Caring for your NEW Postpartum Body

Welcome to your NEW postpartum body! We’re sure you’ve already noticed that it’s just a little bit different from the body you may be used too, and you may be wondering, What about the "bounce back?”, What about, back to "normal”?

The truth is - after birth, your body will (not quite) ever be the same. The beautiful truth is, your NEW body will be more resilient, more appreciated, and more capable than ever before; but possibly more foreign too - so here we've got you covered with some insights on how to best care for this new, wonderful you.

Let’s start at the BOTTOM, or rather, with the bottom. ;) Post-birth you’re likely to become very familiar with a new frenemy called the perineum. If you’re still pregnant and have yet to meet your perineum, now may be the time. She can be a little dramatic after her birthing debut, and with good reason…To soothe any discomfort, rinse with warm water using a peri bottle (included in a QueenCare Kit), or take an epsom salt / Sitz bath . Take time to do this. This is caring for yourself, and it is important!*If you’ve experienced deep tears and suturing avoid heavy lifting, doing the stairs, or sitting cross-legged.*

Other Tips: Wear postpartum underwear (adult diapers) for the heavy flow expected within the first week, and put sex on hold for the first 6-8 weeks. Other useful things to have on hand are haemorrhoid cream (we’re sorry about this one!), stool softener, "padsicles" (can be easily made, and are also great to use for when you do initiate sex again), and Tylenol and Advil.

BELLY. Eating healthy high-fat foods (avocado, nuts, greek yougart, etc) is very important to keep your recovering body in good health. Remember that no matter how Baby has arrived, you have an internal wound the size of dinner plate, and the body needs good quality, healthy food to do its best healing. *Drink LOTs of fluids and pee frequently. The bladder and uterus are working together in those early weeks to shift the organs back into their happy homes.

Have your bottle of water nearby while feeding Baby, and make it a habit to use the washroom when the feeding is done. Breastfeeding Moms need even MORE water to keep up with milk supply.

BREAST. Forget the BRA !! Avoid clogged ducts by wearing loose fitting clothes and allowing your breasts to air dry after feedings when possible. To promote bonding and health of both Mom and Baby, feed skin to skin when possible, especially in those first early weeks. This can be done whether breast or bottle feeding.

*Don’t ignore your nipples if they become overly sore, cracked, or bleed. Use a good nipple balm, and call for breastfeeding support right away (see Lactation Consultants under Trusted Local Resources)! You are important. Breastfeeding should not hurt.

BRAIN. The mental load struggle is real. Your body has had an enormous change, and your brain is doing it’s best to catch up. Give it some much needed rest by cutting down on screen time, spending time outside (even if its just to sit on your front porch), focussing on self-care (why not take a mid-morning bath, or put on some of your favourite music, or light a scented candle?) and relaxing most expectations of yourself. Whether it’s your first, or your forty-first child, you are a new Mom, and that’s more than enough. ♥

BABY. So much of your time will be with your baby, but take a few moments to be intentional. Hold them. Sing. Read. Snuggle. Just watch how they breathe, and take a deep breath yourself. Know that this season is challenging, but also short. And never forget that taking care of Baby starts with taking care of you.