The postpartum period is a critical time for the mother and the baby. It is important for the mother to take good care of her own health as well as the baby’s. This phase begins immediately after delivery and lasts for about six to eight weeks. The mother goes through physical, mental, and emotional changes throughout this phase. The changes and adjustments prove to be a tough challenge for a new mother.
The best way to guarantee that you remain healthy enough to provide good care for the newborn is to learn how to take care of yourself during this important time. A mother should ensure that she rebuilds her strength, gets plenty of rest, good nutrition and asks for help from someone else if needed. A new mother needs to focus on the following aspects:
Get Adequate Rest
During the first eight weeks, a newborn does not sleep through the night; this results in an exhausting sleeping schedule for the parents. It is suggested that the mother get proper rest and should only be tasked with taking care of the baby and herself.
Eat a Balanced Diet
Eating a balanced diet will promote a speedy recovery during the postpartum stages. Adequate nutrition will help the body heal and become strong. After delivery, mothers need to eat well in order to remain active. A recommended diet consists of five major food groups that should be a part of every meal:
1. Grains–whole wheat, brown rice, and oatmeal
2. Vegetables–dark green, red, and orange vegetables, peas and starchy vegetables
3. Fruits–Fresh, canned, frozen, or dried
4. Dairy–fat-free or low-fat products, cheese, milk and those high in calcium
5. Protein–low-fat or lean meats and poultry, fish, nuts, seeds and beans
Low Intensity Exercise
If you have an uncomplicated delivery, it is safe to begin exercising whenever you feel up to it. Otherwise wait at least 6 weeks before starting any kind of workout. Light exercises during the postpartum period will help you stay active and alert. Drink plenty of fluids and include light activity to restore muscle tone. Join a post-natal exercise class, or swimming is an excellent option as well.
Get a Care Taker/Helper
Taking care of a baby is a challenging thing for new parents. If the pressure gets too much and you find it difficult to cope, then there are some excellent options available which will arrange a helper/caregiver.
It is often a relief to hire a professional to help out and provide guidance to the new mother. The mother should be relieved of chores such as shopping, cooking, cleaning and laundry.
