You gave birth, now what: Why baby isn’t the only one who needs care
You’ve prepared for the past 9 months. Looking forward to the arrival of that little bundle of joy. You may have taken prenatal exercise classes, changed your diet to get better nutrition, tried to decrease stress more, all to ensure that you stay well so baby stays well.
So, why does that all end once baby is born? Doesn’t mom’s wellness matter anymore? Of course it does! Mom just went through a lot and may have had some unexpected things happen too. Birth results in many physical and emotional changes and challenges that often last beyond the birth experience. Not only is mom dealing with bodily changes but also mood changes. And then there is the added stress of taking care of this new little human and maybe feeling like you have no clue what you’re doing. It’s definitely a lot to take in. But what does mom’s postpartum care look like? A check up with your physician after 6 weeks? (that is most likely brief to say the least) So, many women are left to fend for themselves as far as negotiating the healing process. Give it time, don’t do too much…
Now let’s talk about the new and improved postpartum healing process! Caring for mom; not just baby! Baby has all those appointments to make sure he/she is healthy so, why not mom? What mom doesn’t want to feel cared for and guided in her healing process? Imagine feeling confident in your new postpartum body, feeling heard, feeling like you’re more than just a mom!
Most have probably heard about postpartum depression but maybe not about the physical side effects of birth. These can include bladder and bowel issues, pain with sex, abdominal pain, hip pain, low back or tailbone pain, abdominal weakness, and overall decreased body confidence. And these things can often pop up much later after birth. But guess what? These issues can be prevented! If mom receives the care she deserves after birth her pelvic health can be improved for a lifetime!
So, how can mom ensure she is taking care of herself too?
- Enlist support while you’re still pregnant. Find someone who will be able to check in to make sure you’re getting adequate nutrition, emotional/mental support, and sleep (this may be someone other than your significant other)
- Amp up nutrients prior to birth, as pregnancy and birth can create deficiencies in iron, Vitamin B12, Vitamin D, zinc, magnesium, and copper (consult your physician prior to taking any new vitamins or supplements)
- Schedule a postpartum visit with a pelvic physical therapist at 6 weeks postpartum or sooner if concerns regarding pain or bowel/bladder issues (scheduling the postpartum visit prior to birth may ensure you don’t get too busy and forget)
- Put filled water bottles in the usual baby feeding places around your home to make sure you’re staying hydrated
Ready to embark on your postpartum healing journey?
Find out what you can do today to get started to ensure you get the care you deserve for proper healing and to feel confident in your postpartum body!
