The weeks following the birth of a child are a period of adjustment and healing. This new step in your life requires you to get plenty of rest, restrict guests, and a new routine with your child. Whether you had a vaginal delivery or a C-section, you must remember to look after yourself throughout those few weeks so that you can fully recover.
How do I care for myself at home after delivery?
You may believe that after birth, you may resume your usual routine. However, this period of your life is both a time of adaptation to life with a baby and a time of healing. It’s crucial to note that your body will need to recuperate from delivery over time. Your body will require time to recuperate after any form of childbirth, whether vaginal or cesarean (C-section).
Having a newborn infant at home for the first month might be stressful at times. You may feel as if you spend all of your time caring for your kid, but don’t forget to look after yourself.
You may have heard the term “if you don’t take care of yourself, you won’t be able to take care of your kid,” and there is some truth to it. There are a few things you’ll need to remember after birth to keep your health in check.
Here are a few concrete reminders:
Resting: Having a baby is a lot of effort, and you probably didn’t get much sleep at the hospital. The first few weeks following delivery are crucial for relaxing as much as possible. When your infant is sleeping, try to sleep or rest. This time of rest will aid your recovery.
Avoid heavy lifting: While you’re healing, you must avoid lifting anything heavier than your infant. If you’ve had a C-section, this is very important.
Handwashing: It may seem little, but handwashing should be done often. After using the restroom, change your baby’s diaper, and before feeding your infant.
Limit any form of heavy physical activity: Try to limit your physical activities even your stair climbing for the first week. While you’re healing, try to keep the number of trips up and down the stairs to a minimum.
Keeping your baby’s care as easy as possible: Don’t add up to your to-do board when it comes to your baby’s requirements. Learning your baby’s schedule and requirements during the first few weeks is difficult enough. Your infant does not require a bath daily. Instead, wipe your baby’s face, hands, and diaper region using moist wipes regularly.
Here are some social guidelines to keep in mind:
Limit visits: People would want to come over and greet your new family member, so limit visits. However, this may not be the greatest time to entertain visitors. It’s fine to limit visits or refuse company entirely for the first several weeks. You will be creating feeding patterns if you opt to breastfeed. You’ll be adapting to your life with your kid and recovering from your delivery throughout this period.
Requesting assistance: Don’t be frightened to seek assistance. Make it clear to your family and friends how they may assist you. Cooking meals, assisting with washing, performing home duties, babysitting siblings, or stopping at the shop to pick up food and supplies are examples of this.
Not aiming for perfection: When you have company, try not to get too worked up over little mishaps. People are visiting to see you and your new baby, not to see a spotless house. During this period, don’t put too much pressure on yourself to make your house seem ideal.
It is very difficult for new mothers to adapt to a new schedule with a baby. Nights can be very difficult and sometimes your body will need rest. You are not superhuman, you need rest, food, and water just like everybody else. So, it is important that you provide all of these things to your body. Let us know in the comments if you have some tips for new mothers…
