Postpartum is hard. Let’s be real. I remember with my firstborn I was shocked with postpartum recovery and the hormone shifts, mood swings, hair loss, etc. that no one seems to talk about.
For 9 months, while yes you’re legit growing a life. Your body changes and is not the same. Everyone knows pregnancy is hard. Postpartum, is REALLY hard too, and definitely does not get enough light shined on it. You feel like you’re expected to “bounce back” which is a crazy accusation and pressure you should not feel.
It took 9 months to create a human. It’s going to take time to recover and start to feel like yourself again. This is a perfect segment to lead into the first tip on how to start feeling normal postpartum
MINDSET
This is the first and most important part of your recovery. While, yes, it’s not physical. A lot of these aren’t physical tips because I have learned you need to give yourself grace and time to heal both physically and mentally. This relates to the above statement. A really important thing to remember postpartum is you need to give yourself so much grace.
I know it’s hard, you want to feel normal again, you do not want to be in pain, you’re also dealing with no sleep, sore breast, recovering from birth, walking or sitting is a challenge, etc.
So, think about it. The expectations to “bounce back” are RIDICULOUS and you should not place that pressure on yourself.
FRESH AIR
Get outside, go for a walk. Do not underestimate how natural sunlight and fresh air can improve your mental state and help you feel better.
JOURNAL
Journaling has always helped me. Physically writing down your emotions and feelings is a simple way to “get it off your chest” and feel better.
GET READY
This helped me postpartum SO much. While yes, my body needed time to physically heal. I could do my hair and makeup! I would wake up 30 mins before the babies and get ready. Feeling better about my appearance helped me feel like I had better control over my day and boost my confidence as well.
ACCEPT HELP
This was hard for me with my first baby. I felt like if I accepted the help that it was a sign of weakness or that I couldn’t do this whole mom thing and was failing.
That could not be more false. People offer their help because they want to help you. So, accept the free meal, let someone hold the baby, or help you clean.
This is not a sign of failure. If anything, it’s going to help you be a better mom and show up for your little one so much more. Which, isn’t that what we all really want. To feel like we’re a good mom and were doing this whole “mom thing” correctly.
STAY HYDRATED
Keeping up on your water intake will help in recovery, you feel better, and if you are breastfeeding, it’ll help increase milk production. Everyone knows it. Drink your water girl!
PP DEPRESSION
I do need to say that if you are feeling depressed. I would really advise you to talk to someone and/or seek medical help. I have never personally dealt with postpartum depression. I know so many women who do and how important it is to seek help if this is something you are struggling with.
REMEMBER….this is ONLY a season. It feels overwhelming and messy. Because let us be real. It is.
Try to keep in mind that the season will change. You won’t remember all the hard parts as strongly as you’re experiencing them now.
Take your time, slow down, enjoy the newborn snuggles, accept help, rest your body, don’t focus so much on the house. The dishes and laundry will eventually get done.
You’re so strong mama and you got this.