As a new parent, your body has been through so much. Here are some tips to help you in caring for your body as a new parent.

 

 

Caring for Your Body as a New Parent

Pregnancy is a time of great change where your body will change significantly. As your baby grows inside your womb, your body will have to adapt to accommodate their needs. Your abdomen will stretch, and you’ll experience more pressure on your joints, legs, feet, and back. Your breasts will grow and change, as they prepare to produce milk for your newborn. The list goes on. But all too many people forget that your body will experience a period of change again when your child is born. Sure, during this time you’ll be pretty preoccupied with adapting to your new role as a parent. But you’re bound to notice changes to your body too. So, what can you do to care for your body properly during this significant period of your life? Here are a few suggestions that you might want to take into consideration and try out!

Get Rest

One thing your body will crave following birth is rest. Your body has been through a lot and will need plenty of time to recover and recuperate. Of course, rest and newborn babies don’t tend to come hand in hand. ​​ A typical newborn will wake up roughly every 3 hours, whether that’s because they need to be fed, need to be changed, or simply want attention and comfort. It is common for new parents to not get a solid 8 hours’ worth of sleep for several months following the birth of their child, which can lead to chronic exhaustion. There are certain things you can do to help get the rest you need and to give your body and mind some recovery time.

It’s recommended that directly following birth, you entail help from your partner or someone else to help with the baby. Ideally, you should only need to nurse the baby and other responsibilities will be lifted from your shoulders until you have recovered. You should also be open to more flexible sleeping patterns. It’s recommended that you sleep when your baby sleeps. Whether that’s a few minutes here and there or hours when they finally nod off. Sure, this might not fit in with your daily routine, but it’s a good way to catch some z’s as and when you can. You can also arrange your home in a way that reduces disruption to sleep when you feed your baby or comfort them. Having your baby’s bed close to yours reduces the amount of effort you need to put into nighttime activities.

Exercise

Of course, exercise isn’t likely to be at the top of your list of priorities when it comes to postpartum activities. But you do need to give your body a little physical activity to keep us as healthy and strong as you can. Your doctor will be able to recommend a unique set of activities that can benefit you. Most new mothers simply like to undertake a casual stroll at their own pace. Activities such as baby yoga can be gentle and useful too.

Have the Right Clothing

Having clothing to support your body during this time is important. Of course, you’re going to want plenty of comfortable clothing, so loungewear and pajamas tend to be a good investment. Wearing maternity clothes for a period after birth while your body slowly returns to its usual shape and size will help you. You may want a range of bras to support and accommodate your chest while breastfeeding, ranging from nursing bras to a balconette bra that allows easier access for breastfeeding. You may also want to look into supportive underwear and clothing that avoids rubbing or placing pressure on C-section recovery areas and scars.

Have Other Useful Items at Hand

There are a number of items that every new mom should have close to hand when they have recently given birth. The amount will depend on you and you. Many new moms will also benefit from nursing pads, which prevent breast milk leaks. Those who have had C-sections could also use antiseptic wipes and bandages to keep the healing area clean and sterile.

As you can see, it’s pretty important to take care of your body during this complex period of your life. Hopefully, these tips will help you and your baby thrive!