Tips for Prioritizing Your Postpartum Wellness

Having a baby is a major life change that will affect your lifestyle, mindset and well-being. We’re sharing important tips to prioritize your postpartum health.

10 Postpartum Self-Care Tips

Life as you know it changes after giving birth, and it can take some time to ease into your new routine. Here are some tips to help you prioritize your postpartum care and get back to feeling like your best self:

1. Accept help or ask for it: A supportive community can benefit your whole health — body, mind and spirit. Family and friends can help with household tasks or childcare — and it’s OK to ask for help, too.
2. Don’t play the comparison game: Know that no two bodies are the same, and your postpartum recovery won’t look the same as your friends’, coworkers’, neighbors’ or even your family members’.
3. Don’t skip postpartum checkups: Follow-up appointments with your OB/GYN are an important way to keep your health in check.
4. Eat a nutritious, balanced diet: Keep your strength up during your recovery, especially if you’re breastfeeding, by eating lots of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains.
5. Make time for yourself: Even if it’s just a few minutes each day, set aside time to focus on your needs and activities that bring you joy.
6. Set realistic expectations: Take breaks when you need to and understand that it’s OK if you can’t cross everything off your to-do list.
7. Share your feelings: As a new mom, your emotions can feel like they’re all over the place; talking with your partner, family, friends and health care providers is an important way to stay level-headed.
8. Sleep whenever you can: Rest is an essential part of your recovery. Try to rest your eyes while your baby sleeps, and don’t feel guilty about midday naps.
9. Stay hydrated: Keep a water bottle nearby to help ensure you drink plenty of water throughout the day, especially if you’re breastfeeding.
10. When returning to physical activity, start slow: Start with lighter-intensity exercises and gradually build up to more intense workouts as you feel comfortable, and your body gets stronger.

Postpartum recovery takes time, and overall, these tips boil down to one thing: listening to your body. Try not to push yourself too hard and always be patient with yourself. As a new mom, your and your baby’s health is your highest priority, and everything else can take a backseat.

Fitness and Physical Exercise After Giving Birth

Easing back into regular physical activity after giving birth leads to many health benefits, including:

• Improved heart health
• Lower stress levels
• More energy
• Reduced postpartum depression symptoms
• Stronger, toned abdominal muscles

Though exercising is a great way to prioritize your well-being, it’s important to do so safely and wait until your body is ready.

Generally, women who experienced an uncomplicated pregnancy and had a vaginal delivery can resume light exercise a few days after birth. Women who delivered via cesarean section or experienced a complicated birth that required vaginal repair should wait until they receive the all-clear from their health care provider.

Once you’re ready to begin regular physical activity, don’t overdo it. Avoid pushing yourself too hard and gradually work up to more intense exercise. Also be sure to take breaks when you need them and stay hydrated while working out.

Your Whole Health Is Our Whole Priority

We know that it may feel a bit more difficult to prioritize your health postpartum. Our women’s health experts are dedicated to your care and will help you navigate the changes you and your body experience after birth. Check out the Comprehensive Women's Program to learn more.