Congratulations on your new arrival! I’ve been postpartum before and as I’m writing this, I am currently pregnant with my son and I’m due any day now. The first time I was postpartum I did not do much for self-care, most days I was just trying to get sleep, eat, or bathe - sometimes I had to choose two out of the three and showers were skipped.

Postpartum can be a challenging time, both physically and emotionally, so taking care of yourself is essential. Here are some self-care ideas that I’m going to try implementing this time around. 

Disclaimer: Blogs are a great place to get helpful information but they should never replace mental healthcare and this blog is no exception. These blog posts do not replace mental heath care and are not medical advice.

1. Rest & Ask for Help

Your body needs time to recover after giving birth, so try to rest whenever possible. Nap when your baby naps. This will be harder for me this time around because I already have a toddler who only takes one nap a day. Thankfully, my husband will be home for a few weeks and then my mom will come for a couple of weeks. Take advantage of whatever help you can get during this time.

2. Stay hydrated and nourished

Drink plenty of water and eat nutritious meals to support your body's recovery and to keep up with the demands of breastfeeding if you choose to do so.

3. Take care of your physical health

Practice gentle exercises recommended by your doctor or midwife to promote healing and improve your overall well-being. I’m planning to take walks everyday or at least get outside. The first time around, I stayed in the house most of the time (granted, it was during COVID and it was winter time) and it definitely had an impact on my mood. 

4. Connect with other moms

You can join a postpartum support group or attend baby and me classes to connect with other moms who are going through similar experiences or just get out there in ways that seem appealing to you. This summer, I plan to go on playdates and take up a hobby that will get me out of the house but also help me to be active, such as visiting my local ecology center. 

5. Take breaks

Take a few moments each day to do something you enjoy, such as reading a book, taking a relaxing bath, or listening to music.

6. Practice mindfulness

Incorporate mindfulness practices, such as deep breathing,  yoga, or going through a mindfulness activity while you go for a walk. Headspace is a convenient app for this.

Remember, self-care looks different for everyone, so listen to your body and do what feels best for you.

Talk to you soon,

Carmelita