We women, are wonderful creatures! We birth human beings :]

After giving birth, I was surprised on how my body healed itself. Don’t get me wrong, I felt like shit afterwards and really didn’t want to stand up to go to the bathroom, for fear of breaking my stitches. However, that all passes after a few weeks of rest and some cool compresses.

When you allow yourself to recuperate and have some genuine tender, love, and care, you’ll be able to gradually adapt back to your new, mommy self.

I am in no way a professional regarding this matter. Therefore, please consult your Doctor or Midwife regarding your own personal recovery during your own postpartum care.

This is all from my experience and would like to share with you a four week guide, on how I have recovered and healed.

First Week:

  • Bed rest. Lay in your comfy bed or couch.
  • Bond and enjoy your baby.
  • Don’t leave house. Unless you need to for Doctor’s appointments, Midwife visits, etc.
  • Hydrate and eat well.
  • Nurse! Pump! Nurse!
  • Limit visitors – Don’t entertain.
  • Ask for help – This was tough one for me, because I didn’t have my immediate family close by or many friends. But my partner, new friends I made, and family here were really great. They helped me with anything I needed. 
  • Allow friends and family to cook, clean, and do other chores for you. It’ll be amazing if they can bring you meals!
  • Love and nurture your body; Give yourself some “You time,” even if its for 5, 10, 30 minutes, or an hour. Bubble baths or bath soaks with candles are wonderful!

Second Week:

  • Bed rest. Lay in your comfy bed or couch.
  • Continue to bond and enjoy your baby!
  • Don’t leave house. Unless you need to for Doctor’s appointments, Midwife visits, etc.
  • Continue to hydrate and eat well.
  • Nurse! Pump! Nurse!
  • Limit visitors – Don’t entertain.
  • Continue to ask for help. 
  • Continue to allow  friends and family to cook, clean, and do other chores for you. Delivering meals to you is a plus!
  • Light chores, folding laundry.
  • Walk around your house.
  • Kegel exercises. If you’re up for it, you can start.
  • Love and nurture your body; Continue with “You time,” even if its for 5, 10, 30 minutes, or an hour. Bubble baths or bath soaks with candles! Go for a quick drive, baby will still be at home when you get back.

Third Week:

  • Rest as needed. Continue to lay in your comfy bed or couch.  
  • You can leave your house! Go on a light walk with baby around the block or near by park.
  • Continue to bond and enjoy your baby.
  • Nap in the afternoon or when you can.
  • Hydrate and eat well.
  • Nurse! Pump! Nurse!
  • Continue to ask for help. 
  • Continue to allow friends and family to bring you meals, cook, or clean for you. 
  • Do Kegel exercises daily or as needed.
  • Love and nurture your body; Continue with “You time,” even if its for 5, 10, 30 minutes, or an hour. Bubble baths or bath soaks with candles! Go for a quick drive or walk around your block, to get some fresh air.

Fourth Week:

  • Rest as needed.  Lay in your comfy bed or couch.
  • Continue to go on light walks outside. Fresh air is good!
  • Continue to bond and enjoy your baby.
  • Continue to nap in the afternoons or when you can.
  • Continue to hydrate and eat well.
  • Nurse! Pump! Nurse!
  • Ask for help as needed. 
  • As needed allow friends and family to bring you meals, cook, or clean for you.
  • Continue with Kegel exercises as needed.
  • Carry baby on sling or wrap! You can do this inside your home or when you go outside!
  • Join activities or meetings that bring you in contact with other mothers~ (Search for a La Leche League or Baby wearing International group, Mommy & Baby Yoga around your area, or have a Childbirth class reunions.) I found this to be very important and beneficial for my mommy sanity.
  • Always love and nurture your body; Continue with “You time,” even if its for 5, 10, 30 minutes, or an hour. Bubble baths or bath soaks with candles, quick drive, walk around the block, or treat yourself to a manicure and pedicure! You deserve it mama!

Take things slow, one day at a time, and know your limitations. Remember to breathe and smile. You just gave birth! 🙂

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~Rachel

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