Pregnancy and childbirth are undoubtedly some of the most remarkable experiences any mother can have.

According to 2019 Statista data, about 3.75 million babies were born in America that year. While the emphasis is on childbirth and the baby, planning for post-natal experience is equally essential. If you wish to learn more about postpartum recovery, please consider these points.

Sleep As Often As Possible

Each new parent loses a whopping 109 minutes of sleep every night for the first year after having a child, so sleep will undoubtedly be an issue during this period. As such, it is crucial to take every sleeping chance that comes your way.

You can squeeze in one nap daily, preferably during the most extended sleep period your baby has during the day. This way, you can sync your naps to your child’s sleep pattern and have more energy for long nights. 

Although it is common to be woken up by a crying newborn at night, you should always watch for grunting sounds.

You should even be more concerned if you notice other worrying signs like feeding difficulties, excessive drooling, and seizures, as these symptoms could indicate a birth injury.

Luckily, you can contact a birth injury law firm to pursue legal action and receive financial compensation if necessary.

Eat A Balanced Diet

Your postpartum recovery timeline may be longer than expected if you consume unhealthy meals, so it would be best to eat a balanced diet for the best results. A healthy diet is necessary for nourishment for yourself and the baby.

Consequently, eat foods rich in fruits, vegetables, protein, whole grains, and healthy carbohydrates to obtain optimum nutrition during this period. Also, avoid any processed foods and diets high in fat, salt, and sugar.

In addition, increase your fluid intake by drinking at least eight glasses of water daily, especially if you are breastfeeding. Finally, avoid any alcohol and caffeine during postpartum since these substances can affect your mood and make it harder to get some sleep than it already is with a baby around.

Keep Your Doctor’s Appointments

Checking in with your doctor is always essential during the postpartum period. Therefore, prioritize keeping in touch with your doctor through regular doctor’s appointments to ensure that your body is healing as expected.

In addition, your doctor can check in with you emotionally and suggest tips on adjusting to being a new mom if necessary. In addition, a doctor’s appointment is non-negotiable if you had a C-section. Therefore, keep your appointments, remove your stitches and prevent them from making funny-looking scars.

Furthermore, you can let your doctor know about any symptoms you experience like back pain, excess bleeding, fever, or tenderness around an incision to receive the appropriate help and advice.

Lookout For Postpartum Depression

Postpartum depression is one of the few lows of motherhood, estimated to affect between 10% to 20% of new moms. It isn’t uncommon for new mothers to experience baby blues immediately after birth, but these sudden mood swings are typically short-lived and don’t require medical attention.

On the other hand, postpartum depression is characterized by more intense despair, anxiety, sadness, and anger. These symptoms are usually longer-lasting and can affect your ability to function.

Therefore, postpartum depression is something you should take seriously, so watch out for these critical signs. In addition, you can read some reliable articles on postpartum depression online. This way, you will be well equipped to safely manage the condition if you notice subtle signs and symptoms.

Don’t Prioritize Exercise During The First Six Weeks

Several pieces of false information concerning exercise during the initial six weeks of your postpartum recovery abound. However, many physical therapists highly recommend making this period a time of healing instead of working out.

During the first six weeks, exercising can be dangerous for some mothers who may easily be overwhelmed by the exertion. In addition, you can disrupt the healing process and slow down recovery by exercising within the first six weeks following childbirth. 

Consequently, walking around your home at a slow pace might be your best bet to maintain physical fitness during these six weeks. This way, you can get a little cardio to boost your mood and maintain a healthy lifestyle without experiencing substantial increases in your heart rate.

You can always look forward to getting back into your workout routines after your doctor clears you at the end of the six-week postpartum wait, so keep this in mind.