Taking Care of Yourself After Having A Baby

Although it is important to put a lot of time and effort into taking great care of your newborn, it is essential you do the same for yourself. You need to be healthy in order to take good care of your baby. Here are some good ways to help you achieve this!

1. Get all your supplies that you will need after having a baby BEFORE you have the baby. Having them ready to go helps reduce stress. You will need the following items:

• Large Maxi pads (For your really long period after the baby is born!)
• Comfortable underwear
• Comfortable clothes 
• Disposable Nursing Pads (You only need these if you are breastfeeding. To see the kind I used, check out this post. They are under "Feeding Items".) 
  

  

  
  
• Multiple Nursing Bras (I would also get "sleeping" nursing bras. It helps from "spilling" everywhere!) 
• Nipple Cream (Your nipples will feel like they are going to fall off! To see the kind I used, check out this post. It is under "Feeding Items".)
  

  

  
  
• Gatorade and lots of it! 
• Toiletry items (shampoo, razors, soap, toothpaste, etc.)

If you had a C-Section:

• Gauze or sanitary pad (Helps keep out germs and moisture)
• Ice pack (Helps reduce swelling)
• Scar treatment like Mederma or Aloe Vera

2. Get lots of rest. When the baby sleeps, you sleep! It is okay if all the laundry isn't done or if the house is a little messy. You just took your body through one of the most traumatic things that could happen to it. It needs rest to recover. If you had a C-Section, you especially need to take it very easy for healing of your incision. Sleep is the best medicine!

3. Eat well. Get lots of nutrients! This is especially important if you are nursing. If you are nursing, your body will actually need more calories than when you were pregnant. Your baby is literally sucking all of the nutrients and calories out of your body. Lots of fruits, vegetables, and proteins are important!

4. See your doctor if you notice anything unusual. If you notice you start to bleed more than you were, if you start feeling a lot worse than you were, if you are feeling depressed, or concerned for any reason, at least call your doctor and let them know. They will likely want to see you.

5. Get outside of the house. I do not think you should take your newborn to really crowded areas and expose them to tons of germs. I do think you need to go on walks outside, make a quick run to the grocery store, sit on your back porch, etc. Sitting in your house all day, every day can quickly lead to post-partum depression. Have the baby's daddy watch him/her for an hour while you go get a pedicure. Just let yourself get out for a little bit each day.

6. Exercise. Right after you have a baby you need to exercise lightly. Short walks, a little while on the treadmill, etc. You do not need to do any strenuous exercise until the doctor clears you. However, light, short walks are great and make you feel great!

7. Drink plenty of fluids. This is very important for all mothers, but it is especially important for nursing mothers. Again, the baby will be taking much of your nutrients. You can become dehydrated very quickly. If you get dehydrated it will make you sick and can also decrease your milk flow.

8. Cherish the time with your baby. Enjoy them this small! They grow up super quick! Enjoy cuddling with them and watching them sleep. Document this time in life!

9. Don't feel stressed or pressure to show people your baby or get back to doing things. You need to show your baby off when you are comfortable. You also need to get back to doing things like church, hanging out with friends, etc. when you are ready. Not when everyone else says you should.

10. Let dad take some responsibility. As a new mommy, it is hard to not feel like you should do all the work for the new baby. I mean, you are the mommy right!? And that is what mommies do! Right?! Although it is not bad to want to do everything and not miss out, sometimes you need a breather. Let dad take some feedings if/when he can, change some diapers, take some night shifts, etc. Plus, he will enjoy that bonding time with his new son/daughter. You need rest and you cannot do it all. And that is okay!!

I hope this helps your transition from hospital to home and to motherhood (of 1, 2, 3 or however many) a little bit easier!

Thank you for reading and until next time!