5 BIG Needs For Your Postpartum
In many cultures, the immediate postpartum period is regarded as a critical time for women to heal both physically and emotionally after birth. In India, it is called The Sacred Window and in China the Golden Month. In Chinese medicine and Ayuvedic medicine, this time is so powerful that with sufficient rest and recovery, a woman has the ability to heal previous illness and health concerns for life. How we are cared for during this time can impact us for a lifetime. So what are the most important needs of a new mother during the first weeks after baby arrives?
The five BIG Needs during the first month after baby:
Nourishment - Eat mineral & nutrient-rich foods as often as you feel hungry! This very well could be every hour or two :) What will you eat at night?
Housework - Delegate, delegate, delegate! You will be learning so much during the first few weeks - providing care 24/7, breastfeeding or bottle feeding frequently, and soothing baby. Believe me, you don’t want or need to be doing the dishes as well!
Companionship with other women whether it be a good friend you can ugly cry with or a mother’s circle to share & listen.
Self-Care - Get your oxytocin up! What things bring you peace and joy? Make a list and have it handy for when you need a pick me up.
Sleep - when baby sleeps, you should sleep too. Try to avoid the urge to squeeze in cleaning up, doing dishes, or catching up on Instagram during those early weeks. If you need more sleep, read our blog post on Protected Sleep.
Are you a friend or family member of a soon-to-be mother?
Consider how you can support a new mom by helping her meet the five needs above. What about bringing a meal (home-cooked or carry out), sweeping the kitchen, taking the rash out, lending a shoulder to cry on, or bringing her favorite cup of tea or beverage.
Are you an expectant mother?
Have you considered all the possibilities of birth, but haven’t put much thought into what happens when you bring baby home? Are you on a path to create a nurturing postpartum, but don’t know where to start? Start with mind-set. Do you feel like you deserve time to heal and bond with baby without worrying about the house and cooking? What reservations do you have around asking for help?
Book a free virtual conversation to explore ways you can set up the postpartum that leaves you feeling supported, calm, and confident.