“How To Properly Care For Yourself After Childbirth” is a collaborative post.
Nothing can truly prepare you for the experience that awaits you after you’ve given birth for the first time – because every mother goes through the process in a slightly different way. In order to competently care for your new baby, you’ll need to make sure that you look after yourself, too. Finding the time and energy to do so, however, might be difficult.
Dealing with soreness
Birthing injuries to the mother are a relatively common experience during delivery. For several weeks after you return from hospital, you might have to periodically sit on an ice pack. There are also pillows that are designed especially to reduce discomfort for mothers in this situation. Research your options, and seek out the opinions of friends, family, and your health provider.
In some cases, the injury you suffer might have been avoided by a competent medical professional. This would qualify their performance as negligent. You may choose to pursue a medical negligence claim as a result of this. Doing so might provide you with compensation for the suffering you’ve endured, as well as any financial losses you might have incurred as a result of your injury.
Sleep, and lots of it
As a general rule, it’s worth accepting that you won’t be getting much sleep for several weeks – and potentially much longer. If you get the opportunity to sleep, you should therefore take it. Don’t allow a very small baby to sleep on top of you while you sleep, as this can be risky. If you can ask for help from your significant other or friends or family members, then don’t hesitate to do so. Human mothers, throughout history, have relied on the support of a local community. In other words, going it entirely alone is very difficult because we aren’t built to do it.
Look after your mental wellbeing
If you’re sleep-deprived, you’re going to suffer from brain fog and stress. The best antidote is sleep.
However, sleep deprivation isn’t the sole cause of depression among new mothers. In most cases, baby blues will dissipate over days and weeks. But in a minority of cases, they can be persistent and severe. If you feel that you’re struggling, and you need support, be sure to reach out for it.
Get out of the house
If you confine yourself to the home for weeks on end, then your mental health is certain to suffer. You might also cause your physical health to slip, too. Make the time to meet up with friends, especially if they have children. Find a local group for new mothers, and get together with them. You’ll give your babies the freedom to interact with one another, and you’ll get some respite from the wonderful, messy ordeal you’re all going through!
