Becoming a mother is a life-changing experience that often brings as much joy as it does uncertainty. If you've just welcomed your first baby into the world, the postpartum period may feel like uncharted territory. It can be difficult to navigate the many physical and emotional changes that typically occur after childbirth. However, it's important not to neglect your own self-care needs after giving birth.  

Taking care of yourself helps you adjust to the demands of motherhood and empowers you to better navigate the postpartum period. Whether you're an expecting mother or a new mom, it's well worth your time to learn the art of self-care. Here's everything you need to know about meeting your postpartum needs and making the most of this period in your life.  

What is Postpartum Self-Care?  

Postpartum self-care is the act of nurturing yourself physically, mentally and emotionally after childbirth. It involves taking the time to attend to your body's needs, from eating well and exercising to doing the things you enjoy. A critical part of self-care is being kind and gentle with yourself and recognizing that there is no "right" way to be a mother. When done correctly, postpartum self-care can make it easier to meet the demands of motherhood and deal with the many changes that come with having a baby.  

Why is Self-Care Important?  

Self-care is often dismissed as a frivolous activity, but this couldn't be further from the truth. All of us have physical, mental and emotional needs that must be met for us to enjoy a healthy and fulfilling life. Eschewing these needs can have unpleasant consequences, such as increased stress levels and poor physical health. When you're going through the postpartum period, it's especially vital to practice self-care. Not only is it essential to boosting your overall well-being, but it also empowers you to be the best mother you can be to your baby.  

It's understandable that making time for proper self-care can be challenging. After all, your primary focus is taking care of your newborn. However, even setting aside a few minutes every day for yourself can make a world of a difference. New motherhood is a transitional period that comes with its own set of challenges, and practicing self-care can help alleviate the stress of these difficulties. From keeping fatigue at bay to preventing anxiety, there are a slew of benefits associated with giving yourself the appropriate care and attention, especially during the first few weeks after giving birth.  

How to Practice Self-Care During the Postpartum Period

Taking care of yourself during the postpartum period is easier than you think. If you aren't sure where to begin, we have some helpful guidelines to give you a good start. Here are some tips to keep in mind as you navigate life after having a baby.  

1. Get enough rest: Getting plenty of shut-eye is essential for postpartum mothers. Make sure to get at least 7-8 hours of sleep every night and give yourself permission to rest whenever you feel the need to.
2. Eat nutritiously: To regain your strength and vitality after giving birth, be sure to incorporate plenty of nutrient-rich meals into your diet. Make sure you're including enough fruits, vegetables and whole grains into your diet. We highly recommend taking Premama® vitamins to support your body with the proper nutrients. At Premama®, we take pride in the quality and safety of our products, which are always 100% vegan, allergen-free and gluten-free.  
3. Exercise: By regularly engaging in physical activity, you'll benefit from mood boosts and higher energy levels. As a general rule of thumb, try to aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise each day. That said, it's best to consult your physician if you're looking for exercise guidelines that are tailored to your unique needs.  
4. Connect with other mothers: Reaching out to and interacting with other mothers can help you find the support you need during the postpartum period. Connecting with others who are in the same situation as you will also help you relate to them, which can help you feel less alone during the postpartum period.  

Don't be shy to get in touch with friends, family and other moms for some much needed support.  

1. Make time for yourself: During the postpartum period, it isn't uncommon for mothers to forget to set aside some time for themselves. Be sure to make it a priority to allocate a bit of time every day for your own needs, even if it's just a few minutes. Short periods of self-care can make a meaningful difference in your mood and well-being on a long-term basis.  
2. Practice mindfulness: Mindfulness is a vital exercise to help postpartum mothers become more aware of their thoughts and feelings. You'd be surprised how taking just a few minutes each day to practice mindfulness can help you stay connected to yourself and your unique needs.  
3. Ask for help: Even though mothers are superheroes, they don't need to do everything on their own all the time. Trying to take on too much at once can quickly put you on the path to burnout. Don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it. Whether you choose to reach out to family and friends for help with childcare or hire a postpartum caregiver, there are numerous options available to you to help alleviate the burden of the postpartum period. 

Taking Care of Yourself During the Postpartum Period  

A critical aspect of self-care is ensuring that you're nourishing yourself with the vitamins and minerals (such as probiotics) you need to regain your strength after giving birth. That's why Premama® supplements are specifically formulated to support your body with an essential medley of nutrients. In addition to incorporating these supplements into your daily postpartum routine, be sure to set aside a bit of time each day to properly care for your body and mind. It only takes a small amount of effort, but you'll surely be thanking yourself for it in the long run. * 

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.