Postpartum- the First Six Weeks
The first 6 weeks after birth are some of the hardest! Even after baby #4 was born, I had never heard the old saying about postpartum, “Five days in bed, five days on the bed, and five days around the bed.” The idea is to spend five days resting in bed with the baby, then five days up and playing in the bed with the baby while letting siblings come to the bed, then five days of light activity around the bed. Did I do this? Well no lol but after I finally heard that saying it made sense. Supposedly doing this helps you heal better and transition into motherhood with ease.
The first 6 weeks are survival and the lack of sleep could tear even the strongest person down. Weird things happened to me during postpartum such as intense bleeding, contractions, sore nipples, very itchy hives, the baby blues, headaches, and well just being in pain. Then comes the difficulties that enter the mind such as random and intense fears, worries, anxieties. This beautiful baby that you love more than life itself is just born. YOU DID THAT!
A few tips to help with those 6 weeks are to know that thankfully but also it’s bitter sweet that they are quick to pass. Before I knew it my little one was six weeks old and I was able to do a lot more like work out again! Try to limit visitors if you can so that you can rest. Try to do the bare minimum which sounds funny but a lot of women don’t. The bare minimum being eating healthy or even eating at all, showering daily, doing at least one thing for yourself a day if that is watching a show or reading a book, accept help. Talk to someone, every day, whether it be your significant other, your own mother, or another mother, but someone who gets its. That way you don’t feel so alone. Also, practice once a day, positive self-talk. Tell yourself things such as, “I am an amazing mother. I protect my baby and feed my baby. My baby loves me and I love them. I am worthy of taking care of myself as I do my baby. I am so thankful for (list things you are thankful for).” This positive self talk will help you mentally get out of the trenches.
Oddly with my first set of babies, the twins, I didn’t put on the tv. Well, I didn't really do anything after they were born but took care of them, stare at them, and worried. I soon realized I was going mad and needed to watch a show or take the babies outside. I was so afraid to move them from room to room, really anywhere. A good friend noticed I was being a little much and recommended I get a camera for my living room so I could go pee and watch them on it…. That was a game changer for me! Now as more babies were born I wasn't as fearful but those small things we don’t necessarily think of because we are so sleep deprived is vital. Hang in there mamas! You are doing a great job! It will over soon and remember you are not alone!
