There’s nothing more amazing than bringing a new life into the world. However, giving birth can be an incredibly challenging experience for a woman’s body. According to the World Health Organization, the first six weeks after delivery is crucial for maternal survival and therefore must be taken seriously.
It is essential to give your body the time it needs to recover and heal after giving birth. And while each person is different, there are some general things that all women can do to help themselves recover physically and emotionally after childbirth.
Get plenty of rest
It may seem like an impossible task with a new baby at home, but a rest period is crucial for your recovery. Your body needs time to heal and regain strength, so try to get your well-deserved break whenever possible.
The human body replenishes energy stores and builds muscle tissue while you sleep, so aim for at least seven to eight hours per night. If possible, take naps when the baby is sleeping or ask your partner or a family member to watch the baby for a few hours. An uninterrupted block of sleep will be the most restorative, but even broken up into naps, every bit helps.
By allowing yourself to rest, you will have more energy to care for your new baby and handle the demands of motherhood. So, don’t feel guilty about taking some time for yourself — your body will thank you for it.
Drink lots of fluids and eat healthy foods
Your body needs plenty of fluids and nutrients to heal after giving birth. Make sure to drink eight to ten glasses of water or fluids daily. Medical specialists believe eating a healthy diet is also crucial for post-partum recovery.
Focus on eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. These foods come with the nutrients your body needs to heal, including fiber, vitamins, and minerals. You should also avoid processed foods, sugary drinks, and excessive amounts of caffeine.
With enough discipline in your diet, you should start seeing an improvement in your energy levels and mood. Remember, what you put into your body matters — by making sure you fuel yourself with healthy foods, you will recover more quickly.
Take the necessary supplements
Aside from healthy habits, you may also need to take a daily multivitamin. Often, new mothers are deficient in essential nutrients that even a proper diet may not be able to provide.
For instance, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends post-partum women take a daily supplement of 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid. That is because, during the duration of pregnancy, the body’s stores of this B-vitamin get used up to produce extra blood for the baby. However, these levels need to get replenished after giving birth to prevent anemia. So, if you’re not getting enough folic acid from your diet, taking a supplement can significantly help.
However, you must consult your doctor before taking any medications. They can determine if you need particular vitamin or mineral and at what dosage. Working with a health professional can ensure you take the necessary steps to recover fully.
Visit the dentist
Tooth and gum issues often arise during pregnancy due to the high hormone progesterone levels. This condition can lead to gum disease, a significant contributor to tooth loss. However, dental treatments might not be possible when carrying a child.
So, visiting a dentist after giving birth is crucial to restoring your dental health. Dental implants are a safe and permanent solution to tooth loss, making them an ideal choice for post-partum women. They are also budget-friendly as many options for affordable dental implants are now accessible. Other restorative procedures like bridges, dentures, and crowns are viable alternatives.
But more than just fixing your smile, these treatments can also improve your overall health. That’s because gum disease has been linked to several harmful conditions like heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. When you get dental implants or other restorative treatments, you reduce your risk of developing these illnesses.
Start exercising again gradually
Exercise is an excellent way to reduce stress, improve mood, and promote better sleep. It can also help your body recover more quickly after pregnancy and childbirth. However, you should ease back into your workout routine.
You shouldn’t start any strenuous activity until you get the green light from your doctor. But once you’ve been cleared, begin with low-impact exercises like walking, swimming, or prenatal yoga. As your strength and energy levels increase, you can intensify your workouts. Just make sure to listen to your body and rest when you need to.
If you follow the above tips, you should be on your way to a speedy and healthy recovery after childbirth. Remember to take things slowly, listen to your body, and get plenty of rest. With a bit of care, you’ll be back to your pre-pregnancy self in no time.
