4 Postpartum Tips I Wish I Would Have Listened To
“I wish I would have known!”
Oye. I’ve said this way too many times during both of my postpartum recoveries.
Some helpful tips I’ve learned (the hard way) from experience.
Ditch the bounce back mentality. I know well intended, but this puts a whole lot of pressure on mamas we don’t need right after having a baby. Rather, embrace the mindset of rebuilding this new you from the inside out. But Rikki, I want to feel like myself again. And that you can, with time, support and a solid game plan. Why go back, when you can come back stronger than before.
With social media at our fingers tips it’s so easy to compare yourself, your baby, your body, your life to all of the other mama’s highlight reels. We’re all dealing with our own sh*t, in our own ways. So much is smoke in mirrors anyways (I mean have you seen some of these filters). I know it’s hard to see yourself change, but comparison isn’t the solution, compassion is. You are a freaking rockstar, give yourself some grace.
If you are stubborn like me, I wanted to prove I could juggle it all. Don’t. I needed to learn to rest and reallocate responsibility. Dishes, laundry, dinner don’t all have to fall on your plate while you are caring for an infant (and probably a toddler or two) while also RECOVERING from a major life changing EVENT. I am seriously a huge fan of a postpartum care fund that you could use for a meal delivery service, laundry service, house cleaner, day care, etc. This would make the best gift and help make #momife a smidge easier to manage.
You don’t have to do this alone.
Postpartum can feel so lonely and isolating (especially in the midst of a pandemic). Find a community that involves things you are interested in. Ie. A Mommy and Me Postpartum Fitness Class, book club, MOPs, church groups, community support groups, etc. Most of these organizations or programs you can join virtually now too. Reach out. You’ll find solidarity in connecting to other mamas just like you.
Interested in learning more about our postpartum fitness program? We offer both VIRTUAL and IN-PERSON classes. I’d love to introduce to our amazing mama community.