Realistic Postpartum Self-Care Tips
One of the biggest pieces of advice new mamas get after delivering their baby is to rest. Take it easy, get as much sleep as you can and make sure you’re eating healthy foods that make you feel bright and energetic. This is usually met with an eye roll and complete bewilderment as you think to yourself “Rest!? When - how!? How on earth am I meant to relax and take it easy when my newborn is somehow always asleep but always awake at the same time?”
Mamas, we get it. In a time when life is all about taking care of your precious little bub, it’s easy to wonder how on earth you’re meant to prioritize any form of self-care. But fear not! There are tips and tricks you can incorporate into the 4th trimester that help you recover, make you feel good and show mom some love too. Keep reading on for the top 5 realistic postpartum self-care tips.
Look after down below
Did you know that up to 90% of all women experience a tear during childbirth? So if you’re feeling sore and painful down below, know that you’re not alone. Still - caring for a newborn when your bits are throbbing and swollen can be incredibly difficult. Like with any other injury you’ve endured during your life, you can’t just rest up in bed and be waited on hand and foot while you recover. You’re in the thick of caring for your little one so your healing journey will need some modifications.
So how can you help soothe your bits in a way that’s 4th trimester approved? Sitz baths! Using a sitz bath is a great way to keep your perineum clean while helping it heal at the same time. Sitz baths help reduce swelling and inflammation and relax the muscles in the perineum - alleviating the pain of cuts, tears or an episiotomy. Even better - they can be assembled in minutes! Simply place the sitz bath on your toilet, fill it with warm water and voila! You only need 10 to 15 minutes of soaking down below for great results. This is one of the quickest and most effective ways of looking after your nether regions postpartum.
Make sure you’re eating properly
When you’re in the throes of the 4th trimester, now is not the time to be cooking gourmet meals. Lots of moms reach for whatever is quick and convenient in those early days after childbirth which usually results in eating food that doesn’t help them feel the best. While it can be tempting to indulge in junk food, there are healthy alternatives you can eat that will leave you feeling good.
You’ve heard it once and you’ll hear it again - stock up on freezer meals before your little one comes along. All you have to do is pop them in the oven and you get to enjoy a healthy, hearty meal. Alternatively, make meals that require minimal effort and preparation. This could be avocado toast for breakfast, fruit salad as a snack and healthy soups for dinner. If you do manage to find some time to cook, try doubling or tripling the recipe so you have food for later.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help
While new mothers are often encouraged to ask for help, it can be difficult to put into action. The last thing any new mother wants is to look like they can’t cope - so they may shy away from asking for the help they so desperately need. Mamas - we can assure you that no one is judging you in those early days postpartum. Need some help with the laundry? Ask for it! House is a mess? Ask your loved ones for a helping hand. Now is the time to recruit your village.
Don’t have close family nearby to help you out? That’s okay, too. It definitely isn’t easy but there is support available through the help of postpartum doulas, breastfeeding counsellors and even helping hands who will help clean your home while you’re tending to your little one. Don’t feel the need to do everything by yourself.
Join a support group
The great thing about living in the modern age is that you have access to countless support groups either in person or from the comfort of your bed. If you haven’t yet, join a support group of mothers who had babies around the same time as you. You’ll always have someone to message at 3 AM and they’ll understand first-hand what you’re going through. This will do wonders for your mental well-being when you feel isolated and alone.
While other people may not understand how painful your breasts are, how absolutely exhausted you feel or how your hormones are raging - other new moms will. Join a local mom’s group in your area or find a group online.
Get some fresh air
While it can be tempting to hole up inside for weeks on end with your newborn, getting a bit of fresh air can do you a world of good. Whether you go for a short and relaxed walk with your newborn or simply sit outside with a cup of tea - make sure you get outside for a change of scenery. Fresh air helps give you energy, so don’t underestimate the power of the great outdoors!
Don’t forget about mama
Looking after a newborn can be all-consuming, but it’s important to make sure you’re not forgetting about your own needs. Prioritize your own self-care and keep your cup as full as you can - otherwise, you won’t have anything left to give others, including your precious baby. Eat healthy meals, join a support group and help heal down below with our best-selling Soothic sitz bath. Paired with our leading sitz bath soak designed for new mamas, you’ll not only help soothe and alleviate your nether regions but get to enjoy 10 minutes of peace and quiet to yourself - a novelty during the fourth trimester! You got this, mama.