Postpartum Self-Care
WHAT is Postpartum Self-Care?
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New and experienced moms who just birthed may think that the term only applies to caring for oneself in a more medical, physical way (like resting if one had a c-section), but postpartum self-care is more than just that.
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It is caring for your mental, physical, and emotional health after giving birth.
WHY is Practicing Postpartum Self-Care Important?
Taking care of yourself after giving birth will help you become a better mother to your child. Do not feel bad or guilty about caring for yourself. Postpartum self-care is NOT a selfish act.
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New moms may feel the mental, emotional, and physical stresses after giving birth, with the 24/7 baby watch, the feedings, diaper changes, and everything else in between,
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Experienced moms (those with a baby and/or more than one child), can also feel the mental, emotional, and physical drain.
HOW can I practice Postpartum Self-Care?
Physical. Other than the required physical self-care given to you by your medical provider (hospital, midwife, etc.), you can start by doing little things, like:
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brushing your teeth (yep, sometimes this is overlooked),
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taking a bath,
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taking a nap (if possible),
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eating a meal (snacking doesn't count mommy!), and
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maybe listening to your favorite songs.
These little actions can reinvigorate you and make you feel refreshed.
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If you're up to it, you can go for a walk or do lightweight exercises at home.
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Breastfeeding also falls under postpartum self-care. If you are having trouble and need help, get info on breastfeeding assistance on the Finding Support page.
Mental and Emotional. With your hormones trying to get back to normal, your emotions may go on a roller-coaster ride, up and down, happy then sad and then happy again. You may want to write your feelings down, or share your feelings with your partner, or a trusted family member or friend.
Don't feel guilty, ashamed, and embarrassed if you are feeling this way.
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If you need to talk to someone or need a helping hand, take a look at the Finding Support page.
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Healthy Mothers Healthy Babies (HMHB) also has info on O'ahu Postpartum Depression Support Group.
Where Can I Find Postpartum Self-Care Ideas on HI Mommy?
HI Mommy offers suggestions on activities that​ you can do to practice postpartum self-care.
Check Activities for Mom to see if any of them interests you and fit your schedule. In fact, you can already do a few of the suggested activities at home.
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When you have that extra time... (and you will)
...Watch Kristina Kuzmic's Hilarious and Informative Videos on Being a Mom
(10 to 15 mins.)
Need a little laughter to help lift up your tired self? Take a look at Kristina's hilarious videos on mom life. She takes common scenarios experienced by moms and talks about them in a way that will make you laugh! You might end up spending more than 15 minutes watching her videos!
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Kristina Kuzmic's YouTube Homepage
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Here's one that you may want to watch -
"To the brand new mom..." (3 mins.)
...Take a Moment to Read One of These Articles
(30 to 45 mins.)
Research Study
This qualitative study addresses postpartum self-care and asks new moms if they know why it's important to practice self-care, and what keeps them from doing so.
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E-zine Article
This article from Motherly ...​
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The Self-Care Checklist that Will Refresh New Mamas by Julie Burton
Excerpt from "The Role of Maternal Self-Care"
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"One mother described her struggle to balance infant care and self-care: ‘Because I really didn’t pay attention to myself. Like my main focus was on him. Making sure he was eating every hour. And as far as me, when a counselor came in and she was like, ‘Well, are you eating breakfast?’ ‘Are you eating lunch?’ And you really have to stop and look back and think like okay, yes, I need to take care of myself as well as the baby’. But you don’t really think about that until someone brings it to your attention.’"
Excerpt from "The Self-Care Checklist that Will Refresh New Mamas"
"The postpartum phase is not the same for every mom, but most often the above-mentioned euphoria sends a new mom into caretaker action without much thought or effort. Until... the exhaustion, residual pain from childbirth and the sometimes abrupt realization that you do in fact have other responsibilities outside of the baby set in."
SUGGESTIONS ON ARTICLES OR VIDEOS FOR MOM TO VIEW?
Have articles or videos that you would like to share with other moms to help with self-care?
Let us know so that we can include it in our list!
