3 Simple Steps to Resting and Recovering After Childbirth

Now that you’ve gotten over the tough part of the giving birth process, it’s time for the next part. Recovering after childbirth is important, as the journey of giving birth can be quite stressful on the body. Here’s how you can support your body in some simple rest and recovery.

1. Get all the rest you need

It’s normal to be absolutely exhausted after giving birth, even after a few weeks. After all, your body went through nine months of supporting another life form, and is still recovering from child birth. At the same time, your beautiful bundle of joy is already asking for all the attention he or she can get; be it diaper changes, food, or even help to fall asleep.

So all the stress of taking care of your child before you even recover is going to wear you out. What you can do is listen to your body. If you’re tired, obviously you need sleep, or at least a nap. If you need help, get your partner off his lazy butt, or ask for a favour from your parents while you take a breather.

2. The right nutrients for a recovering body

When you’re recovering after childbirth, your body needs all the right nutrients it can get. Like a car that’s out of gas, you won’t have energy if you don’t have fuel. Get enough calories to get you through the day.

Protein is good for recovery, and complex carbs are the energy boosters you need. Don’t forget calcium, as your body’s bone density may have decreased after childbirth. Iron is good, as you may be losing it from vaginal discharges.

Eat small meals throughout the day instead of starving yourself before a big meal. Remember, you’re recovering, not hibernating.

3. Take it slow

You may feel like you’re recovering after childbirth fast, but you should take it slow. No heavy lifting or chores that leave you out of breath. Your partner can take care of those; tell him how manly he looks while he’s doing it. It may be a lie, but at least he’ll feel good about doing chores.

Limit your travels around stairs, and avoid hardcore exercises. Running, jumping jacks and even crunches are out of the question for now. Your body is recovering after childbirth and you don’t want that recovery period to go on for longer.

That being said, you can still do light simple exercises like pelvic tilts or Kegel exercises. They give you a whole lot of benefits, and they’re easy to do. Read about them here.

All in all, recovering after childbirth is important for you. You can’t go all Rambo after childbirth; your body won’t be able to handle it. Just take it slow, rest and recover at your own pace.