms and it’s well worth repeating. You just completed a marathon. In fact, you’re also just starting a new one. Taking care of your newborn around the clock can feel like a lifelong marathon. Be sure to rest when the baby sleeps. It might be tempting to get things done once the baby finally goes to sleep, but overexerting yourself too early can lead to slowed healing and emotional distress. Take it easy, and use quiet moment as opportunities for more rest.
Eat Lots of Nourishing Food
This is not the time to diet. Eat plenty of nourishing food and drink lots, especially if you’re breastfeeding. Try to eat lots of protein, healthy fats, fruits and veggies, and lots of whole grains. Drinking plenty of liquids also helps to prevent hemorrhoids, a common postpartum problem. Witch Hazel pads can help ease this painful condition.
Get Support
Don’t be afraid to ask for help! If you have a support system set up help before baby’s arrival, now is the time to enjoy your time alone with the newborn. Ask for meals from friends and family members. When someone says, “What can I do to help?”, be specific about what you need. You might even keep a list handy that you can simply give to enquiring visitors. Hire a postpartum doula. Postpartum doulas help with everything from caring for older children, to helping with your newborn, to cleaning and cooking. In cases of emergency, call for takeout!
Watch for Other Symptoms
Be aware of all your symptoms and body’s complaints as you heal after labor and be sure to tell you doctor about any new developments. According to Ivein Treatment Center in Provo Utah, post-pregnancy is often when varicose veins develop. Elevate your legs and be sure to change positions when resting. If you do get pain from varicose veins, looking into Vein Surgery in Utah can be a good route to try after the initial healing stages are over. Also be aware of your digestion, milk production, and changes in any other parts of your body as you adjust to life with a newborn.
Go Easy on Yourself
There will definitely be difficult days in this healing stage. Remember they will pass by all too quickly, and your newborn will grow faster than you can imagine. Try not to stress over the dirty floors and piles of laundry. Making sure you take rest seriously now will ensure a swifter recovery for you. This is important, because you cannot rush a return to normalcy when you’ve just crossed one of the biggest life-changing thresholds you’ll ever encounter. You are doing a fantastic job making certain your baby is loved and fed.
Listen to your body. Try not to compare your recovery to other moms’ stories. Everyone is different, and nothing puts unnecessary pressure on mom like trying to be like a different person. Don’t be alarmed by how all-consuming newborn care is, and accept the help you deserve. Rest assured there are ways you can get help on your road to recovery.
