New moms, you have so much ahead of you. A brand new little life is about to enter your world! It’s an exciting time to be sure. But while your heads in the clouds dreaming of your sweet little bundle of joy, your body,andyour life requirespreparation before she makes her entrance. To help you prepare, we’ve listed some helpful postpartum recovery tips and generalized postpartum tips and tricks. Check them out below.
Tip 1: Get a Big Bottle of Witch Hazel!
Witch Hazel will become your new best friend after delivery. This wonder medicine can reduce inflammation, swelling, andpain.
One thing we recommend is using witch hazel with cotton pads to aid in bathroom time if hemorrhoid issues develop (it’s likely). And if you don’t develop hemorrhoids (lucky you) then you can use it to heal your vagina as pain and swelling can make doing anything uncomfortable.
Tip 2: Try More than One Thing to Calm Your Crying Newborn
Your baby is going to cry and cry a lot. Don’t worry momma, you’ll get through this.
But in the meantime, try out some different ways to calm your baby. These are probably the most searched for postpartum tips and tricks, all used by moms at one point or another.
- Meet all their basic needs. Change their diaper, feed them, check to see if they are too hot or cold, and hold them. If that doesn’t work, try…
- Moving their legs back and forth. It might sound weird, but nurses do this with babies in the hospital all the time. It’s an easy way to get rid of gas bubbles trapped in their belly.
- Swaddle time. Not every baby is a fan of the swaddle, but most love it. Receiving blankets are perfect for swaddling. Grab a few and use it whenever you’re having trouble soothing your baby.
Tip 3: Start Making Lifestyle Changes Right Away (Diet & Exercise Tips)
Your physical and mental health should be your top priority after giving birth. Your baby benefits when you feel good, so don’t discount this tip.
While you were pregnant you might have given in to weird food cravings, but now that your baby is safely living outside your body, it’s time to focus on your diet. The best foods to start adding to your diet now include:
- Green leafy vegetables like spinach, romaine lettuce, and kale.
- Salmon or foods high in DHA. DHA is critical for the development of your baby’s nervous system and it can also improve your mood postpartum, so get your fill of it before and after delivery.
- Healthy carbs like brown rice and whole wheat bread.
- Chow on oranges to keep your Vitamin C levels high.
And as far as exercise goes, you shouldn’t do much right out the gate. Depending on labor goes, you will need to avoid any physical exercise for at least 6 weeks. After that, start walking with your baby on a regular basis. Speak with your doctor before starting any fitness plan beyond that.
Tip 4: Nipple Cream is a Must For Nursing Mommas
Seriously, don’t let your nipples crack, chafe and bleed. Buy a tube of nipple cream and you’ll be glad you did. If you are not breastfeeding, you won’t need the cream, but grab a tube just in case either way. This is a must postpartum recovery tip!
Tip 5: Limit Visitors In the Hospital
You might think that having every member of your family at the hospital is sweet but trust us, you’re going to want your privacy after giving birth. Let your family know who can come and who cannot. Don’t be afraid to stand your ground. It’s your time.
Tip 6: Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help or Let People Do Things For You!
It’s easy to do everything yourself until you can’t move because your body is sore and tired from delivery. When friends and family ask what you can do, tell them! Write a list of things you know you’ll need and want help with and assign tasks to volunteers. It will save you time and frustration.
Tip 7: Prepare and Freeze Meals Before Delivery
Meal prep is an important postpartum tip to follow through with. You won’t have time or energy to cook after your baby arrives. Prepare some nutritious meals for you and your partner so that everyone is fed and taken care of without adding stress to your plate.
Keep these postpartum tips and tricks in mind as you get closer to your due date. You’ll be so glad you prepared when that precious new life arrives.
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