The postpartum period is truly one of the most life-changing times of the year you will experience. Adding a newborn to your home is enough to make your head spin. Recovering from the birth of this newborn takes it to another level. If you're nervous about being a mom after giving birth or aren't sure what to do, here are some suggestions to ease your worries.
You need help
The first thing to realize is that the first three months cannot be done on your own. Get the same support system as your partner and family. Know clearly what tasks others can do. Some ideas others might be able to help are:
● changing diapers
● take a bath
● take home
● prepare meals
Especially if you're breastfeeding or pumping, these are full-time jobs that go hand in hand with recovery. It's okay to get help.
When you can sleep, when you can eat, fuck off
Cleaning the house is no more important than eating, sleeping or bathing. When the baby sleeps and you have time to take care of yourself, we're actually talking about a gap of up to two hours. Don't spend this time doing anything but yourself. Take a shower, make a sandwich, drink some water, and take a nap. It feels like a lot has been done in a short amount of time. You won't be able to get everything done, so you need to prioritize what's most important.
Immediately establish treatment or start antidepressants
If you're already struggling with mental health issues, it's a good idea to get acquainted with a therapist and find time to meet each week. If you take or have taken prescription medication before, it's best to start taking it now so that it can be adjusted when your baby is born.
Mastering prenatal care
Your hormones are everywhere, and so is your appetite. You can also choose to breastfeed. If this is the case, your baby will continue to use your nutrients outside the womb. Keep prenatal care for at least a month until things become more regular.
Take some time for yourself.
This is probably the hardest. Alone time can initially seem like a separate room in the house while others take care of the baby. You probably don't have to do this every day. However, taking some time to vent and remembering that you are a non-mother is vital to your well-being. If you're having trouble finding time, set a weekly schedule when you know other people are available.
Not enough talk about postpartum health. If you feel depressed or anxious after giving birth, be sure to talk to your doctor. You're not crazy, it's perfectly normal and helps make you feel better.
