Becoming a mother involves handling so much. From the moment you realize that your pregnancy test is positive through nursing a baby for the first time, it’s easy to be overwhelmed. Nobody informed you about all the tiredness and emotional luggage that collects immediately after delivery.
In fact, according to a 2018 study published in ResearchGate, around 1 in 8 women experience postpartum depression (PPD). It’s a fancy term for being really sad and feeling like you’re inadequate as a mother.
What does self-care even mean for new moms?
Let’s say you just came home with your newborn baby. The excitement and love are wild! So much so that it can be chaotic at times! This period after childbirth is roughly 6 weeks to three months long. Think of it as “healing” time for your mind and body.
Self-care is important during postpartum because:
You need Time to Heal: Imagine if you were a superhero…one who grew another human inside them before giving birth? Your body needs time to recover whether you had an easy birth or through C-section surgery. Don’t forget about eating healthy too!
Hormones go crazy: After your baby was born, your emotions were probably off the charts! That’s normal. What isn’t normal is prolonged sadness or even anxiety. Take care of yourself!
You matter!: Your baby's needs will always come first but don’t forget about yourself! The more energy and strength you have as an individual, the better motherly figure you’ll become.
Self-care isn’t selfish; it’s necessary for both yourself and your little one. Remember that!
Some common postpartum health issues faced by Indian moms
After childbirth, everything changes...not only mentally but physically too! While getting used to life with your newborn child, it’s important to be aware of common health issues many Indian moms experience.
Here are some of the most frequent ailments:
Body Aches and Pains:
Remember when you felt like your body was exploding after pushing during delivery?You might have guessed that the aftermath of giving birth isn’t going to be a walk in the park. You should already be feeling those aches and pains from your baby’s escape route, but there’s more! Backaches are inevitable after hoisting around an infant for so long, and don’t even get me started on how bad your breasts will feel (especially if you’re breastfeeding).
This next one, urinary incontinence, is a real challenge.
The muscles that hold up your bladder may become weak from childbirth so that it is possible to lose control when you’re urinating. This problem will show itself when you sneeze, cough or laugh. Well, there are exercises for this!
Feeling blue happens to every new mum.
It’s weird how hormones can just tell you “Hey let’s cry today” but it’s normal! These tears come out of nowhere and are about things that would normally not even cause a sniffle. To deal with this, get plenty of sleep; talk to people who care about you and have skin-to-skin contact with the baby.
Breastfeeding stage
It is absolutely true that breastfeeding is wonderful though there are numerous struggles associated with it! Sore nipples, problems latching onto the breast and low milk supply will make you wonder if it was worth it at all. You know what? It was – but still not nice! Lactation consultants or doctors would be good sources of tips or help.
Postpartum depression is different from the everyday blues.
It lasts longer and makes taking care of yourself or your little one nearly impossible. Symptoms include ongoing sadness (beyond just regular tears), anxiety, losing interest in activities that used to bring joy, trouble sleeping or eating right. If these signs last more than two weeks — please consult your doctor immediately!
You’re not alone! Many women experience these things after birth. Talk to someone if you’re worried – whether that's your doctor, someone in your family or circle who has been through this already, or an expert like a lactation consultant – there's always help available so that you have the healthiest postpartum journey possible!
Here are 10 essential self-care practices to remember:
1. Sleep is a Priority (Even on Short Breaks)
The truth of the matter is that newborns don’t always sleep when you want them to but it doesn’t mean you have to give up your own rest completely. According to a 2019 study by the National Institutes of Health, sleep deprivation can deepen depression and anxiety symptoms. When your baby sleeps for a while, during the day hours or at night, also make an attempt to sleep. Do not hesitate to ask your partner or someone trustworthy among your friends or relatives for help with night-time feeding so as to get more time in bed.
