To optimize the health of women and infants, postpartum care should become an expectation rather than an afterthought. A new mom has undergone many changes during pregnancy and birth, and it takes plenty of adequate time to recover and adjust to new routines, new experiences, and a new chapter of life.
The postpartum period or 4th trimester, begins after the delivery of a baby and is an ongoing process. This time is different for every woman. There should be no set timeline for recovery; however, many new mothers feel the pressure to return to “normal” as quickly as possible.
New Moms Need Support
As soon as the baby arrives, the focus shifts to the baby and far less on mom, post-delivery. There is so much going on with a mother’s body and her state of mind with rapidly changing hormone levels, healing from labor + delivery, and the general exhaustion that comes with having a newborn.
Meeting the constant needs of a baby involves time and energy. Many mothers may be so tired or busy that eating regular meals is challenging. It is important to plan simple but healthy meals so that your body is fueled for its increased demands.
Getting as much rest and sleep as possible can seem an impossible task, so it is vital to lean on family and friends to help out as often as they are able. Don’t be afraid to ask, as your self-care is of the utmost priority. Remember, it takes a village.
New Mom Blues
If you are feeling out of sorts, that can be common postpartum as you very slowly return to a state of equilibrium. If you are feeling downright blue, that is not unusual either, but you should seek out someone you trust and share with them how you are feeling. See a professional if you have any thoughts about hurting yourself or your infant. Postpartum depression is a real thing with so many changes and fluctuations affecting a new mom.
New Mom Postpartum Support Resources
There are many local new mom support groups, both in-person and online. Being around other new moms is a wonderful way to navigate all the feelings, emotions, and completely new territory that comes with having a newborn.
Here are a few local Minneapolis/suburbs groups:
Here are some other additional resources:
The 4th Trimester (book)
Postpartum: The Reality and Expectations of the 4th Trimester (book)
Chiropractic Adjustments Helps A Postpartum Body
Scheduling regular chiropractic adjustments after having a baby (after two weeks for a vaginal birth and after four weeks for a C-section) can help with the general aches and pains as your body resets and regains strength, muscle tone, and stamina. It can also help reduce muscle tension in the upper back, shoulders, and neck from regularly holding, carrying, and feeding an infant.
A mom’s nervous system has also been impacted significantly during pregnancy and in its postpartum state. Proper spinal alignment is crucial to calming the whole system down and returning the brain and body to a more balanced place.
So, if you are a new mom, be sure to schedule regular appointments at Vaida.