Postpartum Pearls...You Need To Read!
The expectations set in our society for the postpartum period largely center around baby. While caring for baby is certainly a top priority, caring for yourself (or the new mom in your life) should be at the top of the list, too. The duration of pregnancy is 280+/- days, spent beautifully growing a precious human inside of you. Different for each of us, the reproductive cycle affects us mentally, physically, socially...navigating hormones, emotions, a changing body, and shift in family dynamics, to name a few. The postpartum period needs to be that of realistic expectations, shifting from fear of overwhelm, isolation, and intense fatigue to that of support, nourishment, rejuvenation, and connection. So our message? Moms: you need to be at the top of the list, too! How to do that? Here are some postpartum practices to support you in your journey.
Ask for Help!
This might be the hardest one on the list. We’re guilty, too! It’s our belief that all moms are really superheroes in disguise. But even superheroes need help! With the expectation that you can handle everything - whether postpartum or otherwise - it can be a recipe to send your adrenals, physical, and mental health into overdrive. Ask your bestie to stop at the store and pick up a few groceries. Ask your neighbor if they can shovel the sidewalk. Call your parents to help watch your older kids, or ask a sibling to pick your older children up from school. Gentle reminder that needing help is not a sign of weakness, but is a personal strength...and that’s pretty fantastic!
Find Your Tribe & Connect
A common obstacle in postpartum motherhood is finding the energy + motivation to get out a bit. Connection is a basic human need. Meet a friend at the park for some fresh air. Stop by the coffee shop and sip a tea while baby takes a quick snooze. Reach out to your local moms group for weekly or monthly meet-ups for connection + support. Don’t worry about how your hair looks, the last time you showered, or if you’ve been in the same sweats the past 2 days. Cause guess what?! We’re all in the same boat! It will feel good to get out with a little practice.
Rest!
We know you know. Rest is key, mamas. Sleep deprivation is an unavoidable part of motherhood and no doubt a difficult balancing act when caring for your new baby. But it’s true what they say - the laundry will get done, the dust in the corners can wait, and unmade beds are completely acceptable. You need time to both physically and mentally heal, nourish, and bond. And this holds true for BOTH parents- Dad, too!
Take Time Away If/When You Need It
Entire chapters and books are written on this very topic. ‘Mom guilt’ is real and it’s certain you’ll experience it at some point for some reason. We’re here to tell you, though, that taking time away when you feel you need it is NOT selfish and you do NOT need to feel guilt. This doesn’t mean spending days away from your child. Time away can mean 20-minutes to yourself to read a book, a quick walk through the neighborhood, a well-deserved mani/pedi, or time to meet up with a good friend. We all need time to recharge!
Hydrate
At least ½ of your weight in ounces is the golden rule! Dehydration can contribute to fatigue, mood changes, and even affect milk production for you nursing mamas! We don’t need that! We recommend keeping filled water containers (we love this one!) on your nightstand or wherever you plan to be for most of the day.
Nourish
Colorful fruits + veggies, healing bone broths, grass-fed or wild-caught protein...your body needs care in the form of nourishment for optimal function and healing. Before baby arrives, prepare some of your favorite recipes and freeze or have easy options on-hand. See our recipes page for inspiration. We also love Mama Meals for postpartum meal delivery - organic, gluten free, pasture-raised, real food based in ayurveda to nourish, heal and support.
Schedule Much-Needed Time for Basic Self-Care
Enjoy a healing herbal bath, keep up with your recommended supplements, take time for movement (when you’re ready), attend a mom’s support group, nourish + hydrate (as above), and take that shower. Refer to #1 if not sure how to make this happen.
Check Your Thyroid
How are you feeling? Like really feeling? Are you overly fatigued? Having trouble sleeping? Do you have poor mood or foggy brain? We’re quick to tell ourselves “Well, I’ve just had a baby so…”, but the truth is that your thyroid function may not be optimal. It is a very valid concern and one to discuss with your healthcare provider. Click here to read more about signs of thyroid imbalance.
Know Your Stats
Besides your thyroid, it may be worth a check to assess additional markers such as CBC+differential (might you be anemic?), B12 (direct relation to energy + mood), vitamin D (75% of Americans are deficient!), or ferritin/iron level, to name a few. Suboptimal levels left unaddressed can contribute to hormone imbalance, thyroid issues, and depression/anxiety, for example.
Do what’s right for YOU!
You’ll receive plenty of advice, much of it unsolicited ;) You’ll read books, research the best diapers, chat with friends, receive recommendations from your doctor, and use “Dr. Google” more times than you care to. But guess what? Listen to your intuition! Your womanly maternal instinct is powerful. Follow your gut and stick to what feels best for you.
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