2. Ensure Your Body Is Well Nourished
Taking care of a newborn requires a lot of energy from you and thus you need a proper diet. Concentrate on having a balanced diet consisting of fruits and vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins. Make sure that you eat normal meals and have healthy snacks nearby because there will be moments when hunger just comes calling unexpectedly. Do not rush yourself into quickly attaining your body weight before pregnancy since no one is pushing you in that direction. Settle on and nourish your body so as to always stay healthy.
3. Drink lots of water.
Dehydration leads to fatigue, headaches, poor concentration which are all reasons why looking after an infant becomes harder than otherwise would be the case… Throughout the day drink plenty of water to remain lubricated internally. Always go with a reusable bottle full of drinking water.
4. Start With Gentle Movements
Although high-intensity workout routines may still seem far-fetched, gentle activities are very beneficial for both mental well-being and physical health generally especially at this stage where stress levels may still be very high. Taking short walks around the park in nature does magic sometimes; do some postpartum exercise videos or simply stretching with light yoga can uplift spiritleading to betterer sleeping habits and more energy;
5.Do Not Be Ashamed To Ask For Help
New motherhood can be overwhelming. Do not be afraid of asking for help from your partner, family or friends. It could be holding the baby while you take a shower or cooking a meal or handling errands; allowing others to assist for some time would give you an opportunity to have your deserved break.
6. Find New Moms Like You
The power of a support network is immeasurable. Consider joining postpartum support groups or connecting with other new moms on social media to make yourself feel better in such situations. Just talking about your experiences, sharing tips and knowing that you are not alone in this journey can provide relief.
7.Make Time For The Things You Love
Remember all those things that you loved doing before becoming a mother? Take out some time for activities which make you happy no matter how short it may be. These simple moments of self-care like reading a few pages of a book, listening to our favorite music, or taking a warm bath can do magic when it comes to recharging and returning more presents for one’s infant.
8.Become A “Good Enough” Mother
Social Media sometimes creates an unrealistic image of perfect motherhood however there has never been a perfect mom anywhere. Simply strive at doing what is best but accept being good enough instead of perfection as well as go overboard about spilled milk, messy hair and a less than perfect clean house though presence and love count most especially at this age.
9. Relaxation techniques
Feeling anxious or overwhelmed? Try deep-breathing exercises, mindfulness meditation, or progressive muscle relaxation. These practices work wonders when dealing with stress and anxiety. Plus, there are so many free resources online or through apps that make them more accessible than ever before.
10. Listen To Your Body And Ask For Professional Help When Needed
In the first few days after giving birth, many women experience the baby blues; however, lasting feelings of sadness, anxiety, or hopelessness are signs of postpartum depression (PPD). If left untreated PPD can have significant effects on mother and child according to a 2017 study published in The Journal of the American Medical Association.
The following are signs which could suggest that you need professional help:
- Being persistently sad, anxious or empty
- Loss of interest in activities you might have enjoyed before
- Trouble sleeping or eating changes in appetite
- Difficulties concentrating or making decisions
- Feelings of worthlessness and guilt
- Intrusive thoughts about harming yourself or your baby
Should any of these signs happen to take place, do not procrastinate but see your doctor or mental health professional trained in postnatal care. Be reminded that asking for help is not a sign of weakness but of strength. Postpartum depression treatment works and is highly effective.
Being the Best Mom: Taking Care of Yourself
Instead of being selfish however, it is paramount to consider postnatal self-care as a top priority. When you take care of your mind and body, you are better positioned to handle motherhood duties and other related issues.
Why Choose Click2Pro for Postpartum Support?
No woman should ever have to face motherhood alone; if you would like someone to talk to about PPD we’ll connect you with licensed professionals practicing in this area or if you are suffering from it. These counselors also provide virtual counseling sessions where they give advice on how clients can improve their situations without necessarily leaving their homes. Visit Click2Pro today and start a journey towards becoming a happier and healthier person now. Don't wait.
Remember that within lies power; therefore, never sell yourself short or imagine that this should be done alone since what’s taking place here is magnificent and transformative as well.
