This article is about “Postpartum Care & My Personal Tips For The Recovery “. Do ask in the comment box below if you have any questions. The above picture was taken when I returned from hospital after delivery.
What is Postpartum?
The period of first 6 weeks from the time of your delivery is Postpartum period.
How long is postpartum recovery?
I had C-section and got discharged the fourth day from hospital. Recovery can take 1 month too. Doctors advise that a body can come back to normal form as before the delivery in 3 to 6 months.
Ladies, no doubt having a baby is the best gift. Everybody is so cheerful and in good spirits. However, this period last not too long and once you are back at home life changes.
It was difficult, especially for me, as I am a new and first-time mom. With obviously no experience at all, everything seems to be frustrating after a point!
I did experience sleepless nights, as frequently was feeding the baby and changing diapers. Of course, I was aware that this time is challenging and it won’t last long.
Therefore, dear friends I am discussing today what I did to recover soon.
Ladies do know that this is just a time and will pass soon. In addition to this, there is nothing to worry. Every woman goes through this change. For easy transition and good postpartum care read the following points.
1)Take plenty of rest and sleep:
Not enough can be said about it. Resting in the first 6 weeks will decide how well and soon you recover. So, sleep whenever you get time.
Do not worry who is coming to see you, also, don’t even bother what time it is. Remember it is your health at stake and therefore your priority is your body getting enough sleep and rest.
2) Eat & Drink Healthy:
Add a lot of grains, fresh fruits and vegetables in your food platter. Nowadays doctors allow all kinds of food, irrespective of the fact you deliver normal or through C-section.
My Diet: Porridge in the morning, Dal, rice,1 chapati and 1 dry sabji at Lunch and 1 bowl curry with 1 chapatti for dinner.
In between I use to have fresh fruits, nuts, milk, and two special things that were prepared by my mother. One is called Harira a typical jaggery dish and sonth laddoss (in pic below)You can find recipes for Harira HERE and Sonth laddoo HERE
I didn’t eat anything from outside for complete 2 months. Moreover the sweets were prepared for me at home so I didn’t rave for any extra sweets.
3) Walk and avoid any lifting:
Walking is the easiest and must exercise after postpartum. In fact, the doctors advise to start walking the very second day after childbirth.
I was in such pain and thought will not be able to walk at all, and I was correct, I could hardly stand. However, the patient nurses at the hospital helped me and urged that I should at least go to the loo and not use bed pad for urination.
I advise to do your work and exercises as per your doctor’s instruction.
4)An extra help is needed so ask for it!
So you either ask your house maid to help you in baby’s clothes washing and massages or any family member.
Believe me I know women who were so confident that they can do all work. After a while they were exhausted, cranky, tired and above all depressed! Take help and there is nothing wrong in it.
5) Massages and Shower:
Shower in general gives me relief. I like taking showers so it was not a surprise that after I was back home from hospital I liked taking shower. However, limit showers to just 1 as your body should not catch cold.
Postpartum massages are good for better recovery. It relaxes sore muscles and increases blood circulation.
Such light massages are so relaxing. These massages will also help you get better sleep and relieves pain.
After the C-section, due to incision, I had trouble coughing too and it pained a little. My doctor advised to hold a pillow and cough so that it supports belly area.
The above points are experienced by me and hence I am writing all these down. You should always ask your doctor or a midwife what needs to be done.
I hope you too recover very soon! Do ask me if there is any question in the comment box below!
