Second Part of Prioritizing Self Care: a Guide to Prioritizing You!

The Postpartum Journey - My Personal Experience

The Postpartum Experience: Embracing the Challenges

The postpartum period, often called the "fourth trimester," is a time of immense transformation and adaptation. As I navigated my own postpartum journey, I realized that understanding the challenges of this phase was essential to prioritize self-care effectively.

* **Physical Recovery:** The first weeks after childbirth brought physical changes that surprised me. My body was healing from childbirth, my breast/ milk and I were not in sync, and I experienced discomfort, soreness, and fatigue. Recognizing that this was part of the healing process allowed me to be patient with myself.

* **Hormonal Changes:** The postpartum period is marked by hormonal fluctuations that can affect mood and emotions. Wow, was I ever surprised with the ups and downs I experienced. I honestly thought something was wrong with me. It's normal to feel a wide range of emotions, including joy, sadness, and anxiety. I learned to accept these emotions as a natural part of my experience and sought support when needed.

* **Sleep Deprivation:** Sleepless nights are a hallmark of new motherhood. Coping with sleep deprivation can be challenging, but establishing a flexible sleep routine and enlisting the help of a partner or family members can make a significant difference.

Self-Care Tips for New Moms - Nurturing Your Well-being

Navigating the postpartum period requires a unique approach to self-care. Here are some self-care strategies I found invaluable during this transformative time:

* **Accepting Help:** As a new mom, I often felt the pressure to do it all. However, I soon realized that accepting help from loved ones was essential. Whether it was a family member preparing a meal or a friend offering to watch the baby while I took a break, these acts of support allowed me to recharge.

***Asking for Help:** I always depended on myself. I didn’t ask for help in the first few days at home. Then I realized, that this time in my life it was my turn to get the help. I had always been the one giving help, and I would continue to give help in the future. But, now was the time for me to ask and receive the help I needed.

* **Self-Compassion:** It's easy to be critical of yourself as a new parent, especially when facing challenges. Practicing self-compassion became crucial. I learned to forgive myself for any perceived mistakes and remind myself that I was doing my best and I was learning all the things for the first time. I couldn’t expect myself to know it all, let alone even know what I didn’t know. I found that I had to allow myself the grace to not know, and ask for help.

* **Prioritizing Sleep:** Finding opportunities for rest became a top priority. Napping when the baby napped, creating a soothing bedtime routine, and seeking support for nighttime feedings all contributed to better sleep quality. I had been told to nap when my baby did. I never really took people seriously. I really learned the hard way when I became so sleep deprived that I found my self falling asleep sitting up while holding my baby. That really scared me.

* **Connecting With Others:** Isolation can be a common experience for new moms. I actively sought connections with other parents through local support groups or online communities. Sharing experiences and advice with others who were on a similar journey provided invaluable emotional support.

* **Gentle Exercise:** Engaging in gentle postpartum exercises helped me regain strength and energy. After the first two weeks of resting and getting my breastfeeding routine figured out, I started with light walks and gradually incorporated yoga and stretching routines. Always talk with a Perinatal Coach or with your obstetric provider before resuming exercise postpartum.

* **Me Time:** Finding moments for myself, no matter how brief, became essential. Whether it was reading a book during a nap, taking a relaxing bath, or simply enjoying a cup of tea in peace, these small indulgences helped me recharge and maintain a sense of self.

Navigating the postpartum period is both challenging and transformative. By acknowledging the unique physical and emotional changes that occur during this time and practicing self-care with patience and self-compassion, I found the strength to embrace the journey of motherhood.