Have you got a list of things to do after the baby is born? That list may get longer and longer, from getting back in shape, to spending more time with friends, there are many priorities to get straight those few months after the baby is born, but here 5 important health practices postpartum to put at the top of your list.
Eat Regular Healthy Meals
This is especially true if you spent a long time in hospital recovering or you’re breastfeeding, but it is so easy to skip a meal when you are dealing with a new baby. In fact, you might forget to eat! But a lack of nutrition will rob you of that all-important energy to keep you on top of everything. It’s always important to have a bottle of water nearby, but there are also many simple snack options that can keep you full, such as nuts, and even these protein egg muffins that you can eat with one hand. It’s a wonderful way to keep you feeling full, and giving you as much energy as possible.
Don’t forget your well visits
A baby that is up all night means you are probably all over the place, but it is very important to make sure that every little check-up is in place, not just for your baby. two major visits scheduled for you are your 6-week check-up and your dentist. Your dental care provider doesn’t just give you the opportunity to make sure your teeth are okay, but oral health as well.
Strengthen Your Pelvic Floor
Some people think that they need to get back to the gym right away, but your physical strength depends on what state your body was in prior to being pregnant, as well as the birth itself. Building up your strength is important by walking and strolling between 20 and 30 minutes a day while starting Kegel exercises as soon as possible. As childbirth can weaken your pelvic floor muscles, resulting in urine leakage, Kegels are a very effective way to bring them back into shape.
Keep Taking Your Prenatal Vitamins
One of the biggest mistakes women make is that, after they’ve given birth, they think they should stop taking their prenatal vitamins. But if you’re breastfeeding, your body will demand more of you, and actually needs more minerals and vitamins than when you were pregnant. You need to have the optimum dose of vitamin D and Omega-3, not just for yourself, but to make sure that your baby has the vital nutrients as well.
Keep Visits Brief
Friends and family will want to see the baby right away but you don’t have to allow it. You’ve got to give yourself the opportunity to recover physically and emotionally. There is always the risk of postpartum depression, and you may feel that people are pressuring you, but you and your baby are the priorities, especially if you are lacking in sleep.
And of course, the one big rule when it comes to looking after yourself after birth is sleeping when the baby sleeps. It’s not an easy thing, and of course, it’s worth it, but there’s a lot of feeling like you’re muddling through during those first few months.