Healing and Coping: Postpartum Tips and Essentials

Tips & Tricks for Postpartum

Prenatal Vitamins

Yes, prenatal vitamins are just as useful for postpartum; don't let the vocabulary fool you because you probably won't find any postpartum vitamins.

It's true that your body needs an excessive amount of vitamins to grow and care for your womb and baby while pregnant. On the contrary, your body will need extra nutrients for postnatal depletion. This occurs when your body gives up all the nutrients to support your baby's growth after giving birth and while breastfeeding. When these nutrients aren't replaced, postnatal depletion may occur.

With that being said, continue your vitamins and try to find time to eat nutrient-dense foods along with them.

Listen To Affirmations

Affirmations are a good tool for focusing and stating your intentions during your new chapter of life. Staying positive and going with the flow can be a challenge during the postpartum phase. You'll want to remain confident and connected to your higher self so you can try to enjoy the moments with your newborn baby that seem to slip by so quickly. Check out this empowering "I Am Motherhood" affirmation video; your mind, body, and soul will thank you later down the road.

Stool Softener

Although we advise you to have an enriched fibrous diet, keeping a little stool softener in the back of your medicine cabinet is still a good idea. Postpartum can be strenuous, which could lead to a temporarily poor diet. We aren't encouraging this; we are just keeping it real.

Enhancing Low Milk Supply

Although providing breastmilk for your baby is a natural occurrence, it may not come easy to many mamas. Various factors can cause a low milk supply, such as waiting too long to start breastfeeding, not breastfeeding often enough, supplementing breastfeeding, an ineffective latch, and the use of certain medications.

Stress during and after birth can disrupt your milk supply. Even the stress of a low milk supply can worsen things. So, to start, try not to let stress get the best of you. It will be hard work, but you can reverse this.

You'll want to use a breast pump at least 4-6 times per day or as often as you can. This will teach your body to keep up with the demand. Keep yourself motivated by making small goals, and always imagine your milk supply getting better rather than anxiously assuming otherwise.

While pumping, take some time to yourself and relax; this can help relieve you of pressure. Try to stay in the present moment by letting your emotions flow—admiring a picture or video of your baby could help. Listening to calming music or eliminating unwanted distractions is always best. Don't focus on the amount of milk you're making as you pump, even if it's tempting. Focus on getting better by the day, by the week, and by the month. Not every session will be the same, but at the end of each one, you should feel proud of any milk you express for your baby.

Must-Have Postpartum Products

A Nursing Pillow

Although you'll need the extra strength for carrying your growing baby, you should also relax your muscles throughout the day. Whether you are nursing or bottle-feeding your baby, a nursing pillow will help alleviate your aching muscles while also freeing your hand.

Nipple Protection

If you plan to pump milk or breastfeed, your nipples may be unrecognizable, but it doesn't compare to the satisfaction of using your body to feed your baby. But it does mean your nipples will require some extra care, love, and attention.

Try silver nipple cups as soon as your baby arrives to prevent painful cracking and soreness. Or relieve your existing pain with nipple balm, so it doesn't feel worse each feed.

Comfy Clothes

Don't think that your maternity clothes will cut it. Your priorities will shift to needing easy access for your breasts and relieving any pain or stress from your wounds. This includes nursing bras or dual nursing/pumping bras, which are extremely useful for keeping your hands free so you can become a multitasking mama. These will become a staple for your wardrobe.

Conclusion

Navigating the postpartum period requires a thoughtful balance of self-care and practical preparations. From continuing prenatal vitamins to aid in recovery and replenishment to embracing affirmations that foster positivity and connection during this transformative time, every step contributes to your well-being.

Remember to prioritize your physical comfort with essentials like stool softeners and nursing pillows, ensuring you have the support needed for both physical healing and caring for your newborn. Addressing challenges such as low milk supply with patience and persistence, utilizing tools like breast pumps, and finding moments of relaxation are crucial for nurturing both yourself and your baby.

Equipped with these tips and essentials, you can embrace this new chapter with confidence and resilience, knowing you're taking proactive steps to support your postpartum journey.