Nurturing New Beginnings: A Comprehensive Guide to Postpartum Care
Bringing a new life into the world is a miraculous journey, filled with joy and wonder. However, as a new parent embracing the challenges and joys of parenthood, don’t forget the importance of postpartum care. The postpartum period, commonly referred to as the "fourth trimester," is a time when a mother's body undergoes significant changes as it recovers from childbirth. We at Alpha Life want to help you pay attention to various aspects of postpartum care by offering guidance and support in the following areas, and be sure to visit the list of resources at the end for further info:
Physical Recovery and Postpartum Care:
Rest and Recovery: Your body has just performed one of the most challenging feats, growing and birthing a baby! Resting when you can is going to be vital! You’ve heard it before - sleep when the baby sleeps. Along with taking naps and getting as much sleep at night as possible, What to Expect has more tips for postpartum fatigue that can help you get the rest you need.
Nutrition: Whether you are breastfeeding or not, just like during pregnancy, having a healthy well-balanced diet will help both you and baby. As you pay attention to getting enough protein, iron, and vitamins in your diet, this list of 12 super-foods can help give you an idea of what foods you can incorporate in your planning.
Pelvic Floor Exercises: Keep in mind that while you may not be ready to jump back into any particular exercise routine, you can still begin specific exercises (with the okay from your doctor) that will help your body recover postpartum. This article outlines three exercises that will help you gain strength in the pelvic floor area. Check with your doctor concerning how soon you can begin to incorporate these and other exercise routines back into your life.
Emotional Well-being During the Postpartum Period:
Mental Health Awareness: The National Library of Medicine states that one in seven women experience postpartum depression on average. Being aware of how common the “baby blues” can be is one way to prepare yourself. If you experience any PPD symptoms such as loss of interest or finding pleasure most of the day, feeling worthlessness or shame, or insomnia or hyper-somnia to name a few, we are here at Alpha Life to support you and provide someone to talk to during your transition into motherhood.
Self-Care Rituals: A simple skin-care routine before bed, a warm bath, an uplifting podcast, a gratitude journal…finding the simple routines that you can weave into your day and help you relax, reflect, and unwind will help keep your mental and emotional well-being from neglect during this challenging time with so many new demands on your life. Remember, if you are maintaining your emotional health during postpartum, you are likely going to be able to handle all the new challenges of being a new parent that much better.
Support Systems: As you think through tasks and responsibilities you have, recognize the ones that you can ask friends and family to help you with for the next few weeks such as cooking meals, doing laundry, taking care of older children, cleaning your home. Think through the people in your life that you can reach out to for practical help in those areas: a family member, a neighbor, a friend, co-worker, church member.
Breastfeeding Support and Tips:
Lactation Consultation: If you choose to breastfeed your baby, there are local consultants to help as challenges arise! One such partner we recommend is Mother’s Helper Lactation Clinic, and you can reach them at 910-486-8705 or visit their website at https://www.mothershelperhhs.com/
Postpartum Check-ups and Medical Guidance:
Regular Medical Check-ups: It is recommended that you schedule a check-up with your doctor about 3 weeks after your baby is born. The American College of Ob-Gyn talks about the importance of this visit and what you can expect as well as questions your doctor should ask.
As you celebrate the arrival of a new family member, don’t forget the essential aspect of postpartum care. By prioritizing physical recovery, emotional well-being, breastfeeding support, and regular check-ups, you can navigate the challenges of the postpartum period with confidence. At Alpha Life, we want to support you with education, resources, and counsel along your parenting journey - reach out to us today to make an appointment!
Below are more Articles on Postpartum Recovery (these are not affiliates, and the views held by the authors do not necessarily represent the views/beliefs of AlphaLife. This resource list is not meant to advertise any one entity, simply to provide further information on postpartum health):
What to Expect has a timeline and a list of items that can help you during your recovery:
https://www.whattoexpect.com/pregnancy/pregnancy-health/postpartum-recovery/
Health Partners talk about several physical changes and recovery that you may experience with information for both a vaginal birth and c-section:
https://www.healthpartners.com/blog/what-to-expect-after-giving-birth/
The American Pregnancy Association has an article with more information on Postpartum Depression with suggestions for combatting the baby blues:
https://americanpregnancy.org/healthy-pregnancy/first-year-of-life/baby-blues/
