Postpartum Recovery: Tips for Taking Care of Yourself in the First Four Months

I think most women are relieved once the first six weeks pass by. It is something freeing about that doctor's visit where he hopefully let you begin to exercise, take a bath, and whatnot. Then I think after that I look forward to the baby getting to about four months old. The reason being is because I know that the baby will start sleeping in longer stretches, my boobs will stop hurting as much, we will have more of our routine for breast-feeding, and in about a month  the pediatrician will allow most babies to try their first foods which is always exciting yet terrifying.  Having had four babies myself these are a few things that I've learned about the first four months of postpartum.

Do something for yourself

Now you don't have time! Your heart and your mind is attached to a tiny human being but please do something for yourself! Some examples that I've done are once the baby is asleep, I do a tiny spa day by myself, which includes painting my toenails, coloring my hair, taking a bath, listening to soothing music. Also, I started calorie counting, which may seem silly but for me, it's kind of exciting to be thinking about something else, not just the beauty of this tiny being. My calorie counting was like something I did for myself.

Go outside with baby

My first pregnancy was twins, and when they came out, my postpartum was off the charts. When they both started crying at the same time, I felt like my chest was going to explode. Also, my fear of something happening to them was delusional. Now at baby number four, I have accepted it's okay for them to cry sometimes. My rule is I'll let them whine for one to three minutes while I finish up an activity. Then every day we go outside. Going outside reminds you that there's a giant world out there and  most of the time you stop feeling so lonely. The sun and the winds on your face are therapeutic.

Start your own routine

Now this is easier said than done because this tiny baby doesn't have a sleeping routine just yet. Some things that I did for my own routine is with every child I tried to learn something new. I would watch YouTube videos or read about this new thing. Then once the doctor gave me permission, I began to do postpartum workouts. These workouts are normally only 15 to 20 minutes so they are totally doable while having a tiny baby. You can find them on YouTube as well but nowadays there are so many apps you can use at home to work out. I even used giant peanut butter cans as my weights. When you work out, you get endorphins that help with depression and anxiety. Working out is therapeutic.

Speak up

Now I don't know about you, but I am more of a want to do everything by myself kind of person. I think that's why having twins was so hard for me, especially those few months where they can't hold their own heads up. Holding two babies at the same time that can't control their own heads is dangerous. But when they would cry, that's all I wanted to do and especially with having four children I have to speak up from time to time. Also, being in a marriage, I need to share what I'm feeling and what I need. I remember with baby number four when he was about four weeks old and my husband was asking me if I was okay and I told him while crying that I felt very lost, but I knew it was going to get better. With most of my kids as the months go on my hormones calm down, and I feel more like me. The old me would not have told my husband that I felt sad and lost, but the new me knew he needed to know.

Giving birth messes up our feelings. We can't necessarily trust how we feel to be true and with the sleep deprivation, thinking is hard on its own. Tell yourself every day I am a wonderful mother. I am a better mother than my own mother.

If there is anything you want to work on then work on it. There is no better way for a child to learn about self improvement than seeing their parents self improve. Life is all about change and being better.

And as always I am here to support you. Reach out for a free 15 minute consultation if need be. Also, with social media there are so many amazing support groups. Some of my favorite support groups are moms of multiples, IVF groups, and mom's with anxiety.

Remember, you are the powerhouse of your home! You are anything and everything to these tiny human beings and that's a lot of responsibility and pressure. Also, remember you're doing a great job even when you don't feel like it. Take it one day at a time, one meltdown at a time, one sickness at a time, and stay strong. Hug strong and tell them you love them every time you think of it.