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Last Updated on December 11, 2024 by Samantha Flores
Postpartum healing goes beyond those initial six to eight weeks of recovery. After the meal trains stop and visitors become scarce, how you continue to heal will be important for you and your baby. There are parts of your body that will take nearly a year to heal. In addition, you will need to have a plan in place for how you will care for your mental health as well.
Becoming a new mom for the first or umpteenth time will require you to slow down in all parts of your life. This can be difficult to do, especially if you are a single mom or a mom of multiple children with schedules and whatnot to tend to. However, the time you take now for your postpartum healing will benefit your future health.
Related: The 5-5-5 Postpartum Rule: What Is It and How to Use It
6 Tips to Faster Postpartum Healing
The following tips for faster postpartum healing are meant to help you recover beyond those initial early weeks after birth. For a look at what to expect in your recovery during those first 30 days, read more here.
Rest
Rest, rest, and more rest for faster postpartum healing. I know you probably don’t want to hear it, but rest will be your best friend. During the immediate postpartum period, it’s recommended that you rest for that first month. However, rest is still an essential part of recovery even a year later.
The saying, “Sleep when the baby sleeps,” is difficult to follow if your baby is only sleeping 20 minutes here and there. But when you can, take the time to get a nap in or simply put your feet up. The dishes and laundry will still be there. You have nothing to prove to anyone by doing all of the things all of the time. Your body needs you to slow down, bond with your baby, and leave everything else until later.
Related: Sleep Deprivation and Postpartum: How to Get Through the Long Nights
Nutrition
Fueling your body with the essential nutrients it needs to survive is a big part of faster postpartum healing. Your body can heal if it doesn’t have the vitamins and minerals it needs to do the job. This is especially important if you are breastfeeding– you need to replenish your body from what your baby is taking from you during each feeding session.
I know, I know… the last thing you want to do is cook while you are swamped with baby duties. In that case, you can help yourself by taking a postpartum multivitamin in addition to continuing with your prenatal vitamin. Together, you will give your body the nutrients it needs to sustain you. Try the NEEDED brand for your vitamin needs and use code postpartumsam for up to 40% off.
Ask for Help
Probably one of the most challenging things to do (at least in American culture) is to ask for help. Somehow, we’ve been brainwashed to think that asking for help is a sign of weakness. In fact, it is a sign of strength. If you want to put yourself on track to faster healing postpartum, asking for help is one of the top ways to do so.
Ask for help with cleaning, picking up/dropping off older kids, meals, or just needing a break. There is no limit to what you can ask for when you need help. Lean on your village for support. If you don’t have anyone close to come help, make friends with neighbors, church members, or other moms in your area. In addition, you can often pay for services to help you with many of the overwhelming tasks.
Related: Postpartum Thyroiditis: How it Can Affect Your Mental Health
Hydration
Just like nutrition is mentioned above, hydration is equally important. In fact, when you are dehydrated, your brain literally shrinks and pulls away from the skull, causing pressure on nerves which then leads to headaches. You likely know how uncomfortable headaches are, especially when you are a mom trying to juggle all of the things postpartum. Don’t do it to yourself! Keep hydrated with water and electrolytes.
If you have trouble drinking water, consider using hydration packs like the ones sold by NEEDED. These packs are full of trace minerals and electrolytes that promote essential hydration. In addition, the refreshing flavors are just what you need to wind down or give you a daily boost with no sugar or artificial flavors. Use code postpartumsam for your exclusive discount.
Keep a Journal
Your mental health is just as important as your physical health. This is especially true during postpartum healing. Keep a journal during the first year to help you get the noise out of your head. In addition, a journal is a great resource to have if you need to assess yourself for any postpartum mood disorders.
Related: Postpartum Brain Fog: What You Need to Know and How to Cope
Grace
Last, but certainly not least, the key to faster postpartum healing includes giving yourself grace. Let go of expectations that you are holding yourself to. Remember that this is a season of life and you will get back to doing things you love again. It will take time to get there. And it is HARD. Take it one day at a time and if that is too much, just take it one hour at a time.
Faster Postpartum Healing Starts with You
Ultimately, how quickly you heal will depend on you. If you aren’t willing to rest, ask for help, or take care of your body, then your healing will be delayed. This part of life isn’t a race. Everyone heals and recovers differently after birth. Comparing yourself to others will only rob you of the joy you could be experiencing in your season of life right now.
Postpartum is not easy by any means. It is a journey to adjusting to the new life you just brought into this world in addition to learning your new role as a mom. Take your time and try to enjoy the little moments that happen along the way.
Related: The Fourth Trimester: A Postpartum Depression Guide
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