Your life has just completely changed, welcoming your bundle of joy into the world. You’re sent home with this tiny blessing that needs you for everything. The overwhelming sensation of that is often balanced by how sweet newborn snuggles are. Once your baby arrives, the focus tends to go to them. Even your doctor’s appointments swap from focusing on mom to focusing on baby.
While your child needs all your care, attention, and love, don’t forget to care for yourself. The miracle of pregnancy and birth is beautiful. But it also puts your body through a massive trauma. Your hormones are all over the place, your milk is coming in, and you’re physically healing as well. Make sure to give yourself that space to heal. Keep reading for postpartum self care essentials.
1. Pain Relief
If you had a vaginal birth, you may have endured a few stitches. Hemorrhoids are also a common occurrence when pushing and delivering your baby. One product that is a think of soothing magic are Tucks medicated cooling pads and sprays. They constrain witch hazel that helps blood vessels get smaller. After birth, you’re not supposed to wipe hard with toilet paper and are given a peri bottle for cleansing. Adding some witch hazel to your bottle can also help sooth your perineum.
Ice packs can be your best friend to reduce swelling and inflammation as well. There are many different types you can look for. Some are pad shaped baggies you can put ice in and throw away when melted. Others are reusable and are called perineal ice pads. You put them right in your underwear to hold in place and cool your sore area. Painkillers like Advil are also very helpful regardless of if you had a c-section or vaginal delivery.
2. Clothing
It can be a challenge to sleep and even get time to shower with a new baby. This is especially true if you’re breastfeeding. It can feel like you’re literally tied to your baby. Your body is still sore and achy too and you likely are surprised that your stomach is still round. Don’t worry about trying to squeeze into normal clothes right away. Go for comfort and get more mileage out of your maternity outfits.
Nursing bras and wireless bras can be a blessing to your engorged bosom as your milk arrives. Look for some nursing pads as well to soak up leaks. Many women also don’t realize how much and how long they will bleed after birth. The placenta is roughly the size of a dinner plate and has left your uterus to shrink down and heal. Postpartum pads and period underwear can help you handle your heavy flow during this time.
3. Nesting Stations
This tip is for both mom (and other caregivers) and the baby alike. Setting up a nesting station can be a wonderful self care act. By nesting station, think of everything you need to care for your little one without getting up. Create a spot that is your ultimate comfort zone and have everything you need within reach. If your favorite spot is the corner recliner, set it up there.
Make a diaper caddy that has diapers, wipes, and ointment in it. You can even add diaper bags or your diaper genie right there. On another table, have your formula and clean and fill bottles with water. If you’re breastfeeding, have your drape and pillow set up. Don’t forget to keep your favorite snuggly blanket, refillable water bottle, snacks and the remote handy too.
4. Home Spa Time
Having a baby can feel a little bit like you’re repeating the same day over and over the first few months. All of a sudden, you look down and realize you’re in the same sweats and can’t remember when you showered last. Try to take time when allowed to shower and spend quiet time in the bathroom. Don’t rush through your routine.
You can even light a few lavender candles to relax and put on your favorite music. Let the water rush over you and be present in the moment. It’s a time to connect with yourself while no one needs you. At first, you can only take showers after birth and have to be careful of soaps that may cause irritation while you heal. After you’re cleared for baths, take advantage of bath bombs or epsom salts for a leisurely soak.
5. Your Village
They say it takes a village to raise a child. While you and your partner are totally capable, lean on those you love at this time. People who have gone through the newborn stage know what they wished they had more of at that time. They also know what was so helpful to them. Let your people show up for you and also ask for help.
If they offer to babysit so you and your partner can go out for dinner, take them up on it. If being away from your baby is too hard right now, ask if they might order in for you instead. Grocery shopping, washing up bottles, and just holding the baby so you can nap or shower are wonderful gifts too. People not only want to meet the baby, but they also want to care for the parents. Asking for help really is a gift to all involved.
Having a baby is a wonderful time in life and also is a bit stressful. Your whole world turns upside down in an instant. It’s hard to imagine how you will feel and what it will be like until the baby is here. They call the time after the baby arrives the fourth trimester for a reason. It’s a continued time of growth and change. As you learn to care for and raise your child, make sure to show that same grace, care, and kindness to yourself.
