Being a new mom naturally has up and downs; not everything is as perfect as people might make it seem. A main reason is because people unfairly expect a lot from postpartum women. No matter how you give birth, whether you have a caesarean birth or a vaginal birth, your body requires the necessary time and nourishment to properly heal. It’s important to remember the significant change that happens to your body after giving birth – after you deliver the placenta, there is a wound that size in your body that needs to heal and recover. If someone saw a wound that size on the outside of your body, they would never question why you were in pain or needed a lot of rest. I truly believe that giving birth is the strongest, most powerful thing any human can do. Everyone who gives birth should be extremely proud of what their body, mind, and emotions went through and should celebrate by truly listening to what their body needs to recover.

The days, weeks, and even months after childbirth are sacred. This time period, commonly referred to as the fourth trimester, is when it is critical to take care of your physical, mental, and emotional health while recovering. Too often women are expected to get back to normal life – cleaning, cooking, running errands, etc. Ancient wisdom says that the first 6 weeks after birth can influence not only the babies’ health but also the mothers for the next few decades. Some people even say that the first 42 days postpartum can influence the next 42 years of the mother’s health.

One thing that is very important during postpartum is staying hydrated. It is recommended that you drink 128oz or 16 cups of water every day. This will help with swelling and milk production. The more water you drink, the more your swelling will decrease. This is because hydration improves circulation and helps flush out the excess sodium. Fluid loss during postpartum can also lead to constant headaches along with fatigue, and if you are nursing, you will need even more water. When you nurse, you deplete your fluids, so it is important to hydrate throughout the day more than usual, to cope with your bodily changes during this time. Drinking plenty of water can also help eliminate bowel problems, can help with preventing muscle pain and cramps, and helps to relieve stress, anxiety, and heartburn.

Whether you have a vaginal birth or a cesarean birth, there is a rule called the 5-5-5 rule, which is 5 days in the bed, 5 days on the bed, and 5 days around the bed. I recommend this rule because it is in between what the ancient wisdom says and what our culture tells us now. This is a perfect way to bond with your baby and to take care of yourself. As a mother, you are able to safely recover and reduce your risk of postpartum depression, anxiety, clogged milk ducts, mastitis, and other complications.

The 5-5-5 Rule:

5 days in bed – This will be where you spend your first 5 days postpartum. You should be focusing on resting and bonding with your baby with skin-to-skin contact. Your partner or support person should be bringing you meals and water so you can continue to rest and bond with your baby. I know this can be difficult, but it is so important to rest and allow yourself to be supported!

5 days on the bed – During these 5 days you can start sitting up on your bed. If you have older children, you can read to them, play games on the bed, etc., while not overdoing it and still being able to rest and heal your body. It is also important to continue to do skin-to-skin, and really be present with your baby. This will help release oxytocin hormones, which will help decrease fear and stress levels.

5 days around the bed – While you should still be resting, now is the time, if you are ready you can start standing up and moving around the bed. Consider things like folding some laundry, organizing baby supplies, or other light activities. Try to limit standing to 30 minutes at a time or less, while you are still in your healing process and adjusting to your new life with your baby.

Some items that will help you recover comfortably are The Dawn Kimono Robe, Nursing Bra, Nipple Butter, Scar Balm, and Periodic Tea.

Everyone’s recovery is different, and you need to do what is best for you and your family during this delicate time. By making sure you get enough rest and take the time you need to recover, you are helping your yourself, your family and your new baby by giving them the best healthy version of you